After a disappointing result last week, Old Wulfs came into the fixture with Beacon 3 wary of a strong team that were riding high in the league, and expecting a spicy game. With a full complement of 14, albeit with a couple of niggling injury concerns, we were ready to fight hard to get a result. Especially as Beacon had a bare 11.
As has been our wont, Old Wulfs started quickly. We moved the ball well, keeping control at the back and in midfield, and soon started creating opportunities. There were hints, however of weaknesses, with Beacon occasionally catching us on the counter attack.
However, with good movement up front and sharp passing, Gareth got the first after 10mins. Further forays into the Beacon third didn't add to the tally, and they grew into the game, with Darryl being called on for some great defensive work, and Colin having to make some sharp saves. The half ended with Old Wulfs in the lead.
Beacon made the better start to the second half, with Old Wulfs looking a bit sluggish. The end to end play was beginning to take its toll, and the formation didn't help us this week. Some experimental positions also resulted in a bit of loss of shape and direction in the second half.
Nevertheless, chance came...and went. Some great balls into attacking positions just went beyond the reach, and slowly Beacon began to squeeze harder and harder. Their reward came from a debated PC - the first of the game. First attempt was defended well, but found a foot. Second PC was again disrupted, but Beacon were quickee in the mêlée and evened the score.
From there Old Wulfs were under pressure. Colin was called into action on several more occasions, but again Beacon won the mêlée at a PC and pulled ahead with 15 to go.
Old Wulfs didn't give us, and Gareth was again in the right place at the end of a great ball to score a second and level things up.
The last 10 minutes were frantic, with both teams chasing the win. Another Beacon PC was thwarted with a smart save from Colin, and a breakaway almost led to Old Wulfs snatching it at the death, but it wasn't to be.
Honours shared, and a match played in good spirit and with good discipline from both sides. Some great defensive performances, and MotM was awarded to Colin for keeping us in on more than one occasion.
A tough game next week away to high flying Sutton 3s.
We will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible.
