Hounslow Wolves XI v North West Jets

18th September 2022

Hounslow Wolves XI 1-3 North West Jets

If anything could symbolise how far Hounslow Wolves have come in 1 season, it was this game on Sunday. The XI represented the club with pride and dignity, taking on a vastly experienced Jets team on a lovely day in Uxbridge.

This time last year, the 2 teams couldn't be further apart and Wolves XI were a shadow of what was seen today

September 2021, XI played their first ever game in Middlesex Sunday Division 4 against a poor Heston Celtic side. Wolves were outplayed losing 3-0. No fight, no hunger, no quality. On the other side of West London, North West Jets were playing in Division 3, winning 16-1 in their first game. Jets pushed the league the entire way, scoring over 100 goals and only narrowly missing the league title. Wolves on the other hand stumbled to 9 draws, scoring a measly 34 goals. Somehow in the leagues wisdom, XI have ended up in the same league as Jets, but this is a year on and Wolves are not the same pack as before.

After an excellent pre season, Wolves headed to Brunel full of high spirits despite the potential class of opposition. One thing Wolves have massively focused on this pre-season is depth. Despite having 7 regulars missing, Wolves were still able to boast a squad 16, still miles better than the team 12 months ago. One thing Gaffa Deano has installed is positions, formations and correct people in correct places. Gone are the days of moving players around, 10 substitutes and positional changes. We have a structure, players know their place and it tells. Saying that because of the numbers missing today, some changes were made but the players all know who they were plating with and how to play the XI way.

Wolves welcomes back keeper Kieren after a 4 week break, a back 4 of Ali, Karam, Bagga and Harps. In front of the Arun, who wore the Captains armband in Gugs absence, with Aiden and Justin just infront. A new front 3 saw Ash on the left, Dabeer on the right with Andre through the middle. The team talk was clear. We play to our level and our ability. We play at our pace and do not rise to Jets antics. We have incredible energy in Ash and Dabeer on the flanks with Andre working tirelessly to close everything down. Unfortunately, Mr Samuels the ref decided not to show so the clubs agreed to referee a half each. Never ideal, but we know it's a tough job so there will be no comments on the referee performance.

Wolves started with intent and played football not seen with the XI before. Andre was a nuisance the entire 90 minutes making life hard for the experienced Jets back line. Despite Jets goalscoring threat, Harps and Bagga rarely looked under pressure, and with the excellent out balls of Ali and Karam, play started from deep and worked well through the channels. Dabeer, last seasons Player of the Year, has been begging to show what he can do going forward and was given the chance today and what a decision that was. Jets could not cope with his power and pace, and after incredible work from Andre to get a shot away, Dabeer pounced showing more heart to give Wolves a deserved 1-0 lead. Jets already were at each other, at their own ref while Wolves remained composed. Unfortunately, some habits don't die, and Wolves who dropped 17 points from winning positions last season, quickly conceded from a hoof up top. Not deserved, but this would be a real test of the Wolves character. The half played out with not too many chances, despite the work rate and guile. Wolves still lack a little bit of quality in the final 3rd, but some swift passing just needed the final killer ball. Ash slightly off the pace from his all inclusive holiday and lading only 12 hours before delivered a few crosses, but we were unable to keep up and the balls were cleared. 1-1 HT

The coaching team of Joe, Nits and Deano reiterated not to lose our heads, and to keep doing what we are doing. Jets were shocked by the ability of the opponents and knew they would be in for a scrap. Unfortunately as so is often the case, Wolves couldn't pounce, and were just unable to break Jets down, 2 classy goals gave Jets a 3-1 lead and Wolves despite chances were unable to match them. Its positive to see that Jets had to really dig deep and produce moments of magic to defeat us. Wolves just lacked that final bit of quality, but through training and time, that will come. Jets will be up there at the end of the season, and based on this performance so will Wolves. With attacking players to return, the future looks Orange. Deano who isn't afraid to let the team know his thoughts was full of praise and couldn't fault the result. We always say if you lose to a better team, so be it. Maybe Jets aren't better, but we cannot fault our own performance. We jumped for every ball, chased every ball, and left it all on the pitch. Wolves showed character today and that's the fundamentals of a good team. The boys know the requirements - come to training, show you are committed and you will play. There will be days when players don't get on, players are left upset but they will fight harder in training to earn that spot.

Inter Manor next week, and with most players returning, spirits are high

MOTM

Ali