Archived- WW- Match Report (06/05/09) v Battyeford (Away) Last Game of Season

Wyke pulled out an amazing performance to get a much needed and confidence boosting win over Battyeford tonight. Battyeford had run out winners by 7 goals to 2 at Wyke Manor, and Wyke new they would have to work hard to pick up anything from the match. However they did, a picked up a brilliant 4-2 win. Battyeford have been rivals with Wyke since under 8’s in terms of abilities, and every game has been a tightly contested affair, but this time Wyke were by far the better team and fully deserved their win.

Wyke started off once again with the 4-3-3 formation which worked reasonably well against YMCA on Tuesday. They had most of the attack, and for the first 10 minutes of the game Battyeford were on the back foot and couldn’t get the ball out of their half. Wyke Wanderers continued the pressure, with the three pronged attack of Connor Rhodes, Tai Pedder and Scott Morris playing some beautiful football. Wyke were rewarded for their domination, when a fine cross from Connor was easily buried away by Scott Morris. Tai Pedder then had a shot saved as did Connor Rhodes, but it was brilliant to see so much attacking football from Wyke, whilst the Wyke defence were putting in a steady performance at the back. Wyke were again rewarded with another goal, which Connor Rhodes slotted away with ease, and Wyke were now cruising. Tai, Connor and Scott all had further chances to extend the lead, and Matty Dignam put a shot narrowly over the bar.

Credit has to be given to the midfield for Wyke’s dominance. Nathan Khan, Dom Pickersgill and Jake Gilderdale were working their socks off in the middle of the park, and really they were winning 90% of the balls in the air (Something which the two games v YMCA will have helped us improve). Wyke simply wanted it more, and were desperately unlucky to let a goal in from a corner, which was struck well into the far corner, and was just a little too high for Danny McGregor to get. The Defensive partnership between Joe McLoughlin and Owen Hanson was looking as strong as ever, and it was apparent the two lads are gaining an understanding of how to work together which was fantastic to see. Also it helps when full backs Matty Dignam and Danny McGregor are letting nothing past them down the wings. All four defenders were playing excellently together and Battyeford literally couldn’t get through. Joe Couble in goals had a relatively easy game in goals, but did well to come out and collect a few through-balls. Also Joe McLoughlin came to the rescue with a diving header goal-line clearance which meant Wyke led at the interval.

Half Time 2-1 to Wyke
Here’s a stat!! Wyke have won every game this season, in which they were leading at half time…. Must be the team talks!!

Wyke certainly showed they have turned a corner in terms of weak 2nd half displays. They went out with the same enthusiasm and heart with which they showed in the first half. Tai Pedder whipped in a few excellent corners, and Wyke were unlucky not to score from them. Scott Morris was having the game of his life in the middle of the attack, and continued to play some great through balls onto Tai and Connor who were making use of the wings. Wyke could have had another three or four goals, however Battyeford were now starting to attack even more. Battyeford came out of the second half much more positive, and it showed in their football, they started to attack in strength and caused Wyke a few problems at times. However the back four were faultless today, and made some key interceptions and clearances, which instantly meant Wyke were on the attack again, and Battyeford had to track back.

Connor found the net for the second time during the game, with about 18 minutes to go, and this proved a massive blow for Battyeford, who really might have found their way back into the game after having a couple of half-chances.

Wyke had another couple of chances, but couldn’t quite score to put the game to bed. Sub Quinn Riley came on and made an instant impact, with a couple of chances, and then he managed to strike the ball underneath the keeper’s arms to give Wyke a fourth goal.

Now Wyke found themselves defending their lead with 4 minutes to go, however Battyeford found a way through, and a well placed header gave Battyeford a lifeline. However it was too late for them to get back into the game, and Wyke were deservedly awarded the three points. Not enough to avoid relegation, but it was a great effort, and showed what good footballers the lads are when they put their mind to it.

Manager Comments

Absolutely delighted with the result today, and also the performance. Big smile on my face!! You’ve done me and Andy (and your parents…and Wyke Wanderers) PROUD tonight…

We battled and worked hard throughout the match, and it just shows what hard work and commitment can achieve. We have had a very hard season, and today I saw how much we have come on and improved as a team, and that has come from playing against strong teams like YMCA and Linthwaite etc. We won nearly every ball today and that’s what won us the game. I think we learnt that from YMCA matches, that we have to challenge and go for it. Division 2 here we come!!!

Man of the Match.

1. Scott Morris- 2nd MOM in 2 days for Scott. Scott was brilliant today, he is so fit and energetic and gets all over the pitch, however today he was the architect for most of our attacking moves, he played some lovely balls out to Connor and Tai, also creating a few through balls. Not just that, he was also so strong into every tackle, and challenged every ball. It was the best individual performance that I have seen this season from any player.

2. Connor Rhodes. Connor is growing into a natural goalscorer, he had a few chances to score, and gave Wyke two crucial goals, and he also set up Scott Morris’ goal. Connor was brilliant down the left side today and he caused so many problems for the Battyeford defence, with his strength and speed. His dribbling was outstanding, but his crossing was even better, and really Wyke could have had three or four goals simply from his dangerous and well placed crosses.

SORRY FOR LONG MATCH REPORT…. BUT I THOUGHT WITH IT BEING THE LAST ONE TIL NEXT SEPTEMBER, AND BECAUSE OF OUR WIN, I WOULD MAKE IT LONGER… THANKS FOR READING ALL OF THEM THIS SEASON.