Match Report: AFC Wallasey Town V Sandbrook The new nets glistened in the evening sun, the players arrived buzzing for the first home game, the supporters congregated in the new home end, AFC Wallasey Town had arrived in style at Central Park..The question is, who gave us that tiny changing room? People were putting on each others socks. Were AFC Wallasey Town, its taking a while to sink in with the decision makers, but were kind of a big deal. Anyway, the side was announced and Jay OConnors transfer had finally gone through...so it was great not only to have a keeper, but also to not have to beg the outfield players for a stand-in while they avoid eye contact or pretend they have a manly hand injury. Jay said hed been looking forward to the game all day, welcome to Wallasey Town mate - we now own your daydreams. The teamtalk was centred around the terrific finish on Sunday in the 4-4 draw and carrying it on rather than gifting the opposition a head start. The atmosphere in the cupboard suggested we were more prepared and when we popped out onto the pitch and the whistle went - it was time to prove it. Sandbrook, fresh from a 4-2 win on the opening day started confidently and in the first few minutes had a couple of dangerous attacks - but the noise on the pitch was one of togetherness and this time heads didnt drop and shape wasnt lost. Instead Wallasey attacked and after a solid challenge from Dave Sullivan the ball fell to Lee Davey who poked it through to Sam Courtney..Sam positioned himself to strike it but instead executed a disguised chip which caught the keeper out and although he got a hand to it, it bounced in for a tremendous opener !! 1-0 Wallasey Town Spirits were really high now and the new pairing on the right of Mike Cunningham and Adam Hanaghan were offering great service to the front men. Ben Speed and Courtney were too much to handle up top and when Speed played Courtney through there was only going to be one outcome. Full of confidence after his opener, Courtney took his time and calmly slotted home his second. 2-0 Wallasey Town. With Matty Morris and Sullivan taking control of the midfield and Will Armstrong and Mark Cullimore unbreakable at the back, there seemed no way through for Sandbrook. What happened next was whats known as a crime to football. Sam Cournteys pace took him onto a throughball and rather than take it further he spotted the keeper off his line. As Sam struck the ball, the ref blew for offside but Sam had been yards onside ....the ball flew into the far corner for what should have been a hat trick. At this point though its right to say fair play to the ref who knew by the outcry from the supporters and players that it was a wrong call , he held his hands up and said he gave what he thought was the right decision and apologised if it was wrong. However, not giving a throw in because the linesman doesnt look convinced is very upsetting for a linesman whos trying to help out. The answer is in the direction of the flag pointing, not sincerity in the eyes. Im not holding the flag again. *Wipes eyes* At the other end the ball came into the area and struck Cullimore and the ref blew for a handball and a penalty. As weve had four keepers, its good to see more outfield players confident with their handling in the area. I say see it, I missed it. I was getting Lee Daveys right footed shot from the bowling green. Anyway, they scored 2-1 Wallasey Town. Half Time The lads came in frustrated that a game that we seemed to be cruising hadnt already been finished off. But it was agreed that more of the same would see us through. As the second half started though, Sandbrook looked a different side altogether and were on top, pressing hard for the equaliser. Wallasey dug deep with Morris and Sullivan working tirelessly in midfield and Cullimore and Armstrong making several last ditch blocks. In goal, new signing OConnor was having a great game commanding his box and this ensured the spell of pressure didnt get the rewards. Breaking forward Wallasey looked quick and Tom Freeman was getting into his stride, linking up with Davey down the left. Freeman has an awesome cross and when a Davey pass following some fantastic skill found him near the corner flag, he whipped in a terrific ball that was headed in at the back post..no sorry, it was headed in BY the far post. Freeman rightly celebrated like it was a shot, but it was relief for Town - a goal we really needed. 3-1 Wallasey ! Substitute Danny Burke was on and making his debut and looked very quick and sharp. Now, hes going to be an asset to the club as he returns to fitness from a time out of the game and its clear he has skill that has graced a very decent level, but he missed a tap in and I have to include it. Ben Speed was absolutely everywhere tonight and the crowd, who by the way were pretty big in number because we are full on popular, agreed that if anyone deserved a goal it was him. So when Cullimore found himself in the box again and squared it to Speed there was great celebration when he finished it past the keeper. The first of many for Speed. Get in. 4-1 Town. The rest of the game was scrappy and although Sanbrook were beaten, they continued to press and when a cross came in we had another bout of am I the keeper?! from Adam Hanaghan who handled for the second penalty. Everyone, just to confirm - JAY IS THE GOALIE. The only way Jay was being beaten was by a penalty and they got their consolation.. 4-2 Wallasey The last few minutes were great to watch, plenty of flicks and short passing from Wallasey. Trevithick, offering his usual hold up play and aerial threat helped Town keep possession and the result was very much in the bag. There was a minor heated moment following a poor and frustrated challenge on a Wallasey player and Armstrong was booked for his input, but the players managed to keep their heads and it didnt boil over. As the final whistle went this was proved with handshakes all round and Wallasey had recorded a very good win over an impressive side. We return to Central Park this coming Sunday at 11am to play Cavendish, its a bank holiday monday so all are welcome to join together for a couple of drinks afterwards to relax and enjoy the long weekend. Kids, partners, families and friends are all welcome and please everyone keep coming down to the game and being a part of it, its great seeing people getting involved. Viva Wallasey Town !!
Posted on: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 22:28:25 +0000
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