It’s a frosty start to proceedings welcoming us back to our home turf. Despite the cold weather and the need to move to keep warm, there was some reluctancy to step in as referee until Nick volunteered, which then created a raft of other offers to help out, sadly all too late. We have a full squad this week so keeping the players warm is the main priority…….”could one of them not ref?” was a muttering amongst some parents.

Early dominance by Wanderers with crosses and corners aplenty but no way through just yet. Another chance from the left whipped in by Deven and this time Miles finishes it off for a deserved lead. Some fantastic passing between the players is keeping us in control. Out of nowhere Kites are through on goal and it takes some great reflexes by Henry in goal and a last ditch tackle by Ewan at the end of the quarter.

Except Henry in goal, it’s a whole new team for the second quarter, all keen to get warmed up. Some continued good passing from Wanderers is creating chances but we are starting to leave a few gaps at the back. It does lead to a goal for Kites which did feel like it was coming. A misplaced pass straight after gifts Kites another and we are holding on now. A clear swing in proceedings. The growing confidence in Kites leads to another goal and it’s a dominant period for the visitors.

More changes and this time it’s Stanley taking the gloves. Shay is putting his body on the line and takes an early knock to the face and has to be replaced by Henry. Wanderers are showing a fighting spirit, it feels like a goal is coming. Following a raft of chances it’s eventually Deven who pulls one back for the Green and White army. Wanderes are passing it out nicely from the back, resulting in the ball being thread through to Deven and it’s another goal. In a blink of an eye, a cross from the left is thumped into the roof of the net by Miles. Ewan’s pace is needed right at the death to finish the quarter leading to a great period for Linslade.

Into the final quarter and this game could go either way. Wanderers look better balanced this time and it’s end to end stuff. The next goal feels like it could be crucial. Great battling by Albi in midfield who is going toe to toe with the Kites midfield. Theo bursts through with the ball and it takes a few to stop him, winning a free kick on the edge of the box. Alfie fancies this and is inches away from finding the top corner. How long is left? Time is ticking and we give away a penalty at the death, oh no! Stanley is standing tall and watches the shot sail wide, phew! The whistle blows. A deserved victory for Wanderers, a little closer than it should have been but the players are delighted with the victory.