Men's 4th XI Vs Finchfield 5

Telford and Wrekin fourths played away at Finchfield fifths in a physical affair on a pleasant sunny afternoon. The game started fairly evenly with both teams quick on the counter and winning several early short corners but failing to convert any. The first goal came after a prolonged attack saw Harry Gough run across the top of the D and shoot to bottom left corner, uncertain of destination Roger Marsh deflected between his legs to give Telford the early lead. The away side continued to press and Harry Gough ran past his marker into the empty space up the wing then beat another man before calmly smashing across the face of goal to the returning Josh Sykes who placed the ball past the keeper.

The third goal also went the way of Telford. This time a breakaway from another failed Finchfield short corner saw the ball rapidly sent via three quick passes up to Josh Sykes who beat his marker and passed around the keeper to the run of Alan Brannen who got down on his knees to make sure of the finish. Unfortunately for Telford ten minutes remained of the first half which saw Finchfield counter with two goals of their own. A short corner routine was finally successful and shortly after that, a breakaway saw the unfortunate Bradley Williams have the ball sent past him via an unmarked attacker.

Telford came out of the half-time break refreshed and determined to win. Hard work saw the Telford defence close the gaps to the Finchfield attack and Telford began to press. Another Harry Gough breakaway ended with a precise pass to Josh Sykes who with work to do deftly hit past the home goalkeeper. The teams traded possession for ten minutes. Eventually, through another Telford attack, Harry Gough sent the ball across the D which Roger took across the defender and himself before firing on the reverse between keeper and post at a tight angle, for his second of the game.

Telford would score once more not long after. Sam Langford ran upfield and distributed to Harry Gough whose shot was parried to George Pittson who made no mistake when he fired the ball home for his first of the season. Finchfield had the last goal of the game with a very rapid counter which left the Telford defence with little chance to stop. Joshua Sykes takes his second man of the match this season after tearing holes in the Finchfield defence and finding time to score once and assist twice whilst doing so. A hard game fought game for the fourths which saw Chris Cousins stick smashed clean in two! Lessons to be learned but another solid victory.

Goals; Roger Marsh – 2

            Josh Sykes – 1

            Alan Brannen – 1

            Harry Gough – 1

            George Pittson – 1

Assists; Harry Gough – 3

              Josh Sykes – 2

Man of the Match – Josh Sykes