A largely forgettable campaign for the South-West Londoners
Season 61 at Rocks Lane was one that never really got going for Wandsworth Athletic, resulting in a final summary featuring a couple of highs, some lows and lots of indifferent feelings.
The first encounter perhaps gave the most apt synopsis, as Wandsworth played some decent stuff at times but ultimately lost the game due to thoroughly lackadaisical defending. This fixture did see the return of goalkeeper Matt Snelling, which was a welcome and timely boost, but Wandsworth’s refusal to deviate from a suicidal high line cost them dearly.
The mood didn’t really lighten the following week, as Wandsworth found themselves on the end of a comprehensive defeat to eventual league winners Putney Playboys. There were marked improvements defensively, with the players showing admirable discipline, but ultimately the result was never in doubt. Wandsworth also had to contend with a wholly despicable specimen, brimming with the type of pathetic aggression fuelled by personal inadequacies. An unpleasant experience all round.
The nadir of the campaign was to follow the next week, as Wandworth produced arguably their worst display in a proud seven year history. Against a side of wretched, cocksure adolescents, Wandsworth failed to use their superior strength and experience, succumbing in embarrassing fashion. It was a game to forget.
The season as a whole was disjointed and stop-start in nature, and Wandsworth were denied the chance to respond the following week due to postponement. With treacherous weather sweeping across England, this was not the first abandonment, and as appears de rigueur for Wandsworth, injuries remained rampant. Tim ‘Chang’ Rickard (back), Alex ‘Sand Dunes’ Platt (shin), James Platt (shin and groin) and Ben ‘Romeo’ Lewis (groin) all suffered knocks, while Joey ‘Le Don’ Hancock was absent at the season’s end due to off-field commitments.
The Christmas break was next, and Wandsworth returned to action in January determined to restore the pride and endeavour which befits their famous white jersey. There was to be another defeat first up in 2012, but the signs of improvement were clear. Despite the customary slow start, the South-West Londoners displayed the type of passing, movement and tough tackling that have long been the club’s trademark.
It was the same story the following week, as Wandsworth again suffered defeat but displayed a notable step up in quality against the always impressive Jerry Curl. Last season’s champions clearly approached this fixture as a freebie, and were shocked to discover Wandsworth in uncompromising mood. Rickard set the tone, living up to his reputation as arguably the league’s most unpopular player. Adored by the Wandsworth faithful, but reviled by his opponents; a summary viewed by Rickard most definitely as a compliment.
Despite being awarded a victory for the earlier fixture abandonment, Wandsworth were desperate for their first on-pitch points of the season and they finally arrived courtesy of a scrappy 12-7 victory over WDC United. This was not a high-quality duel, but one where victory was paramount. Goals from Kyle Soulsby, James Platt, Hancock, Rickard and Zaid Shoubber secured the game.
The upward trajectory then continued, albeit at a delayed rate, with a hard-fought 10-10 draw with Gammon. Wandsworth were unlucky not to gain all three points, surging back from the inevitable slack start to end the fixture booked in for bed and breakfast in the Gammon half. This was more like it. A strong, physical approach. Limitless effort and character. Swift, counter-attacking football. Where had this type of play been for the previous two months?
Fittingly after this drastic improvement, Wandsworth ended the campaign on a high, winning an entertaining, if error-strewn, encounter. Loanee Liam O’Brien was key, producing his best ever display in the white shirt. O’Brien bullied the opposition defence and helped himself to six crucial strikes. The game also saw Lewis secure his first goals of the season, capping a fine all round performance. It was one to impress his female following.
With two automatic three point victories due to postponement, Wandsworth finished the season with statistics of four wins, one draw and five defeats. It was not a season to remember for the Rocks Lane faithful, but given the appalling start, Wandsworth demonstrated strong character and resolve to turn matters around. They must now build on this and improve on some of the basics which are letting the side down: concentration, focus, finishing and keeping possession.
End of season statistics (compiled by Andrew Michel)
Final Position: 7th
Games Won: 4
Games Drawn: 1
Games Lost: 5
Goals Scored: 78
Goals Conceded: 103
Appearances:
Matthew Snelling: 7
Ben Lewis: 4
Alex Platt: 7
Zaid Shoubber: 8
Kyle Soulsby: 7
Joey Hancock: 5
James Platt: 7
James Jarrett: 2
Liam O’Brien: 3
Tim Rickard: 2
Goals scored:
Ben Lewis: 2
Alex Platt: 6
Zaid Shoubber: 7
Kyle Soulsby: 24
Joey Hancock: 5
James Platt: 11
James Jarrett: 1
Tim Rickard: 3
Liam O’Brien: 8
A disappointing and uncharacteristic season for Wandsworth. However I feel that once James ‘Gaffer’ Platt and Ben ‘Romeo’ Lewis are back to full fitness, Alex ‘Sand Dunes’ Platt returns from injury, and Tim ‘Chang’ Rickard finds a place in the first team squad, things will surely improve. And of course, who can forget the long awaited return of Wandsworth hitman - Andy ‘Pala’ Michel!
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