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The first XI entertained Wake Green Amateurs in a midweek game well aware that the boys in the Tesco carrier bag kit had come the closest of any AFA side to beating them this season when Wulfs had to fight back to secure a 1-1 draw earlier in the season at Wakes' Drawbridge Lane ground.
Again it was Wakes who did all of the early running. Their first attempt at goal only troubled goalkeeper Tim Tipton because he had to walk seventy yards down the drive to retrieve the ball. After five minutes of artificial respiration little Tim was able to continue.
Wakes second attempt at goal, on fourteen minutes, caused a lot more trouble. Jason Scott was a decade out of date as he misjudged a high ball allowing his man to break in behind him but David Thompson was on hand to put in a goal saving last ditch tackle.
All of Wulfs good work was confined to the far side of the pitch where the original match ball had got stuck up a tree. Substitute Phil Gardner displayed great aptitude and agility to climb an adjoining tree and then work his way across before freeing the ensnared ball with the aid of a six foot pole.
Wulfs first and only good chance of the half came when a Chip Southern throw in to Simon Hardle saw the small ginger tosser waardle between defenders before unleashing a left foot drive that the keeper could only secure at the second attempt.
Wulfs were once again grateful to the big tub of lard between the posts on the stroke of half time. Tony Morrison's dodgy barnet got in his eyes forcing him to head a ball back into his own penalty area to an opponent who turned and fired for goal, allowing Tim Tipton to make the perfect camera save to push the ball wide.
Five minutes after half time goalkeeper Tim Tipton shocked opponents and team mates alike by attempting a first time clearance over the top of the opposition defence, a tactic he has used very sparingly this season. Fortunately Morrison was switched on enough to read this shock tactic but his first time volley flew straight at the keeper. At least this time Morrison was attacking the right end.
Just as it looked as though Wulfs were forcing their way into the game, they fell a goal behind on fifty-five minutes. A Wake Green throw in ten yards from the goal line was flicked on by Jason Scott (see, he has won a header this season) for a Wakes midfielder to shin towards goal first time and, fortunately for him, in off the post.
Wulfs response was immediate as just a minute later Nik Wooldridge crossed to Steve Rich but the big mans header flew wide of the mark. Three minutes later Tony Morrison burst on to a loose ball before attempting a shot from twenty-two yards but he was nailed on impact and his shot rolled harmlessly to the keeper - no free kick.
Wulfs had the most perfect opportunity to level the scores just after the hour mark when Steve Rich turned his man just inside the area only to be scythed down before he could get a shot away. The resulting penalty saw captain James Skedgel step to the plate having not missed a single spot kick all season - until this point. The ball was later tracked down in the river Severn in Bridgnorth as his penalty flew miles over the bar.
With time running out desperate measures were called for. Step forward Chris Tranter to enter the fray. He almost made an immediate impact when a corner was pulled back to him on the edge of the box but his left foot shot lacked style, power and accuracy.
The game was almost put to rest seventeen minutes from time but, once again, Tim Tipton was equal to the task despite not having a shot to save for two months before the start of this game.
The desperation increased as assistant manager Paul Tudor was wheeled on to the pitch but all the worries were laid to rest when the large foreheaded skipper atoned for his earlier misdemeanour from the spot. Some excellent work from the square headed German Chris Tranter culminated with a pin point cross on to the head of James Skedgel, who this time made no mistake.
With just a handful of minutes left on the clock Wulfs pushed for an unlikely and certainly undeserved winner. A cross from the right from Chip Southern was met by the right foot of Paul Tudor eighteen yards out but his first time volley flew narrowly over the bar. Poor cross Chip, hit my left foot next time!
Wulfs almost sneaked a winner right at the death of the game when Chris Tranter fired in a powerful left foot drive but the Wakes keeper, standing slightly out of position, was in the right place to tip it round the post.
All in all it was another close shave for the red and white halves at the hands of Wake Green but the unbeaten run continues and the bandwagon moves another point closer to securing the championship title.
Final score: Old Wulfrunians 1 Wake Green Amateurs 1.
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