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Wolves 10-men perform heroics against table topping Hough End… forget the score

The 300 Spartans vs Persia at Thermopylae, Welsh Fusiliers vs the Zulu nation at Rourke’s Drift, TE Lawrence and his band of Arab guerrillas vs the Turks all over Arabia â€" none of these bore any resemblance to Sunday’s final home encounter of the season vs title and double-chasing Hough End.

The only comparison to those notable rearguards, would be the heroic performance of the 10-men of Wolves, who for long stretches of the match, not only held Hough End to scoreless periods, they created clear goal-scoring opportunities themselves. The biggest shame of the day was not the 9 goals Hough End scored, it was that Wolves didn’t get the goal their desire and commitment surely deserved.

A reshaped defence saw the more than welcome return of the big man, Ollie Towle. After a few weeks’ absence Ollie “missed nothing” all game. Strong tackles here and there, defensive headers there and here and clouting clearances repelled many a Hough End invasion, a performance to net him the Man of the Match. Next to him, Henry had his customary combative match, pushing forward at will with timely intervention and sureness of foot.

On the flanks, Harry C was Chopper Clare yet again, almost demented tenaciousness topped off with a howitzer clearance or two. On the left, Meshach had a simply brilliant match. One particular sliding tackle, a last ditch, last man, last gasp moment of defensive prowess was timed to almost Swiss-like precision, easily the tackle of the season. His effort, passing and movement was a joy to behold.

Behind these defensive behemoths, Paddy’s first half goal keeping was reminiscent of Jam Tomszewski’s miracle performance vs England in ’73. No fault lay with him for any of the goals and only a selfless and brave dive diverting a Hough End charge, twinged his back and forced him to the sidelines for the first part of the 2nd half.

Up front, Jacob’s P and B were again tireless in their work. Chasing and harrying and creating some excellent positions down the Brennan flanks, ensured Hough needed to be on their toes to protect their End….so to speak. Ollie C in unfamiliar left-half position worked hard and diligently with Meshach, creating great threats on the left. Though try as they might, chances to Jacob P and B just didn’t quite fall. Jacob BH had a couple of openings in the first half and then manfully took the green shirt for ‘keeper duties after the break and some fine stops he made too.

In the middle of the park, as he has so often, Harry S covered every blade in an effort to make up for the “11th man”. Lung-busting runs and constant battling were mixed with deft touches, neat passing , timely interceptions and the now customary long range free kick at goal. This time, Harry S launched what turned out to be almost the last kick of the game, towards the top corner only for the opposition keeper to parry the shot to safety.

The way the team kept going, and going and then going again was something to be proud of. Their desire to keep trying and stay committed to the end, without the head-drop is something they should take a huge amount of credit for.

The last home game was over, the gorgeous spring sunshine had sapped the strength and watered the brows though the team had finished victorious in many ways. It will be odd to have to wait over four weeks to meet Hough End away in the season finale, though with a repeat of effort like this on a bigger pitch, and 11-men to call upon, anything could happen…. Possibly.