Men's 4s vs Old Wulfs 2

Telford 4s travelled to my old school, Wolverhampton Grammar, for a morning start against 3rd placed Old Wulfs’ 2s. The early morning snow, sleet and rain cleared. So dry overhead, but the pitch was very wet. Telford were weakened with Kieran not available. They were further weakened when illness meant Sukhtaj and Abraham couldn’t play.

Before the start Chris warned that Old Wulfs had made several changes since the 0-0 draw at St. Georges. Chris wanted the team to be ready and put pressure on the opposition, particularly the player in possession.

Unfortunately, Aaron wasn’t quite ready when the umpires were ready to start, so Thomas was rushed on to fill the midfield gap. Telford started well with good chances just being missed or bringing good saves from the keeper. The defence was strong, quickly clearing the ball when Brad was asked to make saves.

An even first half ended goalless. Chris was pleased with the pressure the team were putting on Old Wulfs, stressing for that to continue, but Telford needed to take the opportunities that were being created. Scotty wanted better communication in midfield.

Telford started the 2nd half well but were hit after a couple of minutes by Old Wulfs scoring when their pacey striker outplayed Telford’s defence and made a shot that Brad couldn’t reach.

Telford recovered well, but 10 minutes later Old Wulfs scored their 2nd. Brad went to ground to make the block. Unfortunately, the ball bounced off his helmet and the Old Wulfs’ striker scored.

Telford again recovered creating chances to score. The opposition were physical, making the odd unpunished push when Telford were about to shoot. However, Telford squandered some attacking opportunities by passes not being made at the prime moment.

Telford were denied a good scoring opportunity when Thomas was clean through only for the umpire to stop play for a potential injury to one of Old Wulfs’ large central defenders. He’d gone to ground following a fair challenge. There was no foul, although the umpire gave the hit to Old Wulfs asking them to give it back to Telford, which they did, but back in Telford’s half. Telford’s advantage of being through with only the keeper to beat was lost.

Archie replaced Chris in defence and Thomas replaced Scott in midfield in positions they don’t usually play in for the 4s, but are used to at age, county and lower adult levels, as is the case for most of the other junior 4s.

Despite continuing to press the game finished as a 2-0 loss for Telford.

Afterwards Chris said the team defended well but were caught out twice which led to the goals. He was also pleased with the way the team performed, particularly those asked to play in positions they don’t usually play in for the 4s.

Paul was MOTM for another strong defensive display.

The team played well despite losing. Telford are now 7th in the League and face newly 3rd placed North Stafford 4s next.