Wandsworth Athletic – Champions for the Second Time

Wandsworth Athletic secured their second title last night with an emphatic and comprehensive victory over arch rivals Magic Monkeys FC. It completed a marvellous unbeaten season for the club, which ended with eight victories and two draws. The ‘invincible’ campaign will now forever remain a proud moment in Wandsworth’s history.

The journey began in traumatic fashion, as a fixture with The Number 4 Kings ended in abandonment after club legend Sasan Molaie was brutally and cowardly hospitalised by Kings’ rank excuse for a footballer. The game eventually went down in the record books as 0-0, which was scant justice for the cruel nature in which Molaie’s season was ended before it began.

Wandsworth displayed immense character and togetherness though, pulling through to win a close encounter with Sanchez next time around; Ricky Tavares was key to the 8-5 victory, bagging a four goal haul. Sadly, this was to be inspirational forward Andy Michel’s final appearance of the campaign, as confirmation soon arrived that the knee injury he sustained at the end of the previous season was a serious one. Emotions were raw and mixed.

The following week was perhaps a defining moment though, as a threadbare Wandsworth found themselves staring down the barrel of a first ever defeat to Olympic Waterloo, trailing 8-5 with minimal time left in sweltering heat. The team of Matt Snelling, Ben Lewis, Tim Rickard, James Platt and Tavares demonstrated fantastic resolve, and fought back to secure a 9-9 draw in one of the most epic encounters ever seen at Rocks Lane. Rather than two points lost, this was very much one gained. Such a momentous display of fortitude, resolve and sheer willpower set the tone for the subsequent seven match winning streak which brought the title home.

A scrappy encounter with Paul McGrath’s Magicians was won 9-7, before Monkeys were convincingly dispatched 15-8 with Misha Mantel impressively hitting the back of the net five times, and Tavares and James Platt grabbing four apiece.

After a solid if unspectacular mid-term report, Wandsworth sped through the gears for the crucial title run-in and next up was a grudge encounter with The Number Four Kings. Tensions were running high prior to kick off, with Molaie and Michel brutally sidelined in the previous two games against this troublesome opponent. The presence of these Wandsworth stalwarts in the stands inspired those on pitch though, and a thoroughly polished and professional display secured a superb 9-5 victory. This tie unfortunately marked the end of Ben Lewis’ season as he underwent essential eye surgery, but the club was boosted by the welcome return of Mantel, the arrival of new Hungarian signing Istvan Borbely, and a three match loan spell from former tough-tackling midfielder George Rendel.

Sanchez were brushed aside 13-6 next, before the rematch against Olympic Waterloo ended with a hard fought 12-8 win. By this point, Wandsworth were showing ominous form. Snelling remained crucial in goal, pulling off vital saves at key moments. The defence in front of him, marshalled by Tim ‘Tank’ Rickard, was rock solid, allowing Mantel, James Platt and Borbely to pass their way through opposition midfields and chip in with important goals too. Up top, Tavares continued his stunning start to the season, firing in from all angles to ensure Wandsworth remained a potent force going forward.

With two games to go, Wandworth knew victories in both ties would secure their second championship trophy. The return of Alex Platt was a timely boost, and the club overcame a slow start to produce a professional showing against Paul McGrath’s Magicians. 9-2 was the final score, and this set up a mouth-watering final clash against Monkeys. Winner would take all.

If there were any anxious faces before the game, these were transformed into wide smiles as Wandsworth clinically dispatched their rivals in stunning fashion. Roared on by the crowd, and the injured Michel and Molaie, Wandsworth pressed early, won their tackles, passed the ball crisply and carved open chance after chance. Early goals from Tavares and Mantel settled the nerves, before Borbely, Rickard and James Platt added further strikes. Monkeys showed some early resolve, and at one stage the score stood at 2-1, but Wandsworth snuffed out any danger and ended the game rampant. Snelling was called upon to make a couple of important stops, and Alex Platt relentlessly hustled and challenged the Monkeys forwards with typical aggression, yet ultimately the result never looked in doubt. 11-3 was the final score and it was an emphatic and triumphant way to complete an unbeaten, title-winning season.

The squad was stretched at times during the campaign, and all of those who played a part should be commended. This success was undoubtedly a result of an entire football club pulling together. And with this level of ability on the pitch, and the remarkable spirit and comradeship off it, the prospect of further silverware is very, very real. Wandsworth Athletic go marching on.