EXCLAMATION MARK OVERLOAD

Saturday saw the mighty 3s face a tough start against Old Meadonians following a week to forget and our first league match without our skipper and top goalscorer as he decided being in Germany was more important... to add to our back-foot standing our solid CB Ali runs late because of 'traffic' (hangover?) and saw kick-off held back for two minutes while he changed on the sideline. As Ali makes his way onto the pitch to rapturous applause WBFC 3s, with a sense of irony, won kickoff uphill.

The first half was one to forget with little happening on both sides. Whilst we felt like the stronger team throughout, we were fortunate to keep a clean sheet thanks to some spectacular saves from a returning hero Rob Brookes (aka Snakepig) who played his first game back in years for the Borough. About 40 minutes in we were hit with yet another setback when Will, our lone striker had to come off injured… it has to be noted that Will, a personal trainer, took our warm-up and was the font of knowledge when it came to key stretches… what happened here Will?

Half-time and the team know we can get more from the game, it was vital to get back out there and fight for the win. Within 10 minutes we see (possibly our first) set-piece goal from a great corner from Masa to find the head of the debut maker Fraser Goodrich, 1-0! Watch out Billy!

Unfortunately, our lead was short-lived as OMFC scored a long-range effort from near outside the effort to break the clean sheet and even the scoreline 1-1.

What followed was some of the best football the 3s have strung together all season! Working the ball around the pitch effortlessly we maintained all the possession and forced the pressure on OMFC. Then came a great suite of play which saw the ball moved from the back four across and down the pitch ending with a great cross across goal, headed back across goal again, lands to Fraser to finish from 5 yards but unfortunately it ends up over the bar… could have been goal of the season! Thanks to Andy who captured this and loaded to the WBFC Instagram!

With 20 minutes to go both teams need that goal to edge the win. A great pass from Charlie Richards (RM) which is dummied /missed through the legs of Lee Grant and ends with Masa (LM) starts the move. Masa then takes the ball past most of the OMFC defence and lands his first goal for the club! 2-1!

Playing with confidence, the 3s continue a strong period of play. 80 minutes on the clock and Masa is again terrorising the opponents right-side and back four, making his way into the penalty area he is brought down and the ref points to the spot! PENALTY! Strangely Ben Charles-Hill, who had been absent for most of the game, steps up! Nervous silence was followed by a great finish! 3-1.

#BackStronger!