Third Time Unlucky

Wankas FC suffered their third straight defeat of the season on Sunday at the hands of Achievers. Playing with only 11 men, and occasionally reduced to 10 for short periods due to knocks throughout the game, WFC showed heart and resilience as they repeatedly absorbed the Achievers attack and played a smart, ball-control counter. WFC defended in numbers, did much better to keep the ball once possession was won, and managed several quickfire forays up the other end. But once again a lack of additional personnel would be their undoing. Confidently closing out the half 0-0, fatigue ultimately set in and led to players being caught in possession and offering up off-the-mark passes. Forced to defend in numbers inside their own box, a deflected shot would end up at the feet of an Achievers attacker who volleyed home. At 1-0, though, WFC continued to mount counter-attacks as the game opened up. But a failure to convert their occasional opportunities led to breaks the other way. A long swerving and dipping shot managed to squeeze under the crossbar to make it 2-0, and that seemed to really take the remaining wind out of the WFC sails. A late, ragged third goal inflated the scoreline to 3-0, but the WFC players on the field did themselves proud. If the remainder of the roster shows the same heart and confidence as displayed by those on Sunday, victories will soon arrive for WFC.

Special thanks to stand-in goalkeeper Jeff Schroeder, who had several terrific saves and deputized ably.