Hounslow Wolves v AFC Grove

18th September 2022

Hounslow Wolves 7-2 AFC Grove

Starting XI: Killian, Ridwan, Mo, Aiden M, Rahul, Harms, Abdali, Sanjit (C), Rudy, Milad, Tamim

Subs: Bilal, Sergio

Through what was probably the hottest summer of pre-season, the season was finally underway. After a successful transfer window with some late deadline day drama, the gaffer and the backroom staff were pleased with their efforts. The season kicked off against AFC Grove in the Division 1 of the Middlesex County league. Both teams new to this division so would be a good test for both.

With kick off about to commence at the Wolves new home ground Heston School, and the nets just about hanging on by spare electrical tape, the teams observed a minute silence in memory of Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II. Now formalities out of the way, the game kicked off with exactly what the gaffer ordered, 16 seconds in, new recruit Kurdish international Milad comfortably finished a lofted a through ball from Aiden M to make it 1-0. An electric start for the Wolves, which really gave them the confidence to build on the lead, and it didn't take long to make it 2. Skipper Sanjit neatly tucked home from the edge of the box after some scintillating build up play in the oppositions half. The Wolves sensed an opportunity to really put the game beyond AFC Grove, with waves and waves of attack. A free kick was handed to them on the halfway line, in which Tambo stepped up and put on plate for Milad who unselfishly headed across for Rudy to bang home. 3-0. This wasn't nothing short than what the Wolves deserved here, tirelessly winning second balls and not giving AFC a sniff. A dubious penalty call awarded by the referee, won by Milad, gave the Wolves another opportunity to further their lead. Tambo stepped up and converted. 4-0. And as the half time whistle approached, fair play to the AFC lads, they grew themselves into the game, creating somewhat of a momentum shift, but no goal to justify them and the half ended 4-0.

Gaffer Rishi thrilled with joy, but somewhat unimpressed with the last 10 minutes of the half and knew there was more to build on. A few changes from the gaffer, Ridwan forced off due to prior commitments whom was replaced by Bilal, and Rudy dropped into RB. Harms off for Sergio after picking up a head injury. The Half time talk was all about who would score the next goal, and not giving the opposition a chance to grow back into the game and concentrating on the clean sheet.

With the second half underway, the Wolves seemingly took their foot of the gas ever so slightly, and the gaps that weren't there in the first half started to open and this led to a few chances for AFC. Eventually they got their rewards. From a Wolves corner, AFC counter attacked in which the Wolves defense was caught out and their striker latched on and neatly finished. 4-1. The Wolves needed to take control of the game and slow it down, which was shouted out by the side-lines and then echoed on the pitch. The Wolves once again were pressing high up the pitch and started getting up towards the oppositions box. Wolves were then rewarded again with a neatly executed 'press 1' with Sergio nicking the ball of their defender before sliding in Milad, Who once again tucked home. 5-1. After this goal the Wolves really started playing some great football and just oozed confidence against a technically competent AFC Grove. Goals again began to flow, with Rahul bombing down the left wing and delivering into the box, in which Bilal coolly finished into the near post. 6-1. And in very similar fashion minutes later, Rahul delivered again and Bilal this time finished with his backside to double his tally. 7-1. With the final minutes drawing out, AFC got continually frustrated by the Wolves playing out the back, but this time winning a corner, with the corner taken the defense cleared but not far enough, dropping to the AFC no.6 who smashed home, through the legs of Killian (who will be disappointed).7-2. And Full time.

A convincing win against a competitive AFC grove, who hadn't quite hit the ground running yet, but all credit to the boys as there were outstanding from start to finish and really set a benchmark for the season. All 13 lads were amazing, and it was hard to pick a MoM, but the coaching staff chose the hardest man at the club, Rudy, duly deserved. The Wolves travel to Stonebridge next to face Wembley Rangers.

MOTM

Rudy