Wasps March On To Round 3

After suffering from the poor weather for the past month, the Wasps were finally ready to get our season back up and running in this second round League Cup fixture. We welcomed Division 4 opposition Mahal FC, who have been flying in their league and scoring plenty of goals, so would be a stern test. With the Wasps missing Ben in goal, we were very thankfully for Ethan stepping into the role.

It was very pleasing to see that their was no cobwebs or rustiness in our performance and we looked to take the game to Mahal from the first minute. Two early, identical, long range strikes from Jake caught the keeper off guard to give us a strong foothold in the game. Although Mahal snatched a goal back mid way through the half, it was only a rare attack as the Wasps midfield worked hard to win our tackles and the defence stayed solid.

With Harry being a real thorn in the side of the Mahal back line, he was able to win us a penalty after being fouled in the box. Unfortunately, Taylor was unable to convert and saw his penalty go over the bar. He soon made amends though minutes later with a delightful long range effort, which saw him scoop the bar high into the far corner from outside the box to make it a 3-1 half time lead.

Wasps came out second half with a fiery determination to add to our lead. With the unfortunate loss of Alfie early in the second half to injury, this saw Luke take his chance up front and was rewarded with a goal, following in on the line after more good work from Harry.

We added three late goals to secure our 3rd round passage later in the half. Jamie smashed home a beautifully struck free kick from long range and Taylor secured his brace after neat footwork from Harry saw him take on his man and lay it on a plate for Taylor to strike home. Kieran got in on the act too when a clearance from a corner fell to him a long way out the box. With one touch to compose himself, his long range effort was unstoppable into the top corner to seal the rout. Mahal snatched a late consolation goal to make it 7-2.

A tremendous all round performance with player of the match awards going to Harry and Jake. It was great to welcome Alex back from injury and pleasing to see such a solid performance from Ethan in goal too. 5 of the 7 Wasps goals coming from long range efforts was also pleasing for all to see.

We now march into the next round to face our pre season opponents, Halesowen Town Colts from Division one.