Match: League Match 2 - Wychall Wanderers 2 vs 2 Redditch United

Date: Sunday 16th September 2007

Report: (By Darran Ward)

Both sides started brightly from the kick off, knocking the ball into the channels and getting to grip with conditions. The first test on 2 mins, though was for Ross in the Reds goal after clever build up play stretched the Reds and allowed a cross to the far post, the shot smothered. Within a minute, Charlie beat his marker to cross from the left, Jack pounced and hit a drive against the post, if the ball had found the net though the linesman had his flag raised for offside. Shortly after and a Reds corner was well worked between Charlie and Max but without resulting in a goal. On 12 mins the deadlock was broken as Wychall again stretched the play and unleashed an unstoppable drive. Within minutes the Reds levelled the score, Jack driving in a corner from the right, finding Brad with a flick header towards goal, the ball defensively pushed out from goal onto Sam around the penalty spot who controlled and fired a rising shot into the roof of the net. The relief on his and his team mates faces shining out and indeed this seemed to lift the boys up a notch, their confidence growing. In what was turning into a pulsating match, right from the kick off, the home team re-took the lead with another super drive. Soon after and a Rob throw found Jack in midfield, the ball moved upfield to Nick who lost his footing but managed to find Sam who played Max in to turn and shoot just wide.

Half Time Score: Wychall Wanderers 2 vs 1 Redditch Utd

Matt replaced Ben Mc at half time after he had run his socks off marshalling his winger in the 1st half. Within seconds of the restart Max had been fouled on the edge of the box allowing Sam a free kick, which he cleverly tried to curl over the defence and keeper, the ball just going too high and out. George, seeing plenty of action, breaking up attacks and cleverly working the ball forward. On one such occasion a ball down the line found Rob who crossed for Max to strike just wide. On the right, Matt cut out a ball and ran at his defender, riding 2 challenges after dropping his shoulder and beating his men neatly, and drawing a throw in from the 3rd challenge. The 2nd substitution followed, Jack, after covering the whole pitch made way for Dan. It did not take long for Dan to make his mark, a ball from midfield was laid back to Sam who played a deft ball in behind the defence, Max chased and beat his marker to the ball, with the play looking like going nowhere he dragged the ball back for Charlie to cross, the keeper fingertipped the ball onto the back post where the eager Dan was ready to pounce to level the score at 2 vs 2. Further chances fell to the Reds as Huddy slid a ball through the defence for Max to chase down before “megging” a cross to Charlie who was just unable to connect. Nick worked himself a chance after consistent pressure and only missed the target by inches. With the last play of the half, Wychall had a rare attack, breaking down the right and with only Huddy to beat a goal for the home team looked likely, but Huddy stood his ground superbly and took the ball off the feet of the on rushing striker.

A much, much improved performance from the team over last week, confidences on the road to being rebuilt, witnessed as the lads piled pressure on the home team in the second half particularly. Reminiscent of last years start to the season, which eventually saw the team challenging for honours after an indifferent start. Well done for an excellent point away from home.

Full Time Score: Wychall Wanderers 2 vs 2 Redditch Utd

Reds Goals/Scorers: 1st Half: Sam - rising shot from Jack's corner.

  2nd Half: Dan -far post strike from left sided cross.

Man of the Match: Sam (chosen by the Wychall manager)

Formation:  4 - 4 - 2

Colours:  Red/White Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks

Substitutes:  JACK, MATT, REECE