Men's 2nd XI Vs Wednesbury 1

Telford 2s welcomed Wednesbury 1s to a sunny St George’s on Saturday knowing that a win would guarantee them promotion and the league title. Prior to last week’s defeat to Stone, Wednesbury were the only other team to have beaten Telford this season in a difficult away game before Christmas. The team knew that a much improved performance would be needed to come away with the 3 points and welcomed back goalkeeper Nathan Capes, defender Luke Stacey and midfielders Gareth Hawkins and Jon Cook to strengthen the group. The order of the day for Telford was to focus on discipline and composure, looking to really implement the simple and sensible hockey that they knew would bring them success. Telford had the majority of the play for the first half, capitalising on space out wide, keeping the ball moving with simple passing. Telford were able to take the lead when a slick passing move led to Ollie Brannen squaring the ball 5 yards from goal to Will Gough to calmly put the ball into the empty goal. Wednesbury offered a threat from long balls, especially aerials and some forwards with good ball skills, with them nearly capitalising on a defensive mix up only for the forward to hit the outside of the goal, much to Telford’s relief. Telford were unable to add to their lead with the Wednesbury keeper making some decent saves and several chances going begging. The main tests faced by Telford were from short corners, including one right on the half time whistle, saved by Capes that captain Tom Williams was able to clear out to see Telford in at half time 1-0 to the good.

The message at half time was to keep up what Telford were doing well but with the need to make more of the spaces and quicken the ball pace. The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with Telford having most of the play but unable to add to their lead with Wednesbury looking to hit on the break. Winning a short corner, Wednesbury were able to draw the score level with a well worked routine. Telford went on the offensive, knowing the importance of a goal, cheered on by great support from the sideline. They thought they had it when Ollie Brannen controlled the ball in the D, burying it beyond the keeper, only for the celebrations to be controversially cut short with Brannen being adjudged to have used a back stick. From this point on Telford were able to limit Wednesbury’s attacks with Will Lorenz having a great game at the back and last week’s man of the match Tom Bullock looking very lively in midfield. Telford’s second goal finally came when Luke Stacey, foraying forward, smashed the ball into the D from wide, deflecting off a Wednesbury player and then John Perry, as ever in the right place at the right time, touching the ball on to Brannen to deflect it into the rigging. There was a moment of nervousness as the umpires discussed the decision before finally awarding the goal much to the joy of the team and the support on the sideline. Tom Jones made use of his many years of dribbling experience to keep the ball in the corner for as much of the last 5 minutes as possible with great celebrations greeting the final whistle.

This win means Telford 2s have won 100% of their home games this season, a fantastic achievement showing how far the team has come. Next week Telford travel to Finchfield 2s for their penultimate game, looking to finish off the season strongly.

Goals: Will Gough, Ollie Brannen

Assists: Ollie Brannen, John Perry

MOM: Ollie Brannen

DOD: Lewis Moore