LATEST MATCH REPORT: MENS 3RD XI

Mens 3rds VS Winchester 13/01/07 Away

After some intensive mince pie and mulled wine training sessions, Wanderers 3s alighted the train in Winchester in high spirits. The warm up proved that our questionable pre-Christmas fitness had deteriorated further and, in between gasping for air, talk was rife of a stuffing by the league's undoubted aristocrats. Winchester's first half of the season record read: played 11, won 10, drawn 1. Captain fantastic however was having none of the defeatist talk and delivered a rousing pre-match call to arms.

Suitably chastened by Charlie's words the 3s took to the pitch with a steely resolve. The match started in a predictable style with Winchester pouring forward in waves of quick attacking movements. Off the ball their movement was excellent and their range of passing took full advantage of this. The 3s however showed admirable spirit in the face of adversity. It was great to see a collective grit and determination shine through. The first line of defence was our forward line and the midfield four were performing like Trojans appearing all over the pitch. When Winchester did break through the back line was being marshalled superbly and executed a huge number of fantastic last ditch tackles. On the odd occasion that the defence was breached John stood tall in goal and made some excellent saves.

Enjoying the battle we slowly inched our way into the game and made forays into Winchester's half. By half time the game was a fairly even affair and we had carved out a number of good chances. We were however delighted to be standing at 0 - 0 at half time. Charlie's rallying cry called for more of the same and he carried out his own instruction to perfection within minutes of the restart. A superb run saw Charlie beat two men and then calmly pass the ball across the D past the despairing keeper for Chris to slot into the empty goal. An excellent goal even drew praise from the opposition forwards. 1 - 0 Wanderers and a shock was on the cards.

Despite Winchester's superior skill, the 3s effort ensured that the game remained even for the next 15 minutes or so. Our defence remained superb throughout and we cleared a number of well struck short corners. Sods law being what it is, Ben and John somehow combined to let the pearoller dribble into the goal. It barely hit the backboard but unfortunately they all count.

Undeterred we continued to fight tooth and nail to hold out for a draw. By now it was evident that our lack of fitness was showing and we were soaking up wave after wave of attack. Despite this the defence (from the whole team) remained outstanding and Winchester were limited to few real chances. As the Winchester crowd became increasingly anxious and time ticked away Winchester's midfielder broke free into the D and scored with a superb reverse stick strike which flew high into the net. A fine individual goal worthy of winning any contest but, nonetheless, a cruel blow. The quality of the 3s performance was evident from the huge roar that greeted the goal from Winchester's fans and the obvious relief of their team.

Hardly had we restarted when the final whistle was blown. A mixture of great disappointment and pleasure grabbed us at the final whistle. Despite the defeat positives can be taken into the Eds game. Winchester beat us 9 -1 in the first game of the season in a no contest. This time we were within a minute or two off a deserved draw and performed very well in the first game back after Christmas. More of the same against the Eds and in the weeks that follow and we will definitely move sharply up the league table.

Man of the match: Ben and John (despite their combined efforts in letting the lamest short corner into the goal).

Dick of the day: Mark N (for his superb effort to gift his credit card to the general public).

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