Sunday 26/4/2009
Grange United 3-1 Wellingborough Town

Goal Scorers: Matthew Howe

MOTM: Tom

Last game of the season today and the boys were given the option to pull positions out of a hat, or play a full strength side.

Credit to them, most opted to pull positions out of the hat and this is how we lined up:

Kristian (GK), Jack W1 (RB), Scott (CB), Tom (CB), Jim (LB), Raph (L-Mid), Charlie (CM), Ryan (CM), Kaise (R-Mid), Mat H (FWD), Joseph (FWD), Jack P (Sub), Jack W (Sub), Mattie (Sub).

The boys started shakily and the defence looked troubled to start with as Grange scored from almost the first attack.

Straight from Kick Off Wellingborough equalised after Kaise beat several Grange Players to cross for Matthew to tap in from 6yrds.

The Wellingborough defence composed themselves and started to look more solid.

Grange always looked dangerous on the break and Kristian made some fantastic 1-1 saves to deny the impressive Grange Forward.

Grange took the score 2-1 through a header from a corner after far too many Wellingborough Players stood ball watching.

2-1 Half Time. Jack P came on from Matthew, Jack W2 on for Charlie and Mattie on for Joseph.

Wellingborough were still creating chances in the second half, especially on the right where Kaise looked particularly menacing. Kaise had two shots well saved by the Grange Keeper and saw another come off the cross bar. Charlie and Raph both shot marginally over the bar.

The Grange forward was beating the Wellingborough defence for pace but Kristian, along with the brave Jack W1, was denying him time and time again.

Grange United scored another goal as Wellingborough Town started to look tired but a fantastic Team performance from the lads.

So there ends the Under 12 season. Not a bad season really, let down by a few results early on and maybe we could have done better, however as I write this report we are in third place and I will settle for that.

Thanks to all of the Parents and supporters for turning up week in week out. Special thanks to Rod and Terry for helping with the line and Linda and Tony for helping with the nets.

Have a Great Summer!

Martin

Friday 24/4/2009
Wellingborough Town 0-0 South Rushden

Goal Scorers:

MOTM: Kaise

Wellingborough Town dominated this game in terms of territory and possession but just could not find the net.

Most of the play was in the South Rushden half of the pitch and all though South Rushden did look to break, the Wellingborough defence never looked troubled and Kristian did not have a save to make.

When Wellingborough were in possession we kept the ball well for periods and played some nice football. Wellingborough Town did not really make full use of the big Dog & Duck pitch and most of the play went unsuccessfully down the middle of the pitch.

Ryan, Jack P and Tom all had chances in the second half but all failed to find the goal.

Credit to South Rushden, whilst they never looked like troubling the best defence in the league, they did get plenty of players behind the ball and were often first to the 50/50 balls.

Sunday 5/4/2009
Danesholm Vikings 0-3 Wellingborough Town

Goal Scorers: Joseph, Kaise, Jack W1

MOTM: Ryan

A good performance from Wellingborough Town who controlled the match and had lots of possession.

Ryan had two good early chances to put Wellingborough ahead shooting for the correct spot of the far post, but both shots went just wide. Jack W1 had a good chance as well but mis hit his shot.

Kaise came close in the first half with a powerful header bounced off the cross bar from a Charlie corner. Shortly after, Joseph Core scored after a scramble in the box from another corner.

0-1 Half Time

Wellingborough Town passed the ball a little better in the second half kicking down the slope. Kaise doubled the lead after a fine run from defence and finished with a fine shot into the bottom far corner of the Danesholm goal; Goal of the season for me so far!

Wellingborough continued with the pressure with Jack P hitting the bar with another header before Jack Whitlock secured the three points with a well taken volley.

Further speculative shots from Tom and Kaise were well saved and Jack W2 just missed out on another volley shortly before time.

Well Done Boys!

Sunday 29/3/2009
Grammarians 1-1 Wellingborough Town

Goal Scorers: Jack P

MOTM: Jack White

A good battle between two well organised teams today.

Wellingborough Town only had 11 players but held their own with Grammarians only creating a couple of clear cut chances.

The first half was battled out in the middle of the park with Wellingborough looking for the long ball a little too often kicking up the slope.

Grammarians went ahead after an unlucky deflection off a Wellingborough defender resulted in an own goal.

As we have seen many times this season, Wellingborough Town play better when they go behind and today was no different. After some good work on the right Ryan beat the offside trap playing Jack P through who calmly beat the Keeper one on one.

1-1 Half Time.

The second half was pretty much a stalemate with the Wellingborough defenders looking very solid with little getting through them. Any high balls that were played in were competently cleared up Christian in defence.

As the half wore on Wellingborough Town did start to look tired but the boys had done ever so well.

When Ryan and Tom linked up well in the dying minutes it looked like we might snatch victory but Tom's toe poke was picked up by the Grammarians keeper and the game finished 1-1.

Well Done boys!

Sunday 22/3/2009
Ise Lodge Kites 1-2 Wellingborough Town

Goal Scorers: Charlie, Jack P

MOTM: Kristian

Kicking into the wind Wellingborough Town started well, looking organised and composed on the ball.  Without the ball, Wellingborough Town worked hard and kept their shape well.

A pretty even first half saw Wellingborough Town concede a late corner from which Ise Lodge scored with a good header.

Wellingborough Town looked in control in the second half. 

Charlie Stewart scored with a cool finish after a lung busting chase from deep in midfield. 

Jack Patmore wrapped things up with a fine composed curling effort to complete the victory.

Well done boys, a tidy performance today. Special Mention to Jack White who had a good game with some great defensive headers, and also Kristian Plona who handled the ball well in the wind.

Sunday 15/3/2009
Wellingborough Town 2-1 Great Doddington

Goal Scorers: Ryan, Tom

MOTM: (Players) Kaise, (Managers) Charlie

Great Doddington started the better side and were winning most of the 50/ 50 balls.  Great Doddington went ahead after a lucky bounce caught the Wellingborough Town keeper out.

Wellingborough equalized after a good passing move through Betts.  Doddington came close hitting the post and having a goal ruled out for off side.

Wellingborough Town passed the ball better in the second half and had plenty of opportunities to score. Thomas Wing scored the Winner midway through the half.

Special Mention to the player man of the match Kaise who had a fantastic game, and also to my Man of the Match Charlie who showed fantastic attitude to chasing what many others would have considered lost causes.

Well Done Boys!

Sunday 08/3/2009
Wellingborough Town 5-1 Ise Lodge Kites

Goal Scorers: Jack P, Joseph (2), Jack W1, Kaise

MOTM: Whole Team (Special Mention to Joseph from his Teammates)

Tough conditions today with a strong wind blowing across the park. Kicking into the wind, Wellingborough Town did not settle as well as Ise Lodge Kites and struggled to keep the ball.

The games was pretty much end to end with neither side creating a clear cut chance but Ise Lodge were winning a lot of corners. Wellingborough struggled to keep the ball and when they did, were caught offside rather easily by the high Ise Lodge line and keen linesman.

Defensively, Wellingborough Town looked solid and kept their shape pretty well, with two clear banks of four that stood firm.

Midway through the first half Wellingborough Town got a bit of luck when Jack P's shot was caught by the Ise Lodge keeper, and then dropped. The ball some how continued to cross the line which just goes to show you need to shoot on target to score.

From the Kick off Wellingborough were straight back into the game but were caught out a few times by silly off sides (Which were off side boys and there is no point moaning about it!).

Towards the end of the half, Wellingborough Town again put themselves under pressure by conceding a corner. This resulted in a mish mash of shots, one of which resulted in an Ise Lodge Penalty for a handball.

In a good move by the Ise Lodge coach, he asked their Goalkeeper to take the Penalty Kick which he converted.

Shortly after, Wellingborough Town were unlucky not to have been awarded a Penalty themselves after an honest Jack P stayed on his feet despite the best attempts of the Ise Lodge defender to haul him down.

Half time Wellingborough Town 1-1 Ise Lodge Kites.

With the wind behind them Wellingborough Town looked a different team in the second half. The Wellingborough boys were first to the ball, winning more 50/50 balls and most importantly, putting passing moves together.

Joseph was bought into the game after a few weeks off with a broken arm and made and instant impact, scroring from a goalmouth scramble. After being in goal for the last few seasons he wasn't too sure how to celebrate!

Wellingborough were now well in control of the game and I don't recall Kristian having a shot to save in the second half.

After a well worked corner on the left, Charlie worked well with Jack P to send in a good ball for Kaise to thunder a fine header past the Ise Lodge Goalie, a real case of 'Pick that one out'.

Wellingborough were cruising by this point and players started to smell goals. Jack W2, Charlie, Raph and Ryan were all running their socks off, working hard for each other and creating space and opportunities.

When Ise Lodge failed to clear their lines and the ball fell to Joseph on the edge of the Penalty Area, he struck a sweet shot hard and low to the Keepers right to find the bottom right hand corner and seal the game.

Credit to Ise Lodge, they did try to push forward but Scott, Mattie, Kaise and Matthew H were well in control at the back.

Jack W2 wrapped things up with a few minutes to go with a typical burst into space and a shot on target which found the goal.

Well done boys! Another good second half performance!

Sunday 22/2/2009
Wollaston Vics 1-4 Wellingborough Town

Goal Scorers: Jack P, Ryan (2), Tom

MOTM: Whole Team

Wellingborough Town were pretty awesome today and played some very nice football.

From Kick off Wellingborough looked threatening, especially in the wide channels. The Wellingborough midfield and forwards were getting in behind the Wollaston defence time and time again, and a goal was certainly on the cards.

Wellingborough Town opened the scoring after Jack W2 won the ball, passed into the right channel for Ryan to attack the Space. Ryan beat his man and crossed the ball for Jack to tap home from 6 yards.

Jack was unlucky shortly after not to double the score, after a misplaced goal kick landed at his feet, only to see his shot not quite dip enough fly just over.

Wellingborough Towns defence were playing well as a unit, but Wollaston did have their chances and equalized on the stroke of half time.

1-1 Half Time.

Wellingborough came out in the second half looking for goals.

Jack missed an early opportunity when was played through. Ryan missed a couple of opportunities with the Wollaston keeper making good saves. But the positives were there for all to see, Wellingborough were passing the ball well and creating chance after chance.

Wellingborough took the lead after some nice passes in midfield between Raph and Charlie, created some space for Jack to play Ryan in to score.

Wellingborough scored again shortly after when a penalty area scramble, left the Wollaston keeper in no mans land, for Ryan to poke home from close range.

By now Wellingborough were well on top and totally bossing the midfield, creating space and opportunities. Wellingborough really could have scored a lot more goals than they did.

When Jack wa hauled down on the edge of the box, Charlie's free Kick went narrowly over. A second shot from Charlie was well saved by the Keeper.

Taylor, Raph, Ryan, Jack W1 and Jack W2 all had shots wide or saved by the Wollaston Keeper.

Tom finished things off scoring from with in the box to take the score 1-4 to Wellingborough Town.

Well done boys, lots to work on still but this is probably the best passing and moving that I have seen from this team!

Sunday 1/2/2009
Wellingborough Town 1-3 Grammarians

Goal Scorers: Jack W1

MOTM: Scott

Wellingborough Town were down to the bare bones of a side today, with two Keepers injured, and another player letting his team mates down by misbehaving and getting himself grounded!

I feared the worse, however, this was the perfect opportunity for some of the other players to put in a good performance.

Wellingborough Town started the game well with an early chance from Jack P which was saved well by the Grammarians Keeper.  The game was pretty even from here on with no team really threatening.

With Kaise in goal, the makeshift Wellingborough defence looked well organised, thanks to the kind of performance from Mattie that we have come to rely on. Mattie organised Scott, Tom and Jack W2 and kept them on their toes all game, getting himself into some excellent defensive positions.

Tom looked particularly confident on the ball and bringing the ball out from defence.

Wellingborough lacked bite in midfield and were losing many of the 50/50 balls. The Wellingborough Town midfield didn't seem like they wanted to put tackles in, or make them self available for the pass. Unfortunately this resulted in the forwards having to drop too deep, the team lost it's shape and we put unnecessary pressure on ourselves by not stretching the play.

Grammarians took the lead midway through the second half and seemed to step up a gear from here.

0-1 Half Time.

An early goal at the start of the second half gave Grammarians a 0-2 lead, and unfortunately, as we have seen far too many time this season, this is what made Wellingborough Town wake up.

Wellingborough Town battled back and battled hard. The midfield finally started to put some tackles in, Scott at right back was an absolute rock with some real bone crunchers.

Wellingborough had a number of good opportunities, Jack Whitlock in particular made a fantastic run from deep in midfield and was unlucky to see the ball take a bobble, and his shot drift wide.

Jack Patmore had a number of opportunities saved by the Keeper and Ryan Betts had an opportunity to score with a free kick but shot wide.

With another lung busting run from midfield, Jack Whitlock displayed a fantastic attitude to pull a goal back midway through the second half.

Wellingborough Town missed a number of further opportunities to equalise before Grammarians secured the win with a goal towards the end of the game.

Once again a good second half, but we really do need to ask questions about why we let teams go 0-2 up!

Sunday 11/1/2009
Ise Lodge 3-1 Wellingborough Town - County Cup

Goal Scorers:Tom

MOTM:Kristian

Both teams started well today with Ise Lode having more of the play, but Wellingborough Town defending well and looking organised.  One of the areas that has let us down this season is losing the team shape and players chasing the ball all over the park. This was a massive improvement this week as Wellingborough Town kept their shape well.

Ise Lodge took the lead after the Wellingborough Town back four were caught square. The boys learnt for this and it did not happen again with Kaise dropping deep to sweep.

Wellingborough Town did not have too many attacking opportunities in the first half with the whole team being forced to defend deeply within their own half. However the communication was brilliant today and the boys organised themselves well, marshaled by Kaise and Mattie.

Kristian made a number of fine saves to keep Wellingborough in the game, the best of which he made a high dive to his left to punch a curling free kick away from danger.

1-0 at Half Time.

Wellingborough Town caught Ise Lodge on the break early in the second half scoring an equalizer through Tom. Ise Lodge continued to threaten but Wellingborough Town looked solid in defence and the centre of the park.

Ise Lodge scored to take the game to 2-1 before Wellingborough Town had a clear penalty decision for handball turned down.

Pushing forward Kaise found himself one on one with the Ise Keeper and appeared to be chopped down from behind. Once again the referee waved play on and Ise Lodge were let off.

in the second half and had two penalty appeals turned down. Ise Lodge scored two late goals to give them a 3-1 victory

Wellingborough Town carried on battling and Ise Lodge scored a third goal to give them a 3-1 victory.

This was without a doubt the best defensive performance that Wellingborough Town have displayed this season and hopefully a building block for the rest of the season.

Well Done Boys!

Sunday 30/11/2008
Great Doddington 0-1 Wellingborough Town

Goal Scorers: Ryan,

MOTM: Joseph

Tough conditions today for both teams with freezing cold weather and a sloping, heavy pitch which made it difficult. 

Playing with the slope, Wellingborough Town started well with shots from Betts, Patmore, Wing all saved well by the stand in Doddington Keeper. More pressure from Wellingborough with Lewis, Patmore and Whitlock all shooting wide.

Betts put Wellingborough ahead with a good finish to send Wellingborough into the lead 0-1 at Half Time.

Kicking up the hill in the second half, the game was more scrappy. Neither team passed the ball well on a deteriorating pitch which was very heavy and slippery.

Joseph came in to the centre of midfield and did very well, strong in the tackle and some very brave headers; all though he will need to work on his fitness if he is to last a full 60 minutes.

Betts and Patmore both had a few chances in the second half, both with shots straight at the Keeper.

The Wellingborough defence had little to do and easily kept the Doddington forwards quiet. I don't recall the debutant Kristian having to make a save all game.

Well done to both teams for trying their best in the difficult conditions today.

Sunday 23/11/2008
Wellingborough Town 3-2 Obelisk United (County Cup)

Goal Scorers: Ryan, Kaise , Jack P

MOTM: Whole Team: Joseph, Jack W2, Kaise, Mattie, Jim, Taylor, Jack W1, Raph, Tom, Jack P, Ryan

Wellingborough Town struggled for a team today and fielded only 11, with several players asked to play in unfamiliar positions.  It was therefore no wonder that Obelisk started the game the brighter.

Wellingborough struggled with the basics of keeping their shape and passing the ball well. 

Obelisk scored twice with scrappy goals, and I am sure the boys will agree, they should have done better to prevent the goals.

Obelisk went in 0-2 at half time.

Wellingborough started the second half a lot better and and keeping their shape and therefore creating a lot more space in the middle of the Park.

Wellingborough dominated both possession and territory and with Kaise being switched to up front, his pace caused the Obelisk all sorts of problems.

An early well taken goal from Ryan put Wellingborough back into the game and Obelisk started to panic.  

Wellingborough were totally dominating the game by this point and the make shift defence of Jack W2, Tom, Mattie, Jim had little to do other than mop up the long balls up field and make their tackles.

Kaise equalised mid way through the second half after chesting a fine ball from Raph, turning and firing home from 10 yards.

Wellingborough were firing on all cylinders at this stage and Jack W1 worked his socks off in centre midfield, winning tackles and closing every thing down.

Late into the second half, Ryan was bought down on the edge of the box. Ryan promptly delivered a good free Kick across the face of the goal with plenty of Wellingborough players queuing up.

Jack gambled on the far post, and snatched the win with a header for Wellingborough Town two minutes from time.

The inevitable defending in the last two minutes was nerve wracking but Joseph caught everything that came his way.

This was a fantastic second half team performance from Wellingborough Town, and every one of the players is a little hero and should be very proud of themselves!

Sunday 16/11/2008
Wellingborough Town 5-2 Desborough Town (Friendly)

Goal Scorers: Jack P (2), Ryan, Charlie, Raph

MOTM: Scott

Wellingborough Town played host to Division 3 League leader Desborough Town in a Friendly today.

Wellingborough started the brighter and passed the ball well in midfield. Ryan opened the scoring after just a couple of minutes chipping in from a tight angle.

Wellingborough had plenty of shooting opportunities but Desborough packed out the box and Wellingborough often looked for one pass too many.

1-0 at Half Time.

Desborough Town started the better in the second half pulling a goal back quickly.

Wellingborough settled in to their game and pulled 4 back through Jack P (2), Charlie and a rare goal from Raph.

Desborough pulled a late consolation goal back.

Well done to both teams!

It was a good team performance but a special mention to a few people who stood out today:

Kaise - Always Immense but even more so today!

Jack W1 - Great game at centre back -well done with your communication!

Scott - Great debut mate! Will push Jack W1 for the right back position.

Jack P - A real handful up front bullying the opposition defenders.

Sunday 10/11/2008
Wellingborough Town 4-6 Grange

Goal Scorers:Taylor, Kaise, Rhys, Tom

MOTM:

A good close game from two groups of players who battled hard from start to finish.  First half goals from Taylor Marston and Kaise John Lewis left the teams level at 2-2 for Half Time.

Plenty of more goals in the second half with Rhys Day and Thomas Wing scoring for Wellingborough. 

Grange out scored Wellingborough to give them a 6-4 victory.

Sunday 19/10/2008 - League Cup
Wellingborough Town 1-4 Thrapston Town

Goal Scorers: Rhys

MOTM: Ryan

Wellingborough Town played hosts to Last years Winners Thrapston Town in the first round of the League Cup.  I hope the boys have woken up to day and realised what an opportunity they have missed because the game was a lot closer than the score line may suggest.

Wellingborough Town got off to a really slow start and was not helped by players arriving late and starting the game without a proper warm up.  Thrapston looked far more up for the game from Kick Off, beating the Wellingborough Players to both the first and second balls.

That said, the usual suspects of Mattie, Kaise and Jack W1 were strong and appeared to be the only Wellingborough players who had turned up and wanted to play.

The first Thrapston goal came from a sloppy Wellingborough mistake. One of the boys had his hand up high and to the side and left the referee with no choice other than to award a free kick on the edge of the box. This was an awful place to concede a needless free kick and the Thrapston player struck the ball well leaving Joseph little chance of saving.

Thrapston ,with their noses in front, looked the better side at this point.  Thrapston passed the ball better, moved off the ball better and were quicker to the ball . It was really only Ryan that showed any kind of controlled aggression and really looked like he wanted to win the match single handedly.  

Wellingborough were misplacing too many passes and as is generally the case when a team is under pressure, were looking to hoof the ball up field ,which only resulted in giving possession away to the opposition. That said, the boys were holding their own and containing the Thrapston attacks.

One big difference for me between the two teams was how well the Thrapston players talked to each other, you could hear them all over the pitch helping each other out. 

The second Thrapston goal could easily have been prevented if the Wellingborough defence had spoken to the Goal Keeper (or vice versa) and cleared the ball.  As it happens they both left it for each other and Thrapston went 0-2 up.

Shortly after Wellingborough went 0-3 down after the Wellingborough defender casually watched his opposition player receive the ball, walk past him and cross the ball for a good finish from the edge of the box.

At half time it was looking like it could have been a rout for Thrapston, however the boys realised we have been in this position before and accepted that they were not playing well.  The spirits of most of the lads were still high and they were up for the challenge in the second half.

Wellingborough Town looked like a different team in the second half.  The midfield were competing for the 50/50 balls and coming out on top, promptly supported by their team mates supporting them for the second ball.  Wellingborough looked particularly effective on the left side of the park with Jack W 2,  Jack P and Ryan linking up particularly well and backing each other up.

Wellingborough looked to break on a few occasions and Rhys, Ryan, Jack and Charlie were all judged to have been off side in separate attacks.  It wasn’t long before Wellingborough broke the high Thrapston line with some good work on the left which, allowed Rhys through. 

After breaking clear of the Thrapston defence Rhys coolly rounded the keeper to smash home from two yards.

The game was pretty even from here on with the Wellingborough defence of Jack W1, Kaise, Mattie and Jack W 2 looking particularly calm and strong.  In the middle of the park, the midfield did their job, closing down quickly and getting their passing game together.  Jim came on for Brady and played his part on the right side of midfield.  Tom came  back on for the injured Raph and chased everything in the centre of the park.

Late in to the game another free kick was awarded to Thrapston after a needless challenge on the edge of the box.  The Thrapston delivery was good and a clear call was given by their forward who headed home. Once again the goal could have been avoided had we not of conceded a needless free kick, but possibly also if the nearest defender had attacked the ball.

The game finished Wellingborough Town 1-4 Thrapston Town and the boys can certainly hold their heads up high after the second half performance.

For me, Wellingborough can learn a few things from today’s performance. 

Firstly, don’t be put off by reputations before a ball is even kicked.  Thrapston are in the division above but we matched them in many areas of the park.

Secondly, learn from the way the Thrapston players talked to each other to helped their team mates out and encouraged them.

Thirdly, three of the goals were down to our own silly mistakes on the edge of our own box. If we had cut them out, then maybe we would have drawn with them!

Well Done Boys.

Click here to read the Thrapston Town Managers report.

Sunday 12/10/2008 - County Cup
Corby Kingswood 4- 8 Wellingborough Town

Goal Scorers: Ryan (3), Charlie, Rhys (4)

MOTM: Jack Whitlock

Wellingborough Town started well with Ryan chasing down a shot and scoring after 43 seconds. Two minutes later Ryan scored his second before Kingswood pulled one back through some sloppy Wellingborough defending.

Wellingborough looked comfortable and settled down quickly. The Wellingborough midfield were strong and passed the ball well, giving the strikers plenty to chase after.

Ryan completed his hat trick before Kingswood pulled another back, once again through some poor defending from a corner, when four players were caught ball watching.

2-3 at half time.

Changes were made at half time to give all of the lads a good game. Rhys on for Taylor, Kaise on for Brady and Raph on Matthew.

As in the first half, Wellingborough Town started well, this time Rhys scored almost immediately.

Charlie also got himself on the score sheet tapping home from close range after Ben had made a fantastic run down the right wing.

Kingswood then pulled another back to take the score to 3-6.

Jack W and Mattie were both awesome at the back, both making some good tackles and joining in with the attacking play.

Rhys bagged another two goals and Kingswood pulled another back to take the final score to 4-8.

It was good game to watch today. I was pleased to see the team keeps its shape in the second half. It is easy in games like these, for players to get carried going forwards leaving the defence exposed.

Well done boys!

Sunday 21/9/2008
Wellingborough Town 2-0 Danesholme Vikings

Goal Scorers: Rhys (2)

MOTM: Mattie

A comfortable game for Wellingborough Town today which they won at a Canter.

The game started pretty evenly with neither team threatening in the early stages. Wellingborough passed the ball well from the start with Tom on the left looking particularly comfortable on the ball.

The Wellingborough back four of Jack, Kaise, Matthew and MOM Mattie looked good defending and on the ball.

As Danesholme tired Wellingborough stepped up a gear and took 1-0 lead after Rhys beat the offside trap to coolly score.

The score was doubled towards the end of the first half after a fine move involving Raph and an excellent defence splitting pass from Ryan.

Changes were made at half time and Wellingborough never really got out of second gear in the half.

Many Wellingborough players had one on one chances which were not taken but at the other end Danesholme could not find their way past Mattie and Kaise.

Wellingborough continued to pass the ball well in all areas and really dominated the second half.

The boys failed to increase the scoreline but this was still a good performance from all.

Sunday 14/9/2008
South Rushden 3-2 Wellingborough Town

Goal Scorers: Rhys, Kaise

MOTM: Charlie / Jack W1

A disappointing first half for Wellingborough left the too much to do get anything from this game.

Wellingborough were second to everything in the first half and left the defending to each other. South Rushden went ahead on their first attack ahead after the Wellingborough midfield stood watching. A goal almost identical to the one Wollaston scored the week before.

South Rushden increased their lead mid way through the second half after some poor defending from a corner.

Ryan came close with a couple of chances but other than that Wellingborough offered little.

The boys showed some character in the second half and came out fighting. Straight from the Kick Off Wellingborough came close with efforts from Rhys and Ryan.

The Wellingborough midfield closed South Rushden down quicker and stopped them from playing balls through to their pacy attackers.

Rhys had lots of opportunities and quickly converted one to put the game 1-2.

Shortly after the Ref awarded a penalty to South Rushden after Mattie made what looked like a perfectly good challenge. 1-3 South Rushden.

This made the boys even more determined and the team changed to a 4-3-3 with Kaise leading the line. The Wellingborough midfield battled hard to win the ball and feed it to the strikers.

I spotted three handballs in the South Rushden penalty area but nothing was awarded (the ref said he played the advantage!).

Kaise managed to grab a goal back after the Keeper could only get one hand to the ball to take the score 2-3 but it was too late to snatch a draw.

Special Mention to Charlie and Jack W1 who were immense again today, tracking runners, closing down, over lapping on the flanks with non stop running.

A good second half performance which was slightly overshadowed by the sloppy first half.

Sunday 14/9/2008
Wellingborough Town 2-2 Wollaston Vics

Goal Scorers: Charlie, Kaise

MOTM: Jack P

An even game in which Wellingborough Town battled hard to salvage a stoppage time equalizer.

Wellingborough Town started slowly and all though the pitch did not help their style of play, they were second best for much of the first half. The Wellingborough midfield looked unsettled and often resorted it to hoofing up field.

Wollaston went ahead from a corner after Wellingborough failed to clear an easy ball, leaving Joseph helpless to stop a tap in from three yards.

Wellingborough sprung into life soon after the goal. Raph and Charlie were winning tackles in midfield and starting to make a few passes count. Jack P was making some good penetration on on the left channel and the Wollaston keeper made a good save 1 V 1 with Jack.

Wellingborough then had a goal ruled out after Rhys was adjudged to of been off side.

Wellingborough equalized after a scrap in the Wollaston box saw the ball land at Charlie's feet, who powered home from about 15 yards.

Wollaston soon went ahead again after Jim was beat for pace on the right and the 2nd covering defender was not close enough to halt the wingers run. The Wollaston winger crossed all too easily for a second tap in.

1-2 Half Time.

For the first period of the second half Wellingborough had their backs against the walls, but this brought out the best in the defenders. After the silly mistakes defending in the first half, the defence was superb in the second. Mattie and Kaise worked well as a partnership and backed each other up. Jack W1 was immense at right back, and as normal, didn't miss a tackle.

Jim did well on the left and and looked very composed on the ball.

As the game progressed Wellingborough looked stronger and stronger. Tom got in to the game more over on the right wing and started to close the tiring Wollaston defence down.

MOM Jack P didn't stop running for the whole game and was box to box for the full 60 minutes, putting in crosses and getting back to cover in defence.

Kaise was switched to a third striker and Wellingborough looked to use his pace. Time and time again he was through through 1 on 1 with the Keeper, first of all shooting over the bar and twice being blatantly bought down in the box, but no penalty was awarded.

Plenty of injury time was due to be added on after Tom put in a strong tackle on a Wollaston defender who took his time to recover.

Wollaston had no answer for Kaise's pace and after Raph played an early ball over the top, Kaise rushed on to it and finished calmly with what must have been the last kick of the game.

Wellingborough Town can play better than this and the two Wollaston goals came from silly Wellingborough mistakes. A great come back and a tremendous show of character from the Wellingborough players.

Sunday 07/9/2008
Higham Colts 0-4 Wellingborough Town

Goal Scorers: Rhys (4)

MOTM: Rhys

Wellingborough Town got the new season underway with an emphatic victory over Higham Colts.

The first half was an even affair with both teams threatening on the break.

Kicking down hill, Rhys came close with a shot that was saved at the near post, and Ryan was unlucky with an attempted lob which went just over the bar.

Most of the Higham play came down the right hand side and they look like they would threaten most teams with their left sided in swinging corners. Fortunately for Wellingborough, Kaise towered above all of the Higham players and cleaned up everything in the air.

Jack W1 was absolutely solid at right back and made several crunching tackles and Charlie did well at left back and also central mid when switched there.

Matthew did well to close down the defence when switched to Left back and won several important headers to keep the opposition out.

During the second half the Wellingborough Midfield stepped up a gear. Debutant Tom switched to the right side of Midfield and looked very comfortable, linking up well with Raph and playing some nice football. Jack P was moved to his favoured Left Mid and worked the channels well with Jim at left back and the two forwards.

Rhys was played through by the midfield and banged in goal after goal with some superb finishing; The best of the lot a cool lob over the Higham Keeper from 20 yards. Ryan backed up his strike partner well by making runs off the ball and taking defenders with him, creating space for Rhys to exploit.

As a team, Wellingborough worked hard to make their passes count and make themselves available for the pass back.

Special mention to Mattie on his debut who formed a formidable 'little and large' partnership with Kaise to give Wellingborough Town a clean sheet. It's great to see two players at the back who are not afraid to 'play football' and who also like to roll their sleeves up and get stuck in with tackles.

Also a special mention to Joseph who made a superb save from a Higham free Kick, but had little else to do other than keep his concentration.

Well Done Boys, a fantastic start to the season!