Friday 11 May 2012

Wandsworth Athletic: Spring 2012




Read the latest report from South-West London         


Some promising signs, but ultimately disappointment. This would appear to be the précis de nos jours for Wandsworth’s current performances. The Spring campaign down the Lane was once again dominated by under par results, but with just enough sprinkling of encouragement to keep fans optimistic for the remainder of the year.

It could have all started so differently had Wandsworth not thrown away a golden opportunity to get the season off to a winning start. Playing the new side on the block, Wandsworth were clearly the superior outfit, but struggled against the quick feet of their old nemesis known as Jordan. The boys in white should have won though. Despite a decent 11 goal haul, the slow start and some comical defending meant the late surge was not enough, and it finished 11-12.

There was improved effort next time out, but another loss followed, and it was a rather miserable three out of three when Wandsworth succumbed to Putney the week after. It was that much harder to take considering the shameful and embarrassing behaviour of Putney’s aging forward with the monk hairstyle. He was eventually put in his place, but this occurred 50 minutes too late.

Finally there was solace though, as the best display on the campaign against Mitford resulted in an emphatic 19-4 victory. Liam ‘Lahm’ O’Brien, now a regular in the side, produced a monumental showcase of powerful forward play, netting a remarkable 13 times.

Momentum slowed however, as Wandsworth battled manfully against Gammon but ended up three goals adrift at the final whistle. Chris O’Brien, brother of Liam, had proudly made his Wandsworth debut the previous week, immediately proving himself a huge hit with his wholehearted and courageous style of play. Against Gammon though, it all ended in the most callous manner. O’Brien, as always, went in for a 50-50 challenge with everything he had, willing to give his all for the team cause. It was an innocuous incident, but O’Brien went down in clear distress and was carried from the field. News was later received, and it was horrible and unjust. A serious knee and shin injury had occurred, and O’Brien’s immediate future in the game cruelly and inexplicably ended. While luck was not on his side, if there’s one thing O’Brien doesn’t lack it’s determination and heart, and everyone connected with Wandsworth will have no doubt that he will come back a stronger (which is saying something given some impressive gym work) man.

A fixture postponement next week was probably helpful when all things were considered, but a much-changed side couldn’t use the week’s rest to good use in the following fixture, despite an impressive showing against the eventual runners-up. There was more positive news though, as talismanic forward Andrew Michel made his long awaited return from injury. It had been a painstaking route back for Michel, but his determination and desire to once again pull on the white shirt was to be hugely admired. Michel never stopped believing, turning up for every league game to cheer on his boyhood side, and there was fittingly a champagne moment as the boisterous number nine slotted home a crisp comeback goal.

Injuries and comebacks were something of a theme for this period; Chris O’Brien was of course utterly luckless, and Sasan Molaie’s prolonged absence continued as his lengthy shoulder rehabilitation rumbled on. Although thankfully Wandsworth’s number 2 was able to open his designer wallet and splash out for a top reconstructive surgeon. Significantly, Alex ‘Sand Dunes’ Platt missed the whole campaign with shin problems that still require accurate diagnosis, and James Platt was restricted to three appearances with ongoing shin and groin issues. Wandsworth, of course, have so many wonderful attributes, but if there’s one thing they don’t possess, it’s any sort of luck with injuries.

Finally, a long overdue three points was recorded next, with a hard fought win over a resolute Sham Marino side. It was a strong team performance, with young Frank Pearce making an impressive debut. Sadly, disappointment returned seven days later as the South-West Londoners lost a game they should have won.

A victory was desperately needed in the season’s concluding fixture, yet perhaps fittingly Wandsworth threw away a strong start to end the game with a 5-5 draw. It really was so apt; great football in patches, much potential, but ultimately a feeling of what could have been. Given the proud history of this club, a final tally of 10 points was not really up to scratch.

Optimism does genuinely continue though, with the hope of key players returning to full form and fitness. A settled, balanced team would certainly be a huge boost, and the sluggish Spring season was characterised by a constantly changing side; a staggering 15 players donned the famous white jersey over this period. Ben ‘Romeo’ Lewis, Joey ‘Le Don’ Hancock and Kyle Soulsby topped the appearance charts, and their commitment was noted, whilst Liam O’Brien secured the golden boot, thanks largely to that memorable night against Mitford.

The Wandsworth faithful will hope for more nights like that over the forthcoming weeks. It’s time for some summer football.



End of season statistics (compiled by Andrew Michel)

Games Won: 3
Games Drawn: 1
Games Lost: 6
Goals Scored: 68
Goals Conceded: 80

Appearances:

Matthew Snelling:  7
Ben Lewis:  9
Zaid Shoubber:  6
Joey Hancock:  9
Andrew Michel:  4
Ricky Tavares:  1
James Platt:  3
Kyle Soulsby:  9
Tim Rickard:  1
Liam O'Brien:  7
Chris O'Brien:  2
James Jarrett:  1
Frank Pearce:  1
Chris Gates:  1
Joe Bright:  1

Goals:

Ben Lewis:  2
Zaid Shoubber:  3
Joey Hancock:  5
Andrew Michel:  6
Ricky Tavares:  1
James Platt:  9
Kyle Soulsby:  10
Tim Rickard:  3
Liam O'Brien:  26
Chris O'Brien:  3
James Jarrett:  1

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