The 3rds bag seven in Wolverhampton.
Posted by Aidan Dowen on 8 October 2018
Today the thirds travelled to Wolverhampton Grammar School to compete against Old Wulfs 4ths. Hopes were incredibly high as the visitors secured an 8-2 victory against Old Wulfs 3rds, two weeks earlier. However West Brom couldn’t take anything for granted as a few missing players, resulted in making several changes to the team.
The back four remained unchanged, where as a late call up to the first team for Neil Fellows and an unavailable Wez Price, were replaced by Shabbar Butt and Josh Dowen respectively. The shortage of players allowed Yash Jiwa to step up from the badgers to play his first 3rds game of the season.
West Brom started the game well, showing enough experience to play some nice hockey around the home side. Chris Gatheridge eventually broke the deadlock, when he broke free into the D Smashing a low shot past the keeper.
The visitors then dropped into second gear for the remainder of the first, creating but missing several opportunities.
Revitalised by the half time oranges, West Brom started the second half strongly. Josh Dowen burst forward, showing great pace and strength to take on 4 defenders and drill the ball into the D. An acrobatic effort from Pete Icke was unfortunate not to go in, sailing past the post by inches.
This new found intensity set the tempo for the second half and The home side found themselves under tremendous pressure. West Brom went on to score two goals from goal-mouth scrambles, one from Pete Icke and the other from Jack Reeves.
At 0-3 the visitors looked to take their foot off the gas and an aerial ball caught out their high defensive line. The Old Wulfs winger took advantage of this and finished well in a one-on-one situation.
West Brom put an end to the Old Wulfs comeback with a nicely finished short corner routine. Jack Reeves picked up the ball outside the D, slipped it inside to Josh Dowen who calmly chipped it over the keeper who had already gone to ground.
The visitors continued to dominate the rest of the half and increased the pressure on the Old Wulfs defence. Pete Icke capitalised when he tackled a defender in possession and punished the home side with a well placed shot to make it 1-5.
The visitors saw the game out by adding second goal for Chris Gatheridge and one from Shabbar Butt.
Man of the match awarded to Yash Jiwa for such an impressive performance. He gave 100% all game, the lad did everything today except get himself on the scoresheet.
