Hounslow Wolves v FC Willesden

31st October 2021

Hounslow Wolves XI 2-5 FC Willesden

Despite the torrential downpours overnight, Hounslow Wolves XI set off to Acton, not once contemplating potentially “not turning up”. As always, the XI were warmed up early, looking sharp before the oppo had ever turned up. There was plenty of optimism with continued additions to the squad, despite losing skipper Adam and Ish to the 1s, Marcus away and the persistent injury curse that has seen several Wolves players hampered. Despite today being top vs bottom, Manager Deano with coaches Jat and Jagz insisted this is just another game, another game for us to grow and show what we have worked on in training 

Despite a dominant first 20 minutes, Wolves found them selves 3-0 down. As usual the difference was quality in the final 3rd. Skipper for the day Ash looked composed with eventual MOTM Gugs, but we just cant cut teams open. Willesden had 3 chances 3 powerful strong runs, too much for us to cope with and despite keeper Mario on fine form, it was clear to see why this team will probably win the league. We held tight for the next 20 but another trickled in to make it 4 just before half time.

There was no point looking at errors. You cant help being undone by better teams, but what we could help is our goal threat and creating opportunities. Anil came on for Raj and immediately made a difference in the second half. Raj will be an excellent addition to Wolves in time, its just the constant chopping and changing, conditions, and style of play just did suit today. Anil was bringing players in to the game, linking well with the midfield and his partner up top, debutant Harj.

For the 4th time out of 5 this season, Wolves came alive in the second half. A lot more ebb and flow, a lot more chances, just not clinical again. Willesden scored the goal of the game with an excellent cross and header for 5, but Wolves powered on, scoring 2 excellent goals through Ash and Anil. Another 30 mins and the fitness could have got us more.

 Jatty and Bhullar came on to add even more energy, with Jat looking assured at the back adding that little bit of composure we have been crying out for. No different story this week. Wolves just not strong enough, just not quick enough and just not clinical enough. Our energy is high, our determination is high but its clear certain players need to do that extra bit. Willesden wanted to score. They wanted 7 and 8. We wanted to go home. 5-2 is a fair result, but Wolves would have beat most teams in the league today , despite the average performance. There is no point picking out individual errors – This is a team game. If we don’t score, we lose. If we make a mistake, we concede. There is huge potential. 6 players to come back, and the bottom 7 teams to play.  

Yes we feel sorry for ourselves again, but the tide is turning. Every week we see growth. No team trains harder than Wolves. No teams are fitter. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

Goal scorers: Ash, Anil

MOTM: Gugs