1s v Old Wokingians

s it on, is it off, what time is kick off? Just a few of the questions being asked throughout the week.

It was on!!

The first game of the season arrived slightly earlier than anticipated, however, Wandsworth Borough could not afford to let this get in their heads.

With several first team regulars away, it was a great opportunity for fringe players to step up and show the world what they are made of.

With all the confusion addressed, heads were on game day, which was scheduled to be the hottest day of the year.

Matteo was the gaffer for the day and warned the players ‘DO NOT BE LATE’. Matteo was late, along with the majority of the team (Blame the 85).

Richardson Evans felt like a cauldron and the warm up was basically skins vs bibs with several stops to take on water.

Kick off arrived and it was a very tense and exhausting first 15 minutes, as both teams adjusted to the heat.

Boroughs tactics were perfect as they held off from pressing, sat back and made it extremely difficult for Woking to find any space in the final third.

Taylor, Youngman, Moaveni and Miller were solid at the back, offering minimal opportunities to Woking.

Belger pulled off a fantastic save on the 20 minute mark, however, not sure how much he knew about it.

Borough were offering very little going forward and it was evident from the start that any opportunity to get a cross in or have a shot needed to be taken with both hands.

Just as everything was going to plan, Woking had a half chance. A scuffed shot from the edge of the box fell nicely to a fellow team mate, who took a touch and slotted home. Nice finish.

Borough 0 - Woking 1

As the game grew, Holty, Marcus and Matteo were getting on the ball a lot more and keeping Woking at bay, however, the gap between them and the front three was still too big.

Half time then came, which was a big relief and a chance for both teams to load up on water. Borough were generally happy with the first half display albeit disappointed with conceding.

Matteo was quick to react and made a few halftime changes;

Jefferson for Youngman, Barwick for Scotty and Holty thrown upfront to join Basnett.

Jefferson was looking to impress, however, his game time was cut short as a nasty clash of heads resulted in a deep cut and a lot of blood. Hospital time for OJ. Hopefully it heals quickly and you are back in the fold soon.

It appeared that the biggest sufferer for the head injury was in fact Youngman, who had just laid down with a nice cold can of FIZZY coke. He thought his day was done but now he was back out there running around in the 34 degree heat.

The 2nd half had a lot more intent from Borough and the chances started to open up with Laker and Barwick causing trouble down the flanks.

Having Holty and Basnett closer together was also more of a threat and the Woking defence started to become shaky.

Following the final water break, Borough knew that once a further 5 minutes had passed, it was do or die.

Finally the breakthrough came on the 80th minute when, following a spell of pinball, Markus/Holty kicked/tackled the ball on to the defenders hand. Penalty!!

Basnett, brushed Barwick aside to place the ball on the spot and calmly slot home.

Borough 1 - Woking 1

Woking were clearly devastated, and to be honest, for the final 7 or 8 minutes, every single player simply wanted the game to be over.

Great end to a hectic win.

The icing on the cake was that Barwick is currently negotiating a permanent table in-front of a Sports heavy TV screen, with all you can eat wings. What a legend!

Also, Tom won a cricket game.

Great result(s), great weekend.