1st Team
Matches
Sat 16 Feb 2019
Wandsworth Borough Football Club
1st Team
M Gibb (20'), C Rose (60')
2
1
Old Suttonians First Team
FIRST WIN IN FOUR GAMES FOR 1s

FIRST WIN IN FOUR GAMES FOR 1s

Gordon Fisher25 Feb 2019 - 15:20
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https://www.wandsworthboroughf

AFC: Premier / Report by Sean Watson (fixes by Dean Taylor)

A Saturday of returns. The return to winning ways; the return of Joe Barwick; and the return of Charlie Rose scoring in the correct net.

Fresh from a last-minute loss away to Dorkinians, the 1sts knew they had to turn the poor run of results from the last few weeks around. Home to Old Suttonians. A few tactical and positional tweaks from Des meant for a flat back four and skipper Deano rolling back the years and playing as an old school number 9.

The back four started well. The first 15 minutes Sutts were on top with consistent pressure but a well organised defensive unit weathered the storm. With Gibb barking orders and Bakes providing several top class saves, there was an obvious desire not to slip to another loss.

Borough then grew into the game. Several surging runs from the energetic Taff in midfield led to switching the pressure from our box to theirs. Sam Rose, smelling more like brandy than a heavily dosed Christmas pudding, started to influence and create chances for the front three. Deano was proving a worthy number 9, with Murray (not Driver) and Ullyott providing the width.

The breakthrough came through what some would now say as a likely source. Buoyed by his goal scoring heroics last time out (shame it was an OG) Charlie Rose met a corner like he met Dorkinians wingers‘ cross last week and powered the ball into the net. Just rewards for a first half an hour or so where Borough had managed the game well.

Despite the threat of a counter attack Borough continued to dominate and pushed forward before half time, to no avail. One of the more positive team talks of the last few weeks was held. Everyone was doing their job. More of the same in the 2nd half was the message.

And it was exactly that. Constant pressure early on from Borough lead to a bucket load of chances. Unfortunately none were taken to begin with. Deano, Ullyott and Murray (not Driver) all had chances to double the lead but these went begging. Even a four on two opportunity was missed with the forwards not being able to decide who should put it in the net, so they seemingly decided none of them should.

Was it going to be one of those games where we rue our missed chances? Well, no, actually, as it happens. Good work from Murray (not Driver) in the box lead to him being fouled but he admirably stayed on his feet, which led the ref to wave play on but as he did, Murray (not Driver) was nudged in the back and that eventually led him to getting the penalty he deserved, for the initial infringement. Phew.

Up stepped Gibb. Ice cool. For once not barking orders as he steadied himself and rolled the ball into the net. 2-0, at last. And definitely well deserved.

A couple of substitutions then ensued with the notable return of Joe Barwick to lead the line. Deano gladly resumed his role back in central midfield.

Chances continued but as the game progressed into the last 10 minutes these were coming on the counter attack for Borough, as Sutts started to up the ante on our defence. Quick moves, free kicks, corners, Sutts started to pressure from all opportunities.

They did leave themselves open at the back but Borough weren’t able to capitalise. Finally Sutts’ pressure paid. Another corner was floated in and Gibb was underneath it, about to make the clearing header his, only for his momentum to take him into a Sutts player and give away a penalty.

No chance for Bakes. 2-1 and a nervy few last minutes were in store. The ‘one of those games‘ question could have loomed again.

But it didn’t. Resolute defending by the back four, Bakes, Watson and the rest of the team saw out the final few minutes in the same vein as the first 15 – we weren’t giving these three points up.

Probably the most satisfying performance of this calendar year so far with many positives: Barwick’s return; Ullyott completing 90 minutes; a solid defensive display; and a very accomplished attacking display creating lots of chances.

Onto the next one.

Match details

Match date

Sat 16 Feb 2019

Kickoff

14:00
Team overview
Further reading