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The fourth XI began their game against CPA Smethwick desperate for a win and also desperate to avenge their undeserved 3-2 defeat away to Smethwick earlier in the season.
The day started off promising as the pitch was actually playable, unlike the debacle of last week. The game however started off ominously, with the Smethwick full back hitting the angle of post and bar with a ferocious thirty yard strike.
Wulfs got straight back into it knocking the ball around nicely but unfortunately there was no way through a resolute Smethwick defence. Despite lots of hard work up front, Adam Hughes and Andy Thompson were limited to only a few sniffs at goal.
Wulfs were then unlucky to fall behind after some slack marking from an attacking throw-in led to their big striker drilling the ball across the face of goal for another player to simply tap in, a heartbreaking moment for the Wulfs players and fans alike.
The highlight of the first half was a surging run from tricky winger Andrew Skedgel that started in his own half and nearly ended in glory. Memories of Ryan Gigg's effort against Arsenal in the 1999 FA Cup Semi Final sprang to mind as 'the belly' outpaced Smethwick's sprightly young full back. It was clear from the gawps of amazement from everyone in the vicinity that this burst of pace was clearly due to either a trick of the light or indeed performance enhancing steroids.
Half time then came with Smethwick one goal to the good and Wulfs staring down the barrel of yet another defeat. After a distinguished playing career, the latest addition to the backroom staff, Sheena Marsh, led a rousing team talk at half time and Wulfs came out looking to get back in the game. Straight from the off, it was clear Wulfs were looking hungry and mean - pressing Smethwick back and forcing the errors.
Skelly Thompson was leading the charge, holding up the ball superbly and outpacing defenders down the channels every time he got possession. Again, this led to allegations of performance enhancing drugs being involved and Skelly having to do a urine test.
Indeed, it was from some superb individual skill from Skelly that the equaliser came. A quick break from Wulfs led to the slender one getting the ball in the right channel before beating two players and pulling the ball back to Lingy six yards out. Seeing that the 'keeper was advancing and despite the three defenders in the box being behind him, Lingy decided that he didn't need the glory of bagging his first of the season so selflessly let the ball go through his legs as he swung his big, clumsy right foot at it. The ball then continued past two of the defenders and the keeper before being met by the onrushing Chris Nicholls who calmly slotted a low, left foot shot back into the far corner. Great dummy and a great finish for a goal that was greeted by scenes of jubilation from the Wulfs massive in the dug out.
Things were starting to look up - it was clear to everyone that Wulfs had not finished yet! On sixty minutes, another piece of Skelly magic lead to him being one-on-one with the Smethwick keeper. He notched and the crowd went mental.
A tactical substitution saw Stuart Drury come on for Joe Caddick to do a man-to-man marking job on the big Smethwick forward. Stu did this exceptionally and their player was becoming increasingly frustrated by not getting a sniff.
Time was running out, but there was still plenty of time for Smethwick to crumble and for Wulfs to bag another two goals - Adam Hughes finishing a one-on-one very coolly and substitute Sam Cole slotting home after a great passing move.
Incidentally, man of the match Skelly Thompson added the assists for both these goals to his assist and goal earlier in the half.
Special mentions obviously go out to Skelly for his match winning performance, Stu Drury for his resolute defending, Andy Skedgel for his entertaining flair and Richard Marsh for his entertainment in the post match shower cock-off. A great win for Wulfs and a great second half performance. Let's get a run going now lads!!!
Final score: Old Wulfrunians 4 CPA Smethwick 1.
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