Squad

It took 18 seconds for Wanderers to let their opponents know they were in for a game when Keiren Fosberry netted straight from the start. Thereafter, they gave their best performance by far, but they just run out of steam letting in some soft goals near the end and flattering the opposition with the final score line. Goalkeeper John Shaw was solid in goal and is improving with every game. Robert Skerratt and Matt Patterson continue to improve making up for their lack of pace with some timely challenges. Josh Swain was back to his best with a solid performance in the heart of the defence. Fionn Bell excelled in midfield, and Dominic Lombino was especially tenacious in breaking down and then turning creator to feed the front men. Keigan Smith consistently terrorised the opposing defence, supported ably by Jeeven Sohi and Fosberry. Fosberry and Smith scored vital goals but it wasn’t enough. MOM Stefan Wawrzyniak earned his accolade by smashing the ball in from close range and playing his best so far, thanks mainly to his new boots. This was another excellent performance and one which may have been better had lady luck been on our side.

Wanderers continued where they left of last week and gave good value for money against their local rivals. Starting cautiously but positively, the defence of reliable Josh Swain, the assured Matt Patterson, the consistent Jake Reeve and the ever improving Robert Skerratt made sure Wanderers had a good base to build. Despite going a goal down, they rallied magnificently to pull a goal back by the effervescent Kieren Fosberry. MOM Keigan Smith put in his usual high quality shift terrorising the opposition defence with his probing runs and thoughtful passing. In the second half, Wanderers had difficulty finding their stride. The midfield of Dominic Lombino, and Captain Fionn Bell worked well and tackled hard, and Stefan Wawrzyniak, and a revitalised Jeeven Sohi contributed well to another good team performance. Despite some brave goalkeeping by John Shaw, Wanderers succumbed to further goals despite Smith pulling one back to make an exciting finale. All in all a good effort which was appreciated by the usual supportive parents and coaching staff.

Wanderers produced the performance of the season in this game against the Bears. Every player on the pitch made valuable contributions. The excellent Ryan Griffiths scored a penalty to get things moving and could easily have had more. Wanderers more than held their own with some tenacious defending throughout from Jake Reeve and Robert Skerratt. Matt Patterson was outstanding in the centre of the defence, breaking up many attacks and distributing the ball well. In midfield, captain Fionn Bell was literally all over the place getting in key tackles as he did so, and supported by MOM Jeeven Sohi who played out of his skin to earn his accolade. Keigan Smith gave the opposition nightmares with his fearless running every time he got the ball. Further goals from Bell and Griffiths put Wanderers in control for much of the second half, but the Bears struck late on to break their hearts. Goalkeeper John Shaw had yet another excellent game, and produced an outstanding double stop early in the second half which was literally world class. The coaches have nothing but admiration for this magnificent performance by an ever improving team.

Wanderers U11 were humbled by their younger counterparts who more than held their own in this friendly. Wanderers took the lead through Keiren Fosberry whose link up play with fellow forward Ryan Griffiths tested the U10 defence on numerous occasions. Conversely at the other end, the pacy U10 attack caused problems for the U11 defence, with MOM Jake Reeves trying desperately to stem the fast flowing moves with some positive defending. Goalkeeper John Shaw was in fine form making some excellent and important stops which prevented the U10 from dominating the first half. After the break, the U10s dominated in large parts, basically because the problems which have been seen over recent weeks returned. Both Robert Skerratt and Stefan Wawrzyniak did their best in defence, although were caught out by pace. Josh Swain found it difficult to get going in an unfamiliar midfield holding role. Matt Patterson again put his heart and soul into another good performance. Jeeven Sohi had a good game with some nice touches but was caught out of position on several occasions. All in all, credit should go to the U10s who played very well and gave as good as they got.

Wanderers turned in their best display of the season in this friendly against higher league side Moretonville. Despite a wind swept pitch, Wanderers went methodically about their task and outplayed the opposition for large parts of the match with their swift attacking play. Keigan Smith had an excellent game again on the wing, and linked up well with Kieren Fosberry driving on from midfield. At the back, their were some assured if sometimes hesitant defending from Robert Skerratt, Jake Reeve and Stefan Wawrzyniak, all of whom won’t have been pleased with the lapses which allowed Moretonville to score some soft goals. Josh Swain again excelled and marshalled his colleagues from the heart of the defence, giving returning goalkeeper John Shaw a reasonably quiet game. Dominic Lombino and Matt Patterson tackled hard in midfield winning the ball well and distributing it thoughtfully. MOM Ryan Griffiths had an excellent game, especially in the second half, and was on target for a late consolation goal.All in all, a vast improvement from last week, despite the result.