| Match Report |
Telford and Wrekin 4ths met Telford and Wrekin 5ths on an overcast Saturday afternoon. Despite a couple of light showers both teams were motivated for the 4ths first pre-season friendly. The game started on a fairly even keel with possession equal but the 4ths attacks were the difference between the two teams. The opening goal came to Josh Sykes. Matt Cousins released the ball down the wing to George Pittson who passed to Josh Sykes who dispatched into the bottom corner. Despite the 5ths perhaps gaining the lion's share of possession now, the 4ths were soon 2 – 0 up through another decisive breakaway. This time Will Thompson getting an assist on his debut via an eventual reverse chip into the roof of the net by Josh Sykes, for his second of the match.
The 5ths continued to press on the fourth team but could not penetrate the D to any significant effect. The 4th team defence was almost impenetrable in the first half, and the team would score twice more without reply before the break. Josh Sykes first turning provider for Roger Marsh who finished into the net after taking the ball around the keeper at the top of the D. Roles were reversed when Roger passed the ball around the keeper to Josh Sykes who deservedly collected his hat trick goal.
The second half saw a different formation for the 5th team. They pressed heavily on the 4th team D and started to create some opportunities. Eventually new 5th team captain Ewan De Vere found himself with the ball in front of goal and passed around the keeper to Samuel Langford who finished neatly into the corner. With the 4th team unhappy with conceding, they soon started to force a prolonged attack. Several attempts were made on the 5th team goal. A short corner for the 4ths saw James Stevens have a shot blocked illegally and a penalty stroke was awarded. Captain Tom Hurst fired the ball to keepers right and the score was now 5 – 1 and this is how it would finish.
There are great positives to take for both teams. There were some outstanding debuts and performances were strong all round. Josh Sykes produced an excellent hat trick and deservedly takes the man of the match award.
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