Hounslow Wolves v Ivy Leaf

11th October 2020

Wolves 1-6 Ivy Leaf

What a difference a week makes. After flying high last week, Wolves came crashing down to earth this weekend after a thumping defeat by experienced WD Ivy Leaf 2nds.

Despite having 4 or 5 1st team players missing, as well as manager Rishi, Wolves were full of confidence after a good training session on Wednesday. We were met however by an organised and well drilled side, wounded from throwing away a 3-0 lead last weekend. Wolves never got out of the starting blocks and were lucky to go to go into half time at only 4-0 down. Defensively exposed and unable to play hold ball up top, we looked devoid of ideas and creativity. It looked as if Ivy leaf could have picked us off at will. Some last-ditch tackles kept the score within reach and a drastic formation change was made by assistant Arun. Switching to a 4-4-2, Gurj and Adam were brought on for some energy and some much-needed support up top. Despite holding our own for the first 20 minutes of the second half, Ivy grabbed a 5th, much against the run of play. Captain Sanj continued to rally the troops and Wolves played the next 15 minutes like they had last week. Ivy Leaf seemed complacent and Wolves were creating a lot through the trickery of H playing his first game of the season. After some exciting play, it was indeed H who cut through Ivy at will, slotting the ball past the keeper. Wolves sensed they could get more but were unable to, leaving Ivy Leaf to counter and score a 6th. Not a fair result of the second half but the damage was already done. Again, it is clear of the vast potential here at Wolves. Individually it could be argued Wolves were better all over the park, but as a team, we were miles off the pace. Ivy Leaf are an experienced team, with quite possibly 4 or 5 first teamers playing. This result is more important than the week before and has given the club a real reality check. The mood in camp is still positive and we will go again Wednesday. The changes will be rung no doubt and with a lot of returning players, it’s all up for grabs.

We go again next week - A tough Wishing Well side will want to pounce on this result but we will do all we can to prevent it. No Man of the Match today but notable performances from Dylan, Rahul and Gurj when he came on.

MOTM - N/A