M&T Jaguars vs Whiteley Wanderers – 2nd April ’23

It looked very much like this game wouldn’t get played again after a week of rain but somehow the pitch was just about playable to welcome Whiteley to the rec.

We are very grateful that Whiteley made a real effort to get this game on too as otherwise we would need another venue in May.

The game started well for the Jaguars as we created a few chances early on.

We opened the scoring quite early when a low shot from James deceived the keeper as it bounced into the net.

The second followed soon after when Harrison hit a first time shot. Again the conditions didn’t help the keeper as the ball squirmed in.

The keeper made amends with some great saves later on.

15 minutes in we made our switches. The Manager put Theo up front and he scored within minutes. The Manager definitely takes all the credit there

Halftime Jaguars 3-0 Whiteley

It was key to start the second half strongly as the next goal would be crucial. If we scored it, it was game over but if Whiteley got it then they would rally hard.

Whiteley played some good stuff as they tried to get back into the game. The defensive trio of Ollie, Thomas and Riley had to be outstanding to keep them out.

The pressure was relieved when AJ and his tenacity got us a goal. Some delightful skills from Harrison on the right put James away and he crossed for AJ to finish.

AJ got his second soon after. His shot crept over the line. It was close but the referee and the spectators in line all said it was a yard over. Coincidentally my watch vibrates at the exact same time and for a minute I thought we had upgraded to goal line technology

We kept on pushing and got our best goal of the game. The pace of Harry and AJ on a counter attack was blistering (or is that splintering Ollie?) and some smart play from Harry put AJ through. The keeper saved but Harry was on hand to score like any good striker.

A nice way to wrap the game up.

Full time Jaguars 6-0 Whiteley

With Eddie, Mally, Lloyd and William all missing today, this was a fantastic team performance and we adapted to the conditions really well.

Rowan

Did everything he needed to do in a more than competent way. His distribution from hand was spot on.

Riley

One of his best games for the Jaguars. Took command at the back in Eddie’s absence and listened well to the coaching from the sides.

Thomas

Superb game today and really stepped up again. Never once looked indecisive and controlled every situation. Solid.

Theo

Played all over the pitch today and looked brilliant in every position. His go in midfield showed off his footwork and quick distribution.

Aidan

Had a really good tussle with a good opponent today. She was fast and skillful but Aidan more than coped. We always miss his energy when he isn’t on the pitch.

James

Yet another calmly taken goal and a nice assist too. At times in the first half Whiteley struggled with his strength.

Glyn

Played exactly how we needed him to today. He won the midfield battle but didn’t try too much on the ball on a sticky pitch. Distributed the ball into all the right places

Ollie

Outstanding today. Won 90% of his tackles but his reading of the game today was exceptional. He always seemed to be in the right place and once he won it he did something positive with it. Hit some proper bangers at goal too.

Harrison

Some real touches of class this morning. The stand out bits of skill in the lead up to AJs first goal. Nice calm finish for his goal.

AJ

Gets better and better every game. Learning that wing position he gives it a real good go and listens well to the coaching. 2 more goals for him. We can’t wait to see him properly next season.

Harry

Harry has come far in just a few weeks. Getting his head up more now and creating for his team mates.

Deserved his goal at the end.

William

Absolute legend! After being poorly all week, William kitted up to join his team mates just in case we got injuries. Big clubman points for this and he came on for 5 minutes at the end.

Player of the Day

Thomas, Harrison and Glyn received votes for player of the day. AJ and Theo were joint runners up but by quite a lot of votes, Ollie deservedly got player of the day today. His second half performance was sensational and the only thing missing was for his 40 yard screamer to have gone top bins.

Well played Ollie and great game Jaguars.