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The fourth XI had only faced Cresconians a few weeks before Saturday's crucial relegation dog-fight and were determined to put in a better account of themselves after struggling to a two all draw against ten men in this fixture.
Things were not looking promising from the off as playmaker Richard Marsh and goal scoring legend Andrew Thompson both had the call from the first XI cricket team. Selection problems were confounded by Rami Labib being called into the second XI cup final squad and Joe Thorne having a nasty hip injury from the previous week. Chris Nicholls continued his stint in goal despite playing outfield for the fifth XI on the same pitch moments before.
Both sides started off brightly and it was clear that it was going to be a good match. Cresconians had the best of the attacking play in the early exchanges but Wulfs were matching them defensively. It was only through an unfortunate error by stand-in 'keeper Chris Nicholls that Cresconians went ahead seventeen minutes into the game when a back-pass bobbled up and Chris's kick went straight into the path of an onrushing striker who easily side-footed back into an empty net.
Andy Carey was then booked for handball on the half way line - a decision that the ref would surely come to regret by the end of the game.
Wulfs pressed for the equaliser and were battling well up until the break but were unfortunate to go further behind just before the whistle when a long throw was badly defended and the other Cresconians striker stole in to grab their second.
A half time talk from Sheena Marsh and a motivational speech from Gary Dimmack led to Wulfs being fired up from the start for the second half. Wulfs were really getting stuck in and the ref was struggling to keep a hold of the game.
A glimmer of hope arose when a long punt up field from Nick Ling was gallantly chased down by Mike Garner. After getting the better of the defender he was clean through in the box only to be cynically hacked down by their centre half. A penalty was given and despite already picking up a booking earlier in the game, the ref didn't even have a word with the offending player from the Cresconians side. Carey dispatched the penalty with the coolness he has become renowned for throughout his distinguished career.
Unfortunately for Wulfs, they then went on to concede another three goals and the referee continued to have a shocker. He was struggling to be consistent and also struggling to actually impose the rules of the game. When queried why he had not had a word when a player kicked the ball away he replied, "If I had a word or booked him I'd have to do that every time!" What he obviously failed to realise is that is what he is paid to do and if he did have a word and/or threatened a booking it probably wouldn't happen again - idiot.
The game ended as an undeserved 5-1 defeat. Well done to those who put in a good performance and particularly Matt Gould on his 4th XI debut. On the day, it was a disappointing defeat but the evening festivities in Reflex made up for it when Skelly tried to cop off with both the Skedge's respected wife and girlfriend as well as Emma Skedgel (sister of). If Skelly did get together with a Skedgel and then eventually had a child the poor offspring would have a head the size of a small continent and a body as thin as a sheet of paper. This would of course mean the child would be unable to walk and would also look like a lollipop.
The night was also kept entertaining by Harty's dancing on the podium but not realising he was on the big screen and by the 4 ft George Michael wannabe who had obviously been waiting for an 80's bar to open for sometime so he could don his leather jacket and really give it some to "Faith".
Final score: Old Wulfrunians 1 Cresconians 5.
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