Back to WSW Reports

LEAGUE MATCH

12th Sept 2004 - PNU

Won Shot Wanderers FC (5 - 4) BLC FC

Damn it, we do like making life hard for ourselves. With all due respect to the opposition a 6-2 score would probably be a more accurate reflection of the way the game went.

Half way through the first half a succession of attempted clearances, which never materialised gifted the BLCs the lead. Very shortly afterwards the mercurial Alan Thornton had the Wonshots back on level terms after some fine build up play down along our left wing.

However, the Wonshots were at their indecisive best again soon after when at least four players failed to clear. The ball spun out to BLCs Wally who, and let's give credit where it is due, unleashed an unstoppable volley to the Wonshot net from all of 20 yards.

About 10 minutes from half time a looping backheader from Shea Mac, the likes of which I haven't seen scored since a baby-faced Bryan Robson did so for West Brom over a quarter of a century ago, put us back on level terms.

The Wonshots were firing on all guns now and about 5 minutes before half time, captain John Buckley leading by example got onto the end of a corner to give the Wonshots a 3-2 lead going in at half time. It was no more than the Wonshots deserved.

If the first half was full of dramatics then the second half matched or even outdid it.  The Wonshots pressed hard from the restart for a fourth. A combination of staunch opposition defending, crossbars, brave goalkeeping and good old fashioned bad luck delayed this goal for up to 20 minutes. When it did come it was almost inevitable that it was Thornton Jnr who provided it. This diminuitve lad turned in a display as good as WSW has ever seen, he was a clear Man of the Match and was only denied his hat-trick for most of the reasons already mentioned two sentences ago.

His combination play with Shea up front was always silken and at times almost magic. On one occasion Shea scorched the bar with a sizzler right from the end line, that deservedly brought gasps of amazement from all playing and all watching.

However soon after this the Wonshots were caught on a fine counter offensive by the Liverpudlian Canooks down along our left wing. When their cross came over it was flashed to the net to make it 4-3.

Quickly afterwards Matt McAteer who had a fine outing when introduced raced through to restore the Wonshots two goal lead.

However the drama was far from over and before the end BLC were awarded two VERY dubious penalties. Both from accidental handball. Luckily enough BLC only scored from one of these. When the curtain came down on this, at times heart stopping but always entertaining encounter the Wonshots had prevailed 5-4 for their first league win. 

While no member of the team did not acquit themselves admirably, on this occasion special mention has to be made of our attacking twin-head of Shea and Alan, as well as Darren Hogan in midfield whose engine seems to run and run forever.

MATCH REPORTER: John Buckley 

THE WON SHOT WANDERERS FC 2005