The day was a little chilly, with a chance of rain, but the clouds held and it was dry for the approach to the game. A 12.00 kick-off and centre stage on pitch 2 for this week's challenge against Buxton Comets.
We knew the Comets were a capable team, but with a full team the Wasps could more than match their opponents.
Sadly, Jacob was still unavailable, and with The Bees providing support for the Hornets on pitch 3, the Wasps were without a substitute yet again.
So, the Wasps lined up with the familiar:
Frankie in goal, Sam & Alexander in defence, Dylan left midfield, Alfie on the right, and Kai & Rocco up front, the same formation that reaped rewards a couple of weeks ago and gave the Hornets something to think about last week.
Pass & move rondo and shooting practice to warm up. The seven Wasps looked in fine spirits. The message this week was to play your best, as part of the team, but most importantly, enjoy the game.
The whistle went to signal the start of the first half, the Wasps passed the ball confidently initially, but something wasn't clicking. A few loose passes and the Comets were on the front foot. The Wasps were struggling to absorb the oppositions pressure on our back line and get the ball clear. We were playing in our half of the pitch, something we have been working to resolve from the start of the season.
For the first time in a number of weeks the defence looked shaken. In true team spirit, Dylan, Alfie & Kai were tracking back to cover, and Frankie was there to block, parry & maintain the final line of defence.
The Comets were packing the midfield and attacking in droves, but with some dogged defending from all, the ball fell at Dylans feet just inside the Wasps half. The customary Dylan turn, and the Comets were chasing back. A shimmy and on to the left foot, Dylans new boots were officially christened. The Wasps were back on track.
A period of Wasps pressure followed, Dylan the provider from the left, Rocco & Kai unlucky not to hit the target. Alfie from the right, and exchange with Kai, and our silent assassin also unlucky not to be on the score sheet.
The whistle goes to end the first half with the Wasps looking dominant.
Half time regroup, words of confidence from the coaches to play how they finished the first half.
The second half began with a flavour of the first. Comets pressure, Wasps driving forward on the break.
The Comets force forward and a very unfortunate ricochet hits Alexander's hand. Without the benefit of cameras and VAR, the referee awards a free kick at the edge of the area. We haven't arranged a wall in training, but what was impressive was the team formed a wall, looked to Frankie in goal to assess if their positioning was right.
Even with the pressure facing them the Wasps as always were looking to move forward. Rocco always at the heart of the break, Kai, Alfie & Dylan bursting forward finding the pockets of space, and when given the opportunity Rocco struck home clinically.
Today the Wasps struggled getting the ball out of their own half, and holding onto possession, perhaps a sign of the lack of midweek training. What the Wasps did show is determined performance, playing as a unit, and displaying a ruthlessness on the break.
There were a few wobbles at the back, but all the team pulled together. Every Wasp played their part and gave their all.
The player of the match as we have said so often before, could have gone to any of them, but for his consistent display, determined to prevent the ball crossing the line, the player of the match went to Frankie.
Well done Frankie!!
We go again next week Wasps!
⚽️ 💛🖤💛🖤⚽️
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