Old Wykehamist Football Club

Having being knocked out of the Cup in deepest Essex last week after a decent run, it was essential that we refocused on the league and the race for promotion. It was the turn of the Old Berkhamstedians, who started the day one point behind us, to visit an immaculate Doggers and they were duly blown away by a superb all-round team performance.

In the first half, with the Woks playing up the slope, both teams struggled initially to find their rhythm. Berkhamsted had an early chance to take the lead but Ed Duncan held on well to a powerful header. A shrewd tactical switch from captain Webbe matched Nick Dunn and Ed Palmer against their two biggest players in the centre of midfield and, as the half progressed, the Woks began to find their passes and created the best of the chances. Skinner dominated down his right flank providing scoring opportunities for Wheal and Foster upfront. Berkhamsted looked dangerous from corners and long throw-ins but the defence dealt with everything that came into the box. It finished goalless at half time.

With the slope now in our favour, the Woks started the second half strongly and we didn’t have to wait long for the opening goal. On a mission to score his first goal of the season, Underwood stormed into the box and it was all the defender could do to stop the ball with his hand. Foster dispatched the penalty past the “large” keeper with his usual coolness. Our second followed soon after, Vernon broke though the middle but had his shot saved. From the resulting throw, a quick interchange between Skinner and Vernon down the right allowed the young Bristolian to cross for Foster to head home.

2-0 up and cruising when Ed Palmer decided to put the game beyond doubt. Foster’s backheel flick found Palmer 25 yards out, who controlled on the knee before firing a dipping volley into the far corner of the net. Vernon then added a fourth after smart work from White and Foster.

Throughout the match our defence of Christofides, Rann, Webbe and Underwood held firm, rarely missing a header or tackle against a pair of tricky strikers. Berkhamsted did manage a consolation goal but it was another Wykehamist on the score sheet as the ball dropped in of an extremely unlucky Jamie Rann. Final score 4-1.

This was a match stuffed full of positives and should give us the confidence to go on and win the remaining games of the season.