Concentrating on the League!

We took the opportunity of a cup match to change a few tactics and play a few players in different positions. Unfortunately, either due to the coaches' tactics or other reasons, we are out of the cup.

We let in a lot of soft goals, mainly due to a lack of marking in and around the box and a failure to clear the ball from danger quickly enough. On the plus side, despite being 6 down, we had a determined 10 minutes where we put some passes together and scored 3 rapid goals.

Well done to Liam for opening the scoring and then getting a second later on after some neat passing. Arthur tapped on in from close range and Nick latched on to a loose ball for the other goals (total 4).

Captain's MoM (chosen by Charlie): Johan for working hard in central midfield and creating some chances
Coaches' MoM: Harry Cole for his best performance since joining us.

Training on Monday as normal.

Half-Term - there are no matches over half term and no training on Monday 24/10.
I would like to organise a fun Futsal session instead and will let you know details.
Could you please let me know if you intend to be at training on 31/10 (or will be "trick or treating"), so I can decide if we have enough players.

Finally, many of the boys have outgrown their shin-pads. Can you pls check their shin-pads actually cover their shins and move up to adult sized ones if necessary.

Next scheduled match is away at Greenmeadow on 6/11 (2pm kick off at Lydiard Park)

Wasps 1 - 5 Greenmeadow

After a promising first half, I thought we stood a chance in the second despite going in 2-0 down. However we didn't really get it together at all in the second half and let Greenmeadow run the game. There were lots of good individual performances and attempts to get some momentum but we didn't gel as a team and ran out of steam by the end. A big learning point is to play to the whistle no matter what else is happening on the pitch. We let in a soft goal because of a distraction on the halfway line. Captain's MoM (chosen by Charlie): Liam for another strong defensive and midfield performance. Liam has quickly established himself as a key member of our team. Coaches' MoM: Jonny - for commanding his box better, being quicker off his line and some impressive saves. Training Monday: 715pm at St Jo's. We have new match kit to give out (Huge thanks to Nick Chevis and First Group for funding a new strip) Next week - we have a cup match away at Shaw 2pm kick off (will confirm in the week)

Wasps 3 -2 Shaw B

A super result today that was well deserved in the sunshine, and moves us up the table. After going a goal behind from an unfortunate defensive (!) header, we worked hard to draw level with a goal from Johan. Shaw took advantage of a bit of weak defence to get a second before half-time. We took great advantage of the slope and the sun in the second half to create lots of chances. Arthur knocked on in from close range and Johan scored again after a lovely through ball from Nick. Tom and Harry both struck the bar. The defence held firm to keep a second half clean sheet.

Good points: creating lots of chances, solid defending second half, and it's good to see the newer players starting to look at home on the pitch
Improvement required: we were very tired by the end - partly the hot weather but also a lack of fitness, we need to challenge for every ball especially from corners/goal kicks.

Captain's MoM (chosen by Johan): Charlie
Coaches' MoM: Nick for defensive midfield work and some nice passing. Special mention to Will Arnold who was unbeatable in his defensive cover role and teaming up nicely with Jonny on difficult through balls.

Training Monday - 7.15 for 7.30 to 8.30 at St Jo's. Our scheduled opponents next week have a cup match, but we have altered another fixture to get some games in while the weather is nice. So, Sunday 9 October - home v Greenmeadow - 10.00am meet for 10.30 kick off As always pls let me know if you can't make it.