Match Report – M1 v Milton Keynes

MATCH REPORT M1 v Milton Keynes

Our Men’s 1’s headed to Milton Keynes to attempt to wrap up the season in style knowing that a win, and some other positive results would see them finish nearer the top of the table than the bottom, which after an awful start to the season would be an excellent outcome.

For the first 15-20 mins you could tell the team were already looking ahead to a well-earned summer break and maybe a drink or two on their night on the tiles they had planned for that same evening, it was not hockey that was on display. However, a few meaningful forays into the MK “D”, lead to several short corners one of which was lifted into a defender’s body on the line and a flick was awarded, up stepped Lee only to see his effort ping off the foot of the post and away to safety. This seemed to give Wanderers a sense of anger and injustice as they thought the ball had crossed the line from the short corner, they took this and turned it into some good passing hockey, opening up MK on several occasions and the breakthrough came as Lee got the goal he missed out on with the flick. A second followed shortly afterwards as skipper Ollie skilfully made his way forward and dispatching the ball in the net. Half time reached with Wootton in control and not really being troubled by MK 0-2.

A bit of a reminder from Ollie and Cam at half time that this was still a league game and that the lads should leave everything on the pitch for the last game, meant the second half started much more positively than the first, with more short corners allowing Wanderers to display their repertoire (pass Dan!!). Unfortunately, they found the MK keeper on good form and saving shot after shot, so it was from open play that Wootton found the net twice more, Chris finding himself with time and space to pick his spot and Captain Ollie crowning the season with another fine solo goal to make the final score 0-4 to Wanderers and to see the lads finish 5th in the final reckonings.

Man of the Match Ollie Dunn

Man of the Match was awarded to Ollie for his 2 goals and great leadership.

March 23 2024

Match Report – M2 v Abingdon

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MATCH REPORT M2 v Abingdon

Men’s 2’s travelled to Abingdon via the scenic route after the A34 was closed, knowing that a draw would be enough to secure promotion.

It was a surprisingly bitterly cold afternoon, which soon got worse as the heavens opened just as the game began. No worry for the mighty Wanderers who began brightly albeit nervously, creating a few early chances. (skipper for the day) Mark found himself at the top of the D but the keeper made a good save, after a bit of pinball in the D the ball found its way back to Mark and a deft flick into the bottom corner took away some of the nerves. However this emboldened the home team and a string of questionable short corners saw the home team gain parity on the scoresheet, ending the half 1-1.

Words of encouragement form the old guard of Kevin, John and Darren saw Wootton determined to regain control of the fixture. The weather brightened and so did Wootton’s hockey, lovely runs from the wide forwards Gary and Archer, and the ever developing midfield partnership of Sam and Mitch (the legs in front on the ever reliable Darren) meant more chances were created but Mark’s targeting was off in the second half. Not to fret as Wanderers new secret weapon is the John B thunderstrike, and it was another of these that saw him rifle in a short corner and out the result and promotion beyond doubt. 2-1 to Wootton.

Man of the Match Josh Marlow

MoM was a difficult one with 6 players being voted for, with Mitch and Zac polling the most votes. However, Mark pulled club captain rank and gave it to an ever present, dedicated supporter, assistant, bench/sub organiser and generally top lad Josh, now he just needs to turn 13 this year so he can step across the white line in anger next season!!