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27/04/2019
Not a day for 'classic' football!
In dreadful ‘arctic’ like conditions on what was supposedly a spring day this was never going to be a day for classic football; Whaley entertaining Congleton in a typical penultimate ‘end-of-season’ fixture; both teams mid-table with the home side having already bagged 2 cups and the visitors looking to secure the CFL Presidents Cup in a May 8th final.
A reasonable turn-out under the circumstances stood for a minutes silence in respect for the late David Brogden, a long standing supporter from a footballing family; WBAFC express sincere condolences to the family.
Nowadays because the cricket and football seasons overlap significantly at both ends of the calendar, something else that’s straining local sport, several first team players disappointingly opted for cricket that was ultimately cancelled on the day in any case; that plus a couple of injuries did however afford Whaley the opportunity to introduce several Development squad lads who certainly didn’t let Whaley down.
Congleton got to grips with the conditions, gale force wind and driving rain, quicker than Whaley and although the visitors didn’t create any specific opportunities they were controlling the middle third and had a continued presence around Whaley’s penalty box. Stand in keeper Jamie Leaning looked more than comfortably when dealing with and collecting the many crosses that swung in but Whaley’s normally deadly duo of Leadbetter and Dwyer were both quiet today and could only muster shots from distance and generally the home side gave away possession far too often and too easily. The all-important first goal came against the wind when a Moore clearance fell in the path of the experienced Beuler whose optomistic left foot shot from 15 yards went hard and low between a defenders legs before zipping in at the foot of Whaley’s near post; 0-1 at half time.
With the gale force wind against this was not going to be an easy second half for Whaley and early substitutions meant that all five development lads were on the field. Whaley huffed and puffed and certainly didn’t lack effort but didn’t get any real change against a resilient Congleton defence but an outstanding performance from Leaning kept the score down and Whaley still in the game. Congleton did however manage a couple of late goals with the driving wind and rain to secure a win that in the end probably flattered the visitors. A 3 goal deficit wasn't a true reflection on the game although Whaley were somewhat disappointing but with such a changed team maybe that was to be expected. The development squad lads did themselves proud and in particular Golphin & Mason both battled away for the full 90 minutes; the effective Dillon Roberts held the ball up well and the skilful Jackson and O’Connell will no doubt also feature next week away at Billinge.
Man of the Match J Leaning
Leaning; Bailey; Sutton (c); Kay; Mason; Dwyer; Drayson; Golphin; Langford; O’Donnell; Leadbetter
Roberts 60; Jackson 60; Connell 60 |
