Wanderers 4 – 0 Southgate M4s
report by Tom Davies
Despite playing in the north London league the 4s headed south of the river to take on a strong wanderers 1st XI who were pushing up in the league, unsure if they had balls to warm up with (thank you lion Dan for the save). From early in the 1st half Southgate were far from their best and were under pressure in the first ten minutes, sustaining wave after wave of attack, and not helping ourselves when we eventually got it out of the 25. Just before halftime wanderers went ahead with a well executed move, but Southgate were lucky to go into the break only one down.
Stern words from coach rob, who kept us in the game in the first half, and skipper Scott, inspired the team to much better form in the second. Now Southgate were dominating, with some well worked moves and slick passing. Some appalling finishing and a few silly errors in the final third of the pitch kept Southgate from drawing level. Wanderers got another, but Southgate held out hope, with Dan playing with a calm head and Angus working his socks off in screen.
One umpiring decision later however, and Southgate were tracking back and facing a 3 on 1. Christie looked destined to clear it off the line but his hamstring had other ideas, popping like a champagne cork as he went to collect the ball. Wanderers took advantage, going up 3-0, and a hurriedly thrown together but dignified stretcher carried Christie to safety on the touchline. With no subs remaining, Southgate’s energy depleted and wanderers claimed a 4th, a scoreline which didn’t reflect the true balance between the sides. Despite a distinct lack of warm showers, a changing room you’d struggle to swing a cat in, an incoming welsh wooden spoon in the rugby, and a series of piggy backs to rescue Christie from certain paralysis, Southgate were able to make up for the defeat in the pub afterwards.
Ps Please can someone else get DotD next week so I don’t have to write another sodding match report x
MotM – Lion Dan
DotD – To the shock of everyone Tom D
