The sun was shining for this encounter with Chinley Greens on Silent Support weekend. The spectators & coaches were only able to offer support by clapping, so only positive reinforcement & no shouting from the touch-line today.
The news came in late, but Jacob was ready to make a return, meaning the Wasps could play with seven on the field and have a substitute to keep things fresh. With Rocco running a little late, the Wasps lined up for the start with:
Fenn in goal, Alexander & Sam in defence, Jacob central just in front, Dylan on the right, Alfie on the left and Kai as the lone striker.
With no or limited vocal support & direction from the touchline today, the Wasps needed to communicate between themselves and maintain the organisation we discussed before the game.
From the whistle the Wasps looked organised and energetic. Perhaps it was because we had Jacob back, and a complete defensive line to select from, or could it just be the Wasps time to click? In the first few minutes the Wasps battled to retain possession and looked to test their opponents defence, but Chinley stood strong and were also looking to ask questions of the Wasps back line.
The defence held and drove the ball forward to their team-mates to maintain the pressure. Rocco arrived and was immediately introduced to lead the charge, with Jacob dropping back to accompany Sam in a familiar back two.
The Wasps looked like a confident and accomplished unit, giving Chinley no time on the ball, having a number of opportunities infront of goal. Some scrambled away by the defence, some just wide, and even the woodwork looked to be helping the opposition, but the exchanges through the midfield were clearly troubling Chinley.
With the ball retrieved in midfield again, an exchange between Kai, Rocco, Dylan & Alfie, and who was on point to slot the ball home? Our silent assassin Alfie.
In recent games, in a similar position the Wasps would look to hold the advantage, rather than driving forward. Today was different. The same pressure resumed from the restart, everything we have been have working on from the start of the season seemed to be working. Kai digging deep, Alfie & Dylan doing the same, not letting the possession go. Rocco driving forward, another exchange, and Alfie was there again.
Chinley showed great organisation, and the danger they could pose in our half of the field, but a rotation of the returning (rock at the back) Jacob, and the resilient pair Sam (POTM last week) & Alexander helped to keep fresh legs & the danger at bay. When called upon Fenn was faultless covering between the sticks. We spoke with Fenn before the game about speaking to the defence in front of him and directing them as Frankie has done all season. On Silent Support weekend that was clear to hear, Fenn was so clear and did brilliantly.
A tussle in midfield. Rocco & Kai dropping deep, working tirelessly to retrieve & maintain possession in every game and the pair dug in to regain the ball. With a one-two the ball went wide, some excellent work down the wing and the ball slid back into the box and Rocco smashes the ball home.
The half time whistle goes and the Wasps come in for a drink & a regroup. The boys buzzing and looking forward to getting back into the mix. Holding onto the advantage has been an issue this season, and without the coaches vocals from the touchline today the Wasps had to find their own way in the second half. The simple message was to do the same in the second half and enjoy.
The Wasps started the second half as they finished the first, pressure from the front line, tracking back when out of possession. The defence clearing with distance, Alfie & Dylan covering when called upon. Both driving forward when the ball was released in their path. With Kai dropping back as retriever Alfie broke free again, and making his own way, the net was bulging again.
Rocco has been consistent this season with his grit & determination to support the team and drive them forward, and he was next, displaying his ferocious finishing.
Dylan showed a complete performance, tracking back to support the defence, digging-in in midfield, but most importantly getting into the final third. With Dylan on the right, he cuts inside to dispatch the ball into the top corner with that trusty left foot.
Rocco finished a great performance with another clinical finish, before in turn Kai found the back of the net after a similarly fabulous display.
After the first half, it was difficult to select a single player of the match. After the second it was impossible.
The Wasps played as a team and a formidable unit. The enjoyment in each of them for the beautiful game was clear to see. For the performance they all gave, the coaches couldn’t separate them, and gave them all player of the match which was celebrated with the accompanying photo.
Fenn: Directing from the back, Solid when called upon. Gathering and releasing the ball with some distance.
Alexander: Clearing from the back, finding the passes to release the attack.
Sam: Moving forward to stop the danger, and always there to shepherd the ball to safety.
Jacob: The rock at the back returns. In the mix from the start, and the balls to frontline were fabulous.
Kai: At the heart, always in the mix and terrorised the opposition. Deservedly on the scoresheet today.
Alfie: So much energy. He was everywhere, causing Chinley problems all over the pitch. They didn’t see him coming.
Dylan: Always supporting, at the back and a natural going forward. Another goal today & great to see the confidence.
Rocco: Always driving forward, and tracking back. Chinley couldn’t deal with him today.
⚽️🖤💛⚽️
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