Men's 1st XI Vs Boots 1

Telford and Wrekin men’s 1st XI welcomed Boots to St George’s on Saturday in their first game back in the Midlands Premier Division in 8 seasons. Phil Bailey, Vince Richardson, Luca Basini, and new signing Sam Pratt were all unavailable, but the hosts were fully prepared with a 16-man squad.

The newly promoted side were not phased at the occasion and were the better side in the opening exchanges but could not find the finishing touch they so desperately desired. Boots however were happy to sit slightly deeper and look to hit the hosts on the counterattack which was a tactic that posed Telford questions at times, but managed to stifle any of Boots attacks. 

Telford took the lead through Callum Stacey who found the top corner with a trademark drag flick to settle any nerves. Liam Hennessy doubled the lead after a scramble in the ‘D’ to give Telford a 2-0 lead. Boots replied almost immediately catching Telford off guard, but the hosts did not take their foot off the gas. Tom Mallett who was instrumental to Telford’s attacking play all game got his reward with a low drag flick into the bottom right corner. 

Half time came with the score at 3-1, it was essential for Telford to get a good start heading into the 2nd half knowing that the next goal would be crucial. It was Boots that started the 2nd half the better of the two teams bringing the lead back down to 1. Telford stepped up through the gears and answered Boots’ questions by controlling possession of the ball. 

Telford put the game to bed with Noah Higginson scoring twice in quick succession to make the score line 5-2. A quick shot caught Boots’ keeper off guard at the near post, and the second came at the back post after Tom Mallett’s superb delivery gave the forward a simple finish. 

A superb start to the season for Telford puts them in a good position to kick on in the coming weeks. Next weekend sees Telford travel to Loughborough to face the University’s 2nd XI in what should be a tough test.