AFC Waverton Wasps 3 v 0 Middlewich Town Youth

Cheshire Junior Cup (27^th November 2011)

Waverton Scorers (season’s total in brackets)

Matt Sheen  -  1 (16)

Robbie Foster  -  1 (4)

Own Goal  -  1 (2)

Report

After a couple of comfortable league victories it was a much harder prospect for Waverton this week, in the last sixteen of the Cheshire Cup against a strong & competitive Middlewich Town team, who currently head their own Mid-Cheshire League. Waverton controlled the first half (with the wind) and then faced up strongly to the expected onslaught in the second period, to make it through 3-0, and progress to the Quarter Finals.

The early exchanges were quite tentative as the two teams sized each other up, but after ten minutes or so Waverton started to use the advantage of the wind to dominate possession, and looked the more dangerous team going forward. They looked to have taken the lead after 20 minutes, with Matt Sheen heading home a Jonny Lee cross, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. If anything though this setback only seemed to spur on the Wasps further, and they had their best spell of the game up to half time, getting the reward for it with two goals. First Matt Sheen converted an Aaron Hassall corner, and then shortly afterwards a fiercely driven Robbie Foster corner ricocheted off two Middlewich defenders for an own goal. Waverton’s 2-0 lead at the break was well deserved on the overall run of play.

The second half however was a different story. Middlewich came out right from the start of play with a more determined and positive approach to the game, throwing more players forward to try to get back into the match, using the wind and slope advantages which were now in their favour. Suddenly the Wasps were finding it much more difficult to hold onto the ball and instead were facing wave after wave of attacks. If Middlewich had got a first goal you felt they would be right back into the game, but somehow the Waverton defence stood up to the onslaught without conceding. There were strong performances from all the defenders (and the keeper), but in particular the central pairing of Charlie Nicholson and Jordan Coxall saw off everything thrown at them, with a series of last ditch challenges, clearing headers and even a goal line clearance!

With ten minutes to go Waverton started to get a bit more control back, and take advantage of the gaps that Middlewich were now leaving at the back as they threw men forward. It wasn’t wholly surprising therefore when Robbie Foster curled in a third goal to make the result safe.

The second period had provided more than the odd scare, but on the overall play Waverton were definitely the better team and rightly booked their place in the Quarter Finals (to be played in January) .

Coach’s MoM: Charlie Nicholson

Supporters’ MoM: Jordan Coxall

AFC Waverton Wasps 7 v 1 Newton Athletic

Chester & District League (20th November 2011)

Waverton Scorers (season's total in brackets)

Matt Sheen  -  3 (15)

Aaron Hassall  -  1 (11)

Alex Wilkinson  -  1 (6)

Raynor Gray  -  1 (5)

Alex Abraham  -  1 (2)

Report (to follow)

Groves Athletic 2 v 7 AFC Waverton Wasps

Chester & District League (13^th November 2011)

Waverton Scorers (season’s total in brackets)

Aaron Hassall  -  3 (10)

Matt Sheen  -  2 (12)

Sam Jones  -  1 (8)

Charlie Jones  -  1 (8)

Report

Waverton produced a more consistent performance this week, running out comfortable 7-2 winners, maintaining their clear advantage at the top of the league table.

The result was probably never in doubt from the first minute, after Sam Jones' shot (or cross?) from wide on the right went in off the back post to give the Wasps a very early advantage. As always it was a physical game against Groves, and despite them being easily contained going forwards by the Waverton defence, they also made it equally hard for the Waverton forwards, and despite the visitors holding the vast majority of possession they were only able to add one further goal in the first period, from Matt Sheen, after rounding the keeper, to make it 0-2 at the break.

Despite the regular substitutions, Waverton held their shape better than they have for the last couple of weeks, and for the majority of the second half they played some good passing football (despite the bumpy pitch), adding five more goals; a well taken hat-trick from Aaron Hassall (putting him into double figures for the season), a second from Matt Sheen and one from Charlie Jones. Today’s scorers have now got 38 goals between them in 11 games so far this season.

A couple of late lapses in concentration at the back allowed Groves to score two consolation goals (and yet again saved Jack Minshull’s Dad having to pay a “clean sheet” bonus!), and it’s hoped a late injury to Sam Jones won’t prove to be serious. The season to date record is now;

Played 11, Won10, Lost 1, Goals For 63, Goals Against 19

Coach’s MoM:  Charlie Nicholson & Matt Sheen

It’s back to league action again next week (v Newton), before the tougher challenge of the Cheshire Cup the week after, at home to Middlewich Town for a place in the Quarter Finals.

 

AFC Waverton Wasps 6 v 4 Chester Nomads Colts

Chester & District League (6^th November 2011)

Waverton Scorers (season’s total in brackets)

Charlie Jones  -  2 (7)

Robbie Foster  -  2 (3)

Matt Sheen  -  1 (10)

Sam Jones  -  1 (7)

Report

Back to League action after their Cheshire Cup exploits, it was another relatively comfortable victory for Waverton to keep them well clear of the pack. The 6-4 scoreline makes it look closer than it was, and some sloppy play from the Wasps in the last fifteen minutes let slip a much more convincing winning margin.

After a delayed start, due to a switch in pitches (caused by moles!) the game got off to the usual physical combative start you expect against a big strong Colts team, with the sides fairly evenly matched in a first ten minutes which saw half chances created at both ends. Waverton did start to gain the upper hand though and it was no real surprise when Matt Sheen finished off a good move to make it 1-0, once again becoming the first Wasps player to 10 goals for the season. Having missed chances to add to their lead though Waverton were soon pegged back level at 1-1, as the big Colts attackers continued to cause problems.  Colts had their best spell at this point, but Waverton held out well defensively and restored their lead before half time with Robbie Foster powering home a great header from a good Alex Wilkinson cross.

Waverton deserved their lead at the break, but in the first half they had been drawn into too much of a physical battle playing the game on Colt’s terms. For the first half of the second period this changed and the Wasps began playing better passing football, retaining possession and dominating the game far more. During this spell they built up a well deserved 6-2 lead, with further goals from Robbie Foster, Charlie Jones (2) and Sam Jones, and looked like scoring more to complete a very easy victory.

As often seems to happen though when the Wasps get a clear lead, an element of complacency creeps in and they stopped playing as a team and started to try too many individual things. As a result the Colts were let back in to a game that should have been “killed off”, and although the result was never in danger their two late goals made the scoreline closer than it should have been. Another 3 points safely in the bag, but Waverton are still going to need more consistency over a full 80 minutes as the season progresses, particularly in the Cheshire Cup.

Coach’s MoM:   Brandon Garland & Robbie Foster

Supporters’ MoM:   Robbie Foster & Raynor Gray

Broadheath Central 1 v 5 AFC Waverton Wasps

Cheshire Junior Cup – Round 3 (30^th October 2011)

 

Waverton Scorers (season's total in brackets)

 

Matt Sheen  -  2 (9)

Aaron Hassall  -  2 (7)

Charlie Jones  -  1 (5)

 

Report

 

There are two key things to say about this performance; 1) it was better than the match against Upton! and 2) it was good enough to put Waverton through to the last sixteen of the Cheshire Cup. It still wasn't the fluent Wasps team from a few weeks back though, and truth be told they should have despatched Broadheath by a much bigger margin.

 

Broadheath took the field with just ten men, and in a sparkling opening few minutes it looked like Waverton were really going to make this numerical advantage count. Firstly Aaron Hassall latched on to a through ball and cleverly lobbed the keeper to open the scoring, and then shortly afterwards Matt Sheen met a strong low cross from Sam Jones turning it past the keeper to make the score 2-0 with barely 10 minutes gone.

 

Although Waverton continued to dominate possession though, their performance went a bit flat from here on in. Both Matt and Aaron added second goals before the break, to give the Wasps a convincing 4-0 lead, but there were already signs as the half progressed that they were letting a combative Broadheath team back into the game more than they should have done.

 

Despite a request from the coaches for the Wasps to "up their game" in the second period this never really happened. At 4-0 it was as if both teams had accepted the game was over as a contest, and the result was a very flat half of football. Waverton continued to hold the majority of the ball, but they rarely looked like breaking down Broadheath again, with the ten men showing good spirit in defence. Charlie Jones did add a fifth goal just before the end, with the best finish of the day flying into the top corner of the net, but then Waverton sloppily conceded a goal at the other end almost straight after, although Broadheath probably deserved to have something to show for their efforts.

 

The 5-1 score line will probably look good on the Cheshire Cup website, but the players knew at the end that it could (and indeed should) have been more. Job done though, and into the final 16, but if Waverton are to go one step further than two years ago in this competition they will need to put together some stronger performances than this in future rounds as the opposition gets tougher.  

JFC Upton North 5 v 4 AFC Waverton Wasps

Chester & District League (9^th October 2011)

 

Waverton Scorers (season's total in brackets)

 

Brandon Garland  -  2 (3)

Aaron Hassall  -  1 (5)

Charlie Jones  -  1 (4)

 

Report

 

Despite dominating the Chester & District League for the last two seasons Waverton have always managed to throw in the odd under par performance, and this was very definitely one of them! Although they staged a brave attempt at a come back late on, the result was a 5-4 defeat to an Upton team who played well on the day. Other results mean that the Wasps still look comfortable at the top of the table, but they can't afford many more performances/results like this one!

 

Waverton started the game slowly, but still managed to take an early lead as Charlie Jones finished after an earlier shot had struck the bar. The team's normal passing football (and the domination it brings) never really materialised in this match though, and Waverton didn't really look like adding to their advantage. As a result Upton started to come back into the game and it was no surprise when they first equalised, as Ollie Knight converted a loose ball that the Wasps should have cleared, and then took the lead just before the break.

 

Waverton again started the second period sluggishly, and had no more than half chances to equalise, and were frequently (rightly or wrongly) getting caught offside. Meanwhile Upton were gaining confidence, particularly their pacy central striker, and in quick succession around the middle of the half they added three more goals (two from breakaways) to make the score 5-1, a scoreline the Wasps could hardly complain about.

 

This team does though have character and the prospect of a "thrashing" against their old rivals at last galvanised the team into action. In the final 15 minutes Waverton finally came to life and started to push forward strongly, with Brandon Garland, playing in a more advanced role, particularly influential. Having scored a good solo goal he was then fouled in the box, with Aaron Hassall converting the penalty to make the score 5-3. When Brandon then added a fourth with 3 minutes still remaining it looked like a highly unlikely point might get saved, but despite the Wasps doing all the attacking Upton held out for what was probably a deserved victory.

 

No real harm done (given other results) to the campaign for a third successive title, but Waverton need to make sure this "off day" is a "one off" if they want to keep pushing for another "treble", particularly next time out in the Cheshire Cup.   

Stockport Junior Blues 1 v 4 AFC Waverton Wasps

Cheshire Junior Cup, Round 2 (2 October, 2011).

 

Waverton Scorers (season's total in brackets)

 

Matt Sheen  -  1 (7)

Alex Wilkinson  -  1 (5)

Aaron Hassall  -  1 (4)

Brandon Garland  -  1 (1)

 

Report

 

Waverton went into this game with some trepidation, playing against a strong team (who are heading the Stockport Metro League) with an injury depleted squad which meant the Wasps could only field 11 (almost) fit players. They came out of the game covered in glory, with the best performance of the season earning the team a comfortable 4-1 victory, carrying them into Round 3 of the Cheshire Cup.

 

Waverton started brightly right from the start, taking the attack to Stockport, particularly down the left as Brandon Garland combined well with Matt Sheen to look particularly dangerous. Their early pressure almost told, as a goalmouth scramble saw the ball rebound back off a post before Stockport eventually cleared the danger. It was against the run of play therefore when it was Stockport who took the lead after about 15 minutes, with the Waverton defence for once missing a bouncing ball which the Stockport centre forward (their most dangerous player) pounced on to slot the opener past Jack Minshull.

 

The Wasps response to this setback was brilliant though. Instead of heads dropping, the magnificent 11 just redoubled their efforts and pushed forward with even more purpose, and as a result the remaining period up to half time saw Waverton simply overrun a very strong Junior Blues team, putting themselves very firmly in the driving seat. First Matt Sheen raced on to a great through ball from Brandon Garland and finished superbly from the edge of the box, and then soon after Brandon was "taken out" by the Stockport keeper for a penalty to Waverton, which Aaron Hassall slotted home calmly to give the Wasps a deserved 2-1 lead. The team didn't settle for that though and continued to push forward to take advantage of a clearly rattled opposition (who started arguing amongst themselves), with the pressure paying off as Brandon Garland made it 3-1 at the second attempt, the goal just reward for his performance. SJBs disarray at this point then led to a fourth goal, as they took far too long to organise themselves for a free kick on the edge of their box, with the referee allowing Alex Wilkinson to take it early into an unguarded net. It was a great 20 minutes of football and Waverton deserved to take their 4-1 advantage into the break.

 

There was no need for Waverton to chase the game any longer. To hold the advantage while protecting some of the injuries being carried, they set themselves up more defensively for the second half. Everybody played their part, from Matt & Charlie who defended from the front, the midfield who stayed strong (especially Aaron in a holding role) and the defence/goalkeeper who held out brilliantly against an attack who were clearly more used to scoring goals for fun and became increasingly frustrated as they were restricted to no more than the odd half chance.

 

The only real scare was a penalty to Stockport with ten minutes to go, but when that rebounded back off the bar it was clear to everybody it was going to be Waverton's day, and deservedly so. The third round will be played on 30 October, and after this performance the Wasps need fear no one in the draw. Given the strength of the team performance, (and for once a high ratio of goals to chances!) there was nobody singled out for MoM honours, all 11 players deserved to share equally in the glory!

Newton Athletic 2 v 4 AFC Waverton Wasps

Chester & District League (25th September 2011)

Waverton Scorers (season's total in brackets)

Charlie Jones  -  2 (3)

Alex Wilkinson  -  1 (4)

Raynor Gray  -  1 (4)

Report

An injury affected Wasps side could only call on 12 of their squad for this game, but despite an under par performance they still ran out 4-2 victors and recorded their sixth straight win of the campaign.

It was clear from the start that Newton, newly promoted from the second division, had strengthened their squad and would provide a strong physical challenge. It was also clear that they intended to defend in numbers, and for the first 15 minutes these tactics frustrated Waverton, until a breakthrough eventually came from a Newton defender's error, heading a cross straight to Alex Wilkinson who volleyed it in from 15 yards. The next period had a similar feel to it (season to date) with the Wasps dominating possession but not making the most of the openings created. Their pressure eventually told though after 30 minutes when Charlie Jones hit a post, but kept his composure to regain the rebound and fire it back home. Just when it looked like Waverton would finally take a cushion into the break however a rare defensive lapse, with 2/3 missed tackles down the left, let Newton back into the game before HT at 2-1.

The coaches asked for more passing football, and more calmness in the final third, but in reality the second half was almost a rerun of the first. As before the Wasps held most of the possession but didn't show the cutting edge (particularly from midfield) to turn it into the number of goals their dominance should have delivered. A good passing move put Raynor Gray in for his fourth goal of the season to give Waverton a 3-1 lead, but poor marking at a Newton corner soon afterwards allowed them to reduce the deficit to just one again at 3-2.

In previous years the Wasps may have panicked at this point, but despite not playing to their best the team is more resilient these days, and they held on to the one goal lead quite calmly for the next 15 minutes without looking in too much danger. That's not to say though that everybody didn't breath a big sigh of relief when Charlie Jones dropped off at the back post to volley in a Robbie Foster corner to make the score 4-2 with 6/7 minutes to go. This belatedly seemed to bring Waverton to life and they probably had their best spell in the final 5 minutes, and were unlucky not to add to the margin of victory.

The reports so far this year have all said that Waverton are not yet playing to their capacity, yet the result is six straight victories. There's no doubt however that a better, more clinical, performance will be needed to make that seven against Stockport Junior Blues in next week's Cheshire Cup second round game.

Coaches MoM: Charlie Jones & Jorge Pecival

Supporters MoM: Raynor Gray & Jordan Coxall

AFC Waverton Wasps 8 v 1 Groves Athletic

Chester & District League (18th September 2011)

 

Waverton Scorers (season's total in brackets)

 

Matt Sheen  -  2 (6)

Aaron Hassall  -  2 (3)

Charlie Nicholson  -  2 (3)

Jonny Lee  -  1 (5)

Alex Wilkinson  -  1 (3)

 

Report

 

Another comprehensive victory for the Wasps (with an 8-1 scoreline this time), extending their 100% start to the season. Waverton's competitive record for the season to date says everything about the team's domination so far (P5, W5, GF 33, GA 4), although the frightening thing is the team have probably not yet played to their full potential over a whole 80 minutes. Hopefully they're saving that for the harder challenges to come in the Cheshire Cup.

 

This was another fairly regulation victory. Groves always present a strong physical challenge, and for much of the first half they made things difficult for Waverton, although rarely threatening themselves. The deadlock was broken though after 20 minutes, with Alex Wilkinson finishing clinically from a Matt Sheen cross. As with the previous game the Wasps failed to build on this straight after the goal, and continued to be frustrated by some solid Groves defending, until a flurry of goals in the last 7/8 minutes before the break. Two goals from Matt Sheen and one each from Aaaron Hassall and Jonny Lee quickly gave the game a very different complexion, giving Waverton a 5-0 advantage to take into the break.

 

The floodgates didn't stay open as the second half kicked off though, and with the team looking increasingly tired the second period was fairly flat and uneventful. Lively performances (winning them MoM nominations) from Tom McAndrew and Matt Sheen (who worked tirelessly throughout) kept the Wasps on top going forward, and the second half saw them add three more goals, a second of the match from Aaron Hassall and two good finishes from a more unlikely source as Charlie Nicholson (free from much attacking threat from Groves) ventured further forward.

 

The Groves frontline had continued to work hard all afternoon (mostly finding the Waverton defence too strong to break down) so their perseverence probably deserved the late consolation goal, although the Wasps defence will be kicking themselves that a late lapse in concentration cost them a clean sheet for the second game in succession. Maybe that's a bit "picky" though as 4 goals conceded from 5 matches (or one goal every 100 minutes) is a pretty good defensive record!

 

With the mid-week game postponed the team should be well refreshed to take on Newton next Sunday, a game which in truth shouldn't be too stretching but needs to be used to build for Stockport in the Cheshire Cup the following week.  

 

 

Coach's MoM: Tom McAndrew

Supporters MoM: Matt Sheen   

AFC Waverton Wasps 3 v 1 Upton JFC North

Chester & District League (15th September 2011)

 

Waverton Scorers (season's total in brackets)

 

Matt Sheen  -  1 (4)

Raynor Gray  -  1 (3)

Charlie Jones  -  1 (1)

 

Report

 

Given that this was a game against opponents who, on paper, looked like Waverton's most serious title challengers, it was in the end won very easily, by a 3-1 scoreline which really should have been more convincing. So, while it's early days yet, the Wasps squad (with its added depth) appear to be well on course for a third consecutive title.

 

A rare evening kick off, and some late arrivals, resulted in an unfamiliar look to the Wasps starting line-up. As a result the team, while gaining the early initiative, often looked a little disjointed early on and couldn't turn their domination into any advantage on the scoreboard. It took around 20 minutes for the deadlock to be broken, with Charlie Jones turning in a Sam Jones cross to score his debut goal for Waverton (hopefully the first of many).

 

As the half progressed, and some substitutions started to help build the team's usual shape, the Wasps began to dominate even more. In what became the story of the evening however, the team were too often guilty of over-complicating their forward play, and didn't make the most of the many chances created. Just before half-time they could have paid for this, as Ollie Knight, in a rare Upton opportunity, struck a great free-kick, but it couldn't beat Jack Minshull who pulled off a great save to turn it onto the bar and over. The game got to half-time then, unbelievably given the balance of play, with just a slender 1-0 lead for Waverton.

 

The second period was more of the same. Strong Waverton defence, right across the backline, restricted Upton to no more than half chances, while going forward the Wasps had all the possession, but failed to turn it into the number of goals they should have done. After ten minutes of the half, there was an exception to this trend as Matt Sheen struck a great long range shot from wide left to make the score 2-0, but this still didn't prompt the opening of the floodgates that Waverton were always threatening but never quite delivered. The game always looked safe though, with the defence only really breached on one occasion and even then Jack made a great "one on one" save.

 

The game looked to be settling at 2-0, until a couple of very late goals. Firstly a good run and cross by Jonny Lee was turned in by Raynor Gray to give the Wasps a 3-0 lead, only for the defence to go to sleep for the first time (it was getting dark!) allowing Upton a consolation virtually straight from the kick off and just before the final whistle blew. It may say 3-1 on the report, but anybody watching will wonder why it wasn't 7 or 8, which on possession and chances it really ought to have been. While it didn't matter in the end for this game, Waverton may live to regret it if they're not more clinical with their finishing later on in the season, particularly when it comes to the Cheshire Cup.

 

Nonetheless, in the end it was a comfortable victory against opponents who might have been expected to provide a tougher challenge. Next up it's Groves on Sunday, a team who always present a physical challenge.

 

Coach's MoM: Alex Abraham

Supporters MoM: Jack Minshull & Jordan Coxall   

Chester Nomads Colts 0 v 3 AFC Waverton Wasps

Chester & District League (11 September 2011)

Waverton Scorers (season's total in brackets)

Sam Jones  -  1 (6)

Alex Abraham  -  1 (1)

Robbie Foster  -  1 (1)

Report

At a windy (as usual) Garrison Ground, Waverton turned in a fairly subdued performance, lacking some of their early season fireworks, but it was still comfortably enough to earn them a clear victory against Nomads Colts to maintain their 100% start to the season.

After a fairly flat start to the first half, it was Colts who had the first couple of chances, with Jack Powell, playing in an unusual striking role, breaking away from the Wasps defence a couple of times but not able to convert either of the chances. Nomads Colts are a big competitive team and their style of play is effective in counteracting the Waverton passing game, and so it proved for the remainder of the first half. Although Waverton started to dominate the game in terms of possession they really only created a few half chances, and it wasn't surprising to see the game reach the half time break goalless.

A calm half time talk from the Coaches just advised Waverton to keep believing, and showed confidence that continuing to build patiently would eventually be rewarded. This proved to be exactly the case ten minutes into the second half when a reverse ball from Sam Jones was met with a powerful volley by Alex Abraham, overlapping from full back, and although the Colts keeper parried it if fell back into the net to finally break the deadlock. Five minutes later it was 2-0, with the Colts keeper mishitting a clearance from outside the box which unfortunately (for him!) went straight to Sam Jones, who calmly lifted it back over him from 35 yards into the empty net, ensuring he has his usual "bragging rights" at school this week!

From that point on, both sides seemed to accept that the game was largely over as a contest, and (spoilt partly by the wind) the match went into another quiet spell. Waverton's dominance was probably worth more than a two goal advantage however, so a third goal was no more than they deserved as Robbie Foster met an Aaron Hassall cross with five minutes remaining to make it 3-0 to the visitors at the final whistle. Good solid performances all round across the 16 man squad (with Charlie Jones making his competitive debut), but a few performances were picked out for MoM awards. The Coaches went for Robbie Foster, for another battling performance, and Alex Wilkinson, for some top quality passing, while the Supporters acknowledged two of the defenders who helped keep a clean sheet, Cameron Faulkner, who balanced solid defending with a lot of good work down the right, and Jordan Coxall, for stopping Jack Powell's impact on the game.

Next up it's Upton on Wednesday night. Probably too early in the season to be talking "title deciders", but whoever comes out on top in this game will have a big psychological advantage for the remainder of the campaign.

AFC Waverton 7 v 1 Chester Nomads

Chester & District JFL (7 September 2011)

Waverton Scorers (season's total in brackets)

Jonathan Lee  -  2 (4)

Matt Sheen  -  2 (3)

Sam Jones  -  1 (5)

Alex Wilkinson  -  1 (2)

Charlie Nicholson  -  1 (1)

Report

Short of a full squad, without Jordan, and awaiting clearance for our next major signing we anticipated a tough challenge against a team that has great speed and attacking quality and has started to push us rather close in the last couple of seasons.

After a stunning first time strike from Sam following our first attack, within the opening two minutes, that was indeed the way it started to look. Beaten by pace and a good finish, Nomads drew level within 5 minutes and for the next 10 minutes were fast and entertaining in spite of the tricky weather conditions and the gathering gloom!! Waverton then started to take control however with their trade mark passing and movement and a fumble from the Nomads Keeper allowing Alex Wilkinson's long range shot to sneak in plus a fine finish on the turn from Matt Sheen made the position look rather more comfortable. 3-1 at Half time.

More of the same followed in the second as the need for floodlights diminished and further goals followed from Matt Sheen,Charlie and 2 from Jonny Lee. The coach continued to rotate the squad with great dexterity and just about managed to keep himself and the lads satisfied - yet rather wet!!.

Next up, Chester Nomads Colts away on Sunday.

AFC Waverton 12 v 1 Shaftesbury Youth Club

Cheshire FA Junior Cup - Round 1 (4 September 2011)

Waverton Scorers

Sam Jones  -  4

Jonny Lee  -  2

Raynor Gray  -  2

Aaron Hassall  -  1

Matt Sheen  -  1

Alex Wilkinson  -  1

Own Goal  -  1

Report

After a comprehensive pre-season victory over a strong Stork team it was back to competitive action for the Wasps with a Cheshire Cup first round tie against Shaftesbury Youth Club (from Tranmere). Although Shaftesbury were a strong competitive team they were no match for Waverton who ran out comfortable 12-1 winners.

The Wasps dominated from the start, so it was no surprise when, after five minutes, Alex Wilkinson met a Sam Jones cross with a header which deflected off a defender on the line to open the scoring. When another cross (or was it a shot?) from Sam dropped into the side netting at the back post five minutes later to make it 2-0 the game was already over as a contest. Waverton added four more goals before the break, one from Asa, two from Raynor (within five minutes of coming on as sub) and a second from Sam. One rare lapse in an otherwise faultless defensive performance allowed Shaftesbury a consolation to make the scoreline 6-1 at the break. This domination had been delivered through some great passing football, with the new debutants fitting in quickly with the core of last year's treble winning side, giving great encouragement that this can be another very successful season.

After a slight loss of momentum in the first fifteen minutes of the second period Waverton quickly got back to their best, with some fantastic one-touch passing football which simply proved too much for their opponents. Inevitably there were more goals, with two goals from Jonny Lee, an own goal, two more from Sam and a well deserved strike from Matt Sheen who had let the attack strongly all afternoon, making the final score 12-1, which was no more than the performance deserved. With strong players all over the park selecting MoM awards wasn't easy, but the manager chose Alex Abraham for another improved performance at right back, and the supporters acknowledged Sam Jones, not just for his four goals but equally for an improved passing performance which saw him set up the chances for three others.

Overall then not the most difficult challenge first game up, but the team did everything they needed to and looked like they were well prepared for the tougher games which will follow. Next up it's the opening league fixture of the season, against Chester Nomads, while the 2nd Round Cheshire Cup draw has thrown up a tough match against a strong Stockport Junior Blues team, who Waverton last met in the Cheshire Cup SF two seasons ago, and only just managed to overcome 2-1. With the way the Wasps' team has developed and strengthened since though they wll go into this tie with great confidence 

AFC Waverton 12 v 1 Shaftesbury Youth Club

Chester FA Junior Cup - Round 1 (4 September 2011)

Waverton Scorers

Sam Jones   -   4

Raynor Gray   -   2

Jonny Lee   -   2

Aaron Hassall   -   1

Matt Sheen   -   1

Alex Wilkinson   -   1

Own Goal   -   1

Report (to follow)

Season's Stats

A few final stats to finish off Waverton's season;

Scorers

37  -  Matt Sheen

29  -  Sam Jones

19  -  Aaron Hassall

11  - Robbie Foster

9  -  Alex Wilkinson

6  -  Jorge Percival

4  -  Cameron Faulkener & Charlie NIcholson

3  -  Alex Abraham & Tom McAndrew

2  -  Will Doerr

1  -  Jordan Coxal & O.G.

Appearances

25  -  Jorge Percival, Charlie Nicholson, Aaron Hassall & Alex Wilkinson

24  -  Alex Abraham, Robbie Foster, Matt Sheen & Jordan Coxall

23  -  Ollie Tyler & George Gresty

22  -  Sam Jones

20  -  Cameron Faulkener

15  -  Will Doerr & Matt Bannaghan

12  -  Tom McAndrew

Players of the Season

Dream Team  -  Matt Sheen

Supporters'  -  Jordan Coxall

Players'  -  Aaron Hassall

Manager's  -  Sam Jones

See you all next year!! 

 

AFC Waverton 3 v 1 Upton JFC (aet)

Doug Johnson Trophy Final (22 May 2011)

Waverton Scorers (season's total in brackets)

Aaron Hassall  -  2 (19)

Robbie Foster  -  1 (11)

Report

Another match played at the Garrison Ground in very difficult, windy, conditions, but Waverton showed their usual strength of character to come through deserved winners 3-1 after extra time to complete a "treble" for the season.

Upton were unfamiliar opponents for Waverton, not playing in the C&D League, and they showed a lot of resilience in the first half to keep the scores level at 0-0. While Waverton held the majority of the possession and territorial advantage they didn't show enough composure in front of goal to make their advantage count. With the amount of play they'd had however the team must have gone into the second half in confident mood.

The advantage was finally made to count about 15 minutes into the second period, as Aaron Hassall latched on to a through ball from Sam Jones to finish calmly from around 10 yards to give Waverton a 1-0 lead. With the Wasps continuing to boss the game there was a chance this single goal would be enough to decide the final, but without adding a second goal the team were always going to remain vulnerable, and with ten minutes left the Waverton defence, who'd been strong throughout, let Ollie Knight get free on the left to pick out a perfect cross for the Upton centre forward to equalise. While Waverton pushed again for a winner, their time ran out and  the final entered extra time at 1-1.

Having been briefed at their team talk to just keep doing "more of the same" Waverton again started the first period of extra time the strongest. When, a couple of minutes later, Aaron ran on to another Sam Jones through ball, the keeper saved his initial effort but he calmly slotted home the rebound into an empty net to restore Waverton's lead. For the next 10-15 minutes the Wasps continued to control the game and protect their lead, and as Upton pushed forward desparately for an equaliser the Wasps used the extra space well to create further chances, and with just a couple of minutes left Robbie Foster took advantage of one of these chances to make the game safe at 3-1 to Waverton.

So, in the end, a treble winning season for Waverton, finishing with a fantastic overall record for the season, as below;

Played 25. Won 21, Drawn 2, Lost 2. Goals For 129, Goals Against 34. (more stats to follow).

So, a fantastic season all round, and here's to another treble next season, which would need the team to go one better in the U15s Cheshire Cup than they did last year! 

 

AFC Waverton Wasps 4 v 2 Chester Nomads

Chester & District Cup Final (14 May 2011)

Waverton Scorers (season's total in brackets)

Aaron Hassall  -  2 (17)

Sam Jones  -  1 (29)

Alex Wilkinson  -  1 (9)

Report

This was never going to be as easy as last year's victory over Boughton. Nomads are a good team who always cause Waverton problems with their attacking pace, but in the end the Wasps proved the stronger team (both physically and in character) to ensure their second consecutive Chester & District league and cup double.

Despite hosting six earlier games, the Chester playing surface was still in good nick, and with the good wide pitch suiting both teams attacking style of play the opening exchanges promised a great final. There were early half chances at both ends, but as the first half approached its mid point Waverton started to establish a territorial advantage. When the captain Alex Wilkinson was fouled in a central position 25 yards out he got up to take the free kick himself, and placed an accurate strike in off the inside of the right hand post to give the Wasps a 1-0 advantage.

Nomads struck back almost immediately though with Cam Black using his strength and pace to get away from his marker and place his shot past Ollie. The Wasps continued to push forward though and probably just deserved to take a 2-1 lead into the interval, after Sam Jones latched on to a long ball through from Charlie Nicholson, hitting the post with his first effort but reacting first to slot home the rebound.

The early part of the second half saw Nomads have their strongest spell of the game, as they pushed to turn around the scoreline. After both of their pacy strikers had missed half chances, Sean Crowshaw eventually equalised with a trademark quick break followed by a fine finish off the underside of the Waverton bar. The next five minutes were crucial, Nomads were buoyed by their goal and pushed forward strongly in search of a third goal. The Waverton defence stood up well to the onslaught though, with some strong, often last ditch, defending to keep the scoreline level.

Having weathered the storm, Waverton then started to gain the upper hand once again and push for a winner of their own. Their break through eventually came from Aaron Hassall, who'd had another commanding performance in midfield, as he carried the ball into the box, beating a couple of defenders and beating the Nomads' keeper's dive to give Waverton a 3-2 lead with ten minutes to go. Nomads tried hard to rally for an equaliser, but were no longer making the same inroads they had just after the break, and the Wasps looked like holding on. When Aaron added another goal, after more good control in the box, the 4-2 lead was enough to see the league champions comfortably through the last five minutes to make sure they completed the double.

One more game left then in a very successful season, next Sunday, against Upton in the President's Cup. If Waverton can replicate this quality of performance, and show the same strength of character, then they shoud be able to pick up their third trophy of the season.    

 

AFC Waverton Wasps 1 v 1 Groves Athletic

Chester & District League (8 May 2011)

Waverton Scorer (season's total in brackets)

Matt Sheen  -  1 (37)

Report

This was very much the story of a team who'd already secured the league title going through the motions, with minds very clearly on the bigger games to come. Although it was a difficult bouncy pitch, and Groves were their usual combative selves, it's a game Waverton would (and should) have won earlier in the season when there were crucial points at stake.

The whole performance was very flat, particularly through midfield where the Wasps didn't dominate possession in their normal way and as a result never really started the flowing passing football which, at their best, has been too much for opponents to cope with all season. With the defence still looking solid though, and Groves creating very little, the first half became a real stalemate and unsurprisingly the score remained 0-0 at the break.

Waverton started the second half a little brighter, but then conceded a surprise goal as Ollie called for what looked like a harmless ball until it seemed to take an odd bounce and somehow bobbled into the Waverton net. Although Waverton pushed forward more determinedly after this set-back the quality of their play was still not good enough, for a long time, to break down a Groves team who were now sensing they could pull off a shock win. Just when it looked like Waverton may suffer their third defeat of the season though, Matt Sheen equalised with his 37th goal of the season, with one of his trademark cross/shots from wide on the left, which once again landed perfectly beyond the Groves keeper and in the side netting. With little further action at either end the game finished 1-1, which was probably a fair result on today's performances.

Not an ideal warm-up then for the League final at the Exacta stadium next Saturday. To lift that trophy the Wasps will need to show they've got a lot more sting than they showed today, but given their usual ability to "rise to the occasion" they should be confident of doing exactly that.

Chester Nomads Colts 0 v 3 AFC Waverton Wasps

Chester & District League (1 May 2011)

Waverton Scorers (season's total in brackets)

Matt Sheen  -  1 (36)

Sam Jones  -  1 (28)

Jorge Percival  -  (6)

Report

It wasn't quite a stroll in the park (it was too windy for that!) but the Wasps dominated the game against their closest league rivals, and ended up with a comfortable 3-0 victory to confirm their second consecutive League title, with two games to spare.

Despite kicking off in bright sunshine there was a very strong wind blowing diagonally across the pitch which, combined with a firm surface, made it very difficult to get the ball down and play football. In the early stages both teams struggled with the conditions, and neither side created any real early chances. As the half wore on however Waverton were the first team to come to terms with the high bouncing ball, and they then dominated possession and territory for the remainder of the half. With some chances going begging though, and a couple of good saves from the Colts goalkeeper the Wasps didn't make the pressure count and the match went into half time goalless. While a draw would be enough to secure the title, Waverton's dominance meant they should be looking for another victory.

The second half started in the same manner, with a solid Waverton back line preventing the Colts from creating any real chances, and an ever more confident team pushing forward to open the scoring. The breakthrough eventually came from a long Aaron Hassall through ball, which Sam Jones ran on to and fired home from about 15 yards, keeping up his record of always scoring against a team mainly comprising his schoolmates. After this the Colts dogged resistance began to weaken and Waverton took even greater control of the match. It was no surprise therefore when Matt Sheen ran on to an Alex Abraham ball to fire home the second, a well deserved reward for another strong performance leading the line. With five minutes to go the Colts goalkeeper spilled a Jorge Percival shot into his own net, to make the final scoreline 3-0, which was probably a fair reflection of Waverton's dominance.

So with the league title "in the bag" Waverton can now look forward to two cup finals, with their treble dream still alive.

Coach's MoM: Alex Abraham

Supporters' MoM: Aaron Hasall & Jordan Coxall

2010/11 Record: P22, W19, D1, L2, F121, A30 

AFC Waverton Wasps 4 v 1 Princes Villa

Chester & District League (14 April 2011)

Waverton Scorers (season's total in brackets)

Matt Sheen  -  3 (35)

Jorge Percival  -  1 (5)

Report

This was far from being Waverton's most convincing performance of the season, and with just five minutes to go the result looked in doubt. From somewhere though the Wasps found a spirited finish to run out 4-1 victors, leaving themselves just one more victory away (from three fixtures) from securing their second consecutive League title.

As always Princes Villa proved tough opponents to break down, and dangerous themselves on the break. Waverton looked like a team who were tired from their recent run of games, and weren't passing the ball as well as they have recently. They still created a number of chances in the first half though, but their finishing was again below par. At the other end Princes Villa had a couple of good long range efforts, but Ollie Tyler proved equal to both of them turning both shots away for corners. Unusually therefore Waverton went into the break at 0-0, the first scoreless half of the season.

The team applied themselves a bit better at the start of the second period, and their domination was finally rewarded as they took the lead from one of Matt Sheen's speciality crosses from the left, going over the keeper and landing in the side netting. What the Wasps needed at this point was a second goal, to take full control, but again they passed up a number of good opportunities, leaving Princes Villa still in with a shout. As a result it was no real surprise when the visitors equalised, direct from a free-kick, mid way through the half.

Waverton reacted well, and were soon back in front as Matt Sheen bundled home his second from close range, after a strong Jorge Percival run and cross. Yet again though they couldn't find the crucial two goal advantage. With five minutes remaining it looked like they'd end up paying for this, as Princes Villa were awarded a penalty after Matt Bannaghan blocked a goal bound effort with his arm. However, Ollie Tyler made a fantastic save diving to his left to keep the Waverton lead intact, and with the Princes Villa players a bit deflated Waverton took full advantage, breaking away a minute later with Jorge Percival finishing well, from a Will Doerr through ball, to make the score 3-1. It was finally "game over" and Waverton pushed home their advantage further with Matt Sheen completing his second consecutive hat-trick, with his best strike of the evening.

With a seasonal break now, until Nomads Colts on the 1 May (a potential title decider), the Waverton player can re-charge their batteries befor making one final effort to win three possible trophies.

Coach's MoM: Matt Sheen/Matt Bannaghan

Supporters MoM: Ollie Tyler

2010/11 Record: P21, W18, D1, L2. F118, A30. 

AFC Waverton Wasps 11 v 2 Newton Athletic

ATOL Cup Semi Final (10 April 2001)

Waverton Scorers (season's total in brackets)

Matt Sheen - 3 (32)

Sam Jones - 3 (27)

Aaron Hassall - 1 (15)

Alex Wilkinson - 1 (8)

Jorge Percival - 1 (4)

Charlie Nicholson - 1 (4)

Will Doerr - 1 (2)

Report

After beating Newton 14-0 earlier in the season, in the President's Cup, this never looked like being the trickiest of semi-final draws, and so it proved with Waverton coasting through 11-2 to face Nomads in the final next month, to be played at Chester's stadium.

For the first ten minutes or so though the match started as a fairly even contest. Newton are a big physical team and in the opening exchanges they gave as good as they got, and even had a couple of half chances to take a surprise lead. The Wasps had started a little bit nervously, perhaps beginning to realise that the chance of three trophies is getting ever nearer, but once they settled into their full passing game they began to take control of the match.

As usual it was the sixth or seventh clear chance before Waverton eventually took the lead, with a calm finish from Aaron Hassall, but then the floodgates opened. Matt Sheen and Jorge Percival added the second and third goals within the next five minutes, and from 3-0 the match was virtually over as a contest just half way through the first period. Waverton continued to add to their lead at regular intervals through the remainder of the half, with a second strike from Matt Sheen, a great long range effort from Will Doerr, and two goals from Sam Jones, the second from a long through ball from Matt Banaghan who performed very solidly as a stand in keeper. At the break the Wasps had taken a commanding 7-0 advantage.

The second period started with a rare Waverton defensive lapse, allowing Newton to open their account, but soon settled into a similar pattern to the first half with Waverton dominating both possession and territory. Both strikers completed deserved hat-tricks, with Matt Sheen in particular dominating the Newton defence throughout. Alex Wilkinson joined the scorers with a fine left foot strike into the top corner, and Charlie Nicholson kept up his recent fine record of scoring with a back post header. The defence looked strong throughout, with Jordan Coxall covering solidly for an occasionally "missing in action" left back, and Newton were only allowed one further consolation goal, late on, to make the final scoreline a very comfortable 11-2 to the Wasps.

With the retention of their league title almost secured (barring a number of mishaps) and two Final appearances booked, Waverton can, if they keep up this level of performance, go on to complete their best season yet. As somebody said today they just need to avoid "doing an Arsenal" from here on in!

Coach's MoM: Matt Banaghan

Supporters' MoM: Matt Sheen & Jordan Coxall

JFC Boughton 1 v 6 AFC Waverton Wasps

Chester & District League (3rd April 2011)

Waverton Scorers (season's total in brackets)

Alex Abraham - 2 (3)

Matt Sheen - 1 (29)

Robbie Foster - 1 (10)

Cameron Faulkner - 1 (4)

Charlie Nicholson - 1 (3)

Report

In years gone by any match against Boughton was the most difficult on Waverton's fixture list, but in recent times, with the opposition slipping to fourth in the table, it no longer holds quite the same fear. However the coaches made sure, in the pre-match warm up, that the Wasps players didn't take the game too lightly, and the team delivered with a very strong first half performance, after which the result was never in doubt. Waverton ran out easy 6-1 victors, consolidating their lead at the top of the table.

With a couple of "no shows" for Boughton they took the field with only ten players, making their task even harder, and as a result Waverton very quickly dominated in both territory and possession. It was no surprise therefore when Waverton took an early 1-0 lead through Matt Sheen's 29th goal of the season after a good passing move. Shortly afterwards however Boughton struck back, against the run of play, converting a penalty t0 bring the scores level at 1-1.

The scores stayed level for the next ten minutes, with Boughton's ten men frustrating Waverton, but the away team's dominance was bound to pay off eventually, and by sticking to a solid passing game the Wasps scored four excellent goals in the final ten minutes of the half; the first was a great strike from Cameron Faulkner which flew in off a post, the second was a chip over the keeper from Alex Abraham, the third was a clinical finish from Charlie Nicholson after a fast break, and the fourth a flashing header from Robbie Foster from a Matt Sheen cross finishing off a long passing movement. The 5-1 scoreline at the break was no more than Waverton deserved.

In the end the second half was a bit of an anti climax. Boughton asked for the half to be cut to 25 minutes, to protect a couple of injured players, and as a result both teams played the half very much as if it was a contest which was already over. Waverton didn't repeat the high quality of their first half play, with too many speculative attempts from long distance, and as a result added only one further goal, as a Boughton clearance went back in off Alex Abraham (for his second goal). At the other end though Boughton posed even less threat and never looked like adding to their single goal.

So, in the end, it was another comfortable win for Waverton, and with four remaining league games (Vicars Cross, Princes Villa, Groves and Colts) they know three wins will assure them of the title for the second year running. Alternatively if they can beat Colts, then only one further victory will be needed. Next week it's back to League Cup semi-final action, against opponents yet to be confirmed.

Coaches' MoM: Alex Abraham

Supporters: MoM: A team award

Vicars Cross Dynamos 0 v 8 AFC Waverton Wasps

President's Cup Semi Final (27th March 2011)

Waverton Scorers (season's total in brackets)

Sam Jones - 3 (24)

Matt Sheen - 2 (28)

Aaron Hassall - 2 (14)

Jorge Percival - 1 (3)

Report

Having lost to Vicars Cross in a friendly a few weeks earlier, in difficult conditions and with a weakened team, Waverton perhaps went into this semi final a little bit more nervously than they would have done otherwise. In the end however they needn't have worried as they dominated the game from start to finish, running out comfortable 8-0 victors.

The Wasps started the game brightly, and immediately started playing good passing football, so it was no surprise when Sam Jones put them ahead, although perhaps it was surprising that it came directly from a poor goal kick by the impressive Vicars Cross keeper. The play was all in one direction for the remainder of the first half, with Waverton adding to their lead at regular intervals with goals from Matt Sheen, Jorge Percival and a second from Sam Jones running through clear on a long ball out from defence. With a 4-0 half time scoreline, and the Vicars Cross players heads already starting to drop the game was almost as good as over.

Waverton made sure of it however by playing just as well in the second half. Ollie Tyler and the whole back line were solid throughout, learning their lesson from the friendly game on how to deal with the exceptionally long kicks and throws from the opposition's goalkeeper. The new formation worked well again with the Wasps totally dominant in midfield, and Matt Sheen and Sam Jones showing their usual strength in attack.

To keep it nice and even Waverton scored four again in the second half, with two from Aaron Hassall, Matt Sheen getting a second and Sam Jones finishing off his hat trick after a good run and through ball from Charlie Nicholson. The performance thoroughly deserved an 8-0 scoreline, and it puts Waverton through to the President's Cup Final, where they will meet Upton (from the Ellesmere Port League), who will undoubtedly provide a stiffer test.

Time for a few season to date stats;

Wasps playing record: P17, W14, D1, L2. Goals For 97, Goals Against 26

Scorers season to date:

28 - Matt Sheen

24 - Sam Jones

14 - Aaron Hassall

9 - Robbie Foster

7 - Alex Wilkinson

3 - Jorge Percival, Cameron Faulkner & Tom McAndrew

2 - Charlie Nicholson

1 - Alex Abraham, Jordan Coxall, Will Doerr & OG

AFC Waverton Wasps 5 v 3 Chester Nomads

Chester & District League (13th March 2011)

Waverton Scorers (season's total in brackets)

Matt Sheen - 2 (26)

Aaron Hassall - 1 (12)

Sam Jones - 1 (21)

Jorge Percival - 1 (2)

Report

This was always going to be a tough game. Having virtually won the title once, the League decided to add a third set of games and start Waverton off with another game against Nomads, their closest rivals. To make it even harder the hosts were playing their first competitive game for over a month, while the visitors were coming off the back of a 4-1 victory against Boughton last week.

The potential banana skin was avoided though, but only just! In a finale reminiscent of last year's Cheshire Cup run the Wasps entered the last five minutes 3-2 behind, but they then showed great character to turn the game on its head with three late strikes to run out victors by 5 goals to 3.

The match kicked off in fine conditions, on a hard bouncy surface, and Waverton's lack of match sharpness told after just a minute as Nomads took an early 1-0 lead, albeit from a fairly dubious goal which seemed to be kicked out of Ollie Tyler's grasp. The team didn't panic however and started to dominate possession, and after ten minutes they deservedly drew level in a goal which seemed to balance out the first as this time the Nomads keeper spilled a ball for Aaron Hasall to prod home from close range. Five minutes later the comeback was even better as Sam Jones fired home an excellent long range strike, for the Wasps to take a 2-1 lead.

The remainder of the first half was very close, with two very good, evenly matched, U14s teams battling it out. Nomads definitely hold the most dangerous strikeforce that Waverton face in this league, with their two lightning fast strikers in particular very hard to handle, and it was from another ball over the top and a fast break that Nomads equalised just before the break. On the overall play 2-2 was probably a fair half time score.

The early second half exchanges were less exciting, with the two teams starting to break up each others play effectively. With fifteen minutes gone however Nomads took the lead again as Cam Black flicked on a free kick, which the Waverton defence were convinced Ollie Tyler had saved in time, but the referee said had crossed the line.

With twenty minutes to get themselves back into the game the Wasps continued to play patient football, but could never seem to find the right final ball, or get the run of the ball from any break downs near the Nomads goal. With the score still 2-3 the game entered its last five minutes, and it seemed Waverton may be defeated, a result which would have brought Nomads right back into the title race.

Waverton's patience eventually paid off though (although perhaps a bit late for the coach's nerves!) as Aaron Hassall finally found two perfect through balls to Matt Sheen, who finished them both off with calm precision to turn a 2-3 deficit into a 4-3 lead within two minutes. Unsurprisingly the Nomads were a bit shellshocked at this late reversal of fortunes, and Waverton took further advantage as Jorge Percival tucked home an Alex Wilkinson knock down from close range.

Strong performances all round allowed Waverton to triumph (eventually!) in a very tough match. The defence held up strongly against difficult pacy opponents, the midfield stood strong, and the strikers took the crucial chances when they came their way. Overall a fantastic team effort, and a result which leaves the team very firmly in pole position to retain their league title.

Coach's MoM: Charlie Nicholson

Supporters' MoM: Team Award

AFC Waverton Wasps 5 v 2 Princes Villa

Chester & District League (6th February 2011)

Waverton Scorers (season's total in brackets)

Robbie Foster - 2 (9)

Matt Sheen - 1 (24)

Jorge Percival - 1 (1)

Alex Wilkinson - 1 (7)

Report

Waverton found themselves on much more solid ground this time for their second consecutive game against a combative Princes Villa team, and despite a bit of a scare half way through, they played by far the better football and eventually ran out comfortable 5-2 winners.

For once the Wasps got off to a flying start, taking the lead after just a minute or two as Matt Sheen ran on to a penetrtaing through ball from Robbie Foster and calmly finished for his 24th goal of the campaign. After barely five minutes had gone they'd doubled their advantage, with the newly converted midfielder Jorge Percival chesting home a Robbie Foster cross from close range.

Coming so quickly after a defeat the previous week, Waverton's initial dominance, and the high quality of their early play put a Princes Villa side (who'd arrived full of confidence) on the back foot. There followed a number of chances within the next 15/20 minutes for the Wasps to drive this advantage home, and put the game beyond doubt, but instead the home team started to over complicate their play and, as a result, didn't add to their lead in the way they should have done. Inevitably Princes Villa took heart from this, and using a physical approach all over the field started to come back into the game. When Waverton tried, inadvisably, to play their way out of defence just before half time, they conceded a goal very much against the run of play to take only a slim 2-1 advantage into the break.

The conditions worsened in the second half, with Waverton having to play against an ever stronger wind, and with Princes Villa gaining in confidence (and using a very robust approach) it was clear Waverton were going to need a very strong performance to secure the three points, especially when, ten minutes into the second period, a series of weak Wasps clearances allowed the away team to pull level at 2-2.

From this point on though the Wasps showed real character, standing up very well to the growing physical challenge and, importantly, winning back the advantage by continuing to play good passing football. After a long spell of pressure Robbie Foster latched on to a loose ball in the Princes Villa box to restore a Waverton lead, and further deserved goals followed from a fine Alex Wilkinson strike and a second goal from Robbie Foster, this one a rare header from a good deep cross from Matt Sheen. This Princes Villa side, strengthened in mid-season, are now difficult opponents, but Waverton stood up well to the pressure and thoroughly deserved the final, comfortable, 5-2 scoreline.

Where this leaves the title chase now depends on whether the League decide to add a further (third) round of matches. If not, Waverton will, at the least, face a play-off for the title against either Boughton or Nomads (if one of them wins their last three games). If there are more matches though, then it will just give the Wasps, who at their best are the strongest team in the league, the chance to win the title all over again. Playing to their full potential a treble winning season remains firmly on the cards.

Manager's MoM: Alex Abraham

Supporters' MoM: Robbie Foster/Jorge Percival