Chester Nomads 1 v 5 AFC Waverton Wasps

Chester & District League (12 September 2010)

Waverton Scorers (season's total in brackets) 

Alex Wilkinson  -  2 (4)

Sam Jones  -  2 (3)

Matt Sheen  -  1 (5)

Report

As usual a strong Nomads team presented Waverton with a stiff test, especially during an even first half, but the Wasps proved to be the better team in the end, running out comfortable 5-1 winners and maintaining their early lead in the league table.

The early exchanges were very even, but without any clear chances at either end. After 15 minutes however Matt Sheen raced on to a long ball over the top from Robbie Foster and slotted home for Waverton to take a 1-0 lead. Nomads were not deterred by this setback though, and they continued to push forward strongly, taking control of the central midfield, and it was no real surprise when they equalised 10 minutes before half time. In the lead up to the break they remained the more attacking team, but the Waverton defence held firm, including one goal line clearance from George Gresty.

Waverton made some tactical changes at half time to address the midfield imbalance, to good effect, with Aaron Hassall proving very effective in the "holding" role and Sam Jones adding more "bite" to the Wasps attack. As a result the whole team looked much stronger in the second period, and began to dominate the game. Matt Sheen turned provider with two excellent crosses from the left which were turned in by Alex Wilkinson and Sam Jones respectively, to give the Wasps a deserved 3-1 lead.

With another strong back four performance preventing the dangerous Nomads attackers from creating any real goal scoring opportunities there was only likely to be further goals at one end, and with Waverton now dominating the game it was no surprise when Alex W and Sam J added a second goal each (both from good long range strikes) to make the final margin 5-1 to the Wasps.

Looking at it from the perspective of 1-1 at half time this might look like a flattering score for Waverton, but the all round improvement in their team play in the second period meant they probably deserved this comfortable victory in the end, and it should put the team in confident mood to take on Nomads Colts and Boughton over the next two weeks.

Manager's MoM Awards - Cameron Faulkener & Matt Sheen

Supporters' MoM Awards - Aaron Hassall & Sam Jones