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
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