Wandsworth Athletic recently completely their third campaign following the return to league action in November 2010, and it was another season of ups, but arguably more downs. The end of season statistics read three wins, two draws and five defeats, and after a promising start the former champions lost momentum and focus to finish disappointingly.
A fantastic first half display against Magic Monkeys in the season opener was arguably the high point, as Wandsworth demonstrated the type of control, discipline and attacking fluency which has long been the club’s trademark. However, a collapse saw Monkeys sneak a 12-9 win, and this kind of late demise was unfortunately a regular occurrence.
Two thumping wins over Olympic Waterloo were enjoyed by all, particularly an emphatic 22-2 victory early on. But a shocking 16-8 defeat to Sanchez towards the season’s end was a definite low point; too often possession was needlessly given away, while the defending lacked concentration and aggression.
Nonetheless, Wandsworth will take forward many positives into the new campaign, which sees the club return to the division where it all started six years ago. Fond memories abound. Joey ‘The Don’ Hancock has sustained his progress, finishing top scorer with 21 goals, while Kyle ‘Tourist’ Soulsby continues to develop his role as a relentless presence in the middle of the park. Liam O’Brien produced a number of impressive performances, building on his reputation as an enforcer not to be messed with. A mention should also been given to Ben ‘The Engine’ Lewis, who recorded his best ever goal scoring season with nine memorable strikes.
Wandsworth will welcome back Alex ‘Junior’ Platt and Zaid Shoubber into the squad on a permanent basis, which is a timely and welcome boost. Still missing though are key players Andy Michel, Tim ‘Tank’ Rickard, Sasan Molaie and Ricky Tavares.
Rumours have also been circulating that Wandsworth are undertaking behind-closed-doors training sessions in preparation for their European tour to Valencia in October, but the club would only release the following statement in response:
“The management of Wandsworth Athletic categorically refuse to comment on tabloid speculation concerning the organisation of extra training sessions and post-training nutrition.”
Reports indicate that players' mobile phones have been hacked by the News of the World to glean this information. The paper recently ran extracts from alleged conversations between Hancock and Molaie, following reports that Hancock had been thrown out of a London nightclub at 3am and was then seen disturbing the peace outside a local Lebanese takeaway. The club declined to comment.
Statistics for the season are listed below.
Final Position: 4th
Games Won: 3
Games Drawn: 2
Games Lost: 5
Goals For: 58
Goals Against: 59
End of Season Squad List
Appearances
Matthew Snelling: 8
Benjamin Lewis: 7
Kyle Soulsby: 8
Joseph Hancock: 10
James Platt: 8
Sam Lewis: 6
Liam O'Brien: 4
Alex Platt: 2
Zaid Shoubber: 2
Josh Dance: 2
Andrew Michel: 1
Misha Mantel: 1
David Lloyd: 1
Max Fernie: 1
Goals Scored
Benjamin Lewis: 9
Kyle Soulsby: 13
Joseph Hancock: 21
James Platt: 16
Sam Lewis: 6
Liam O'Brien: 7
Zaid Shoubber: 1
Misha Mantel: 3
David Lloyd: 1
Max Fernie: 5
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