After earning a point against one of the top teams in this league last week, the M2s were well-prepared for the much tougher prospect of Wisbech 1s who are on a perfect streak so far this season. With availability strong across the club, we managed to field a particularly strong team, with depth across the field. Excitingly, I'm writing this report with the benefit of the match recording, so some of the things written here this week might actually represent what went on in the game, which is more than can be said for some of the reports I've written before...

After going down two goals early in the away leg, the starting aim was to fight for the 1v1s and keep some possession to control the game early. We more than did this and after fending off a few early Wisbech attacks, we found ourselves with early chances. A few of the players were particularly close: Pete's drag flick from a short & Ed's rebound on the reverse, Pete's clean strike from a drag flick rebound passed just wide, and Jack almost got a hit away on a half volley just in front of the keeper. However, Wisbech put together a nice string of passes around us, through the centre of the pitch and while Stan got a stick to it, there were too many opposition players there to finish it off. M2s went into half time 1-0 down, but with plenty of chances and counterplay it was all to play for.

The second half followed with more of the same - chances for both teams, but South were definitely under a little more pressure and were offered fewer chances. From a short corner mid-half, Wisbech sent the ball to their player running right post, but Pete's well-placed shin deflected the ball wide, leaving our hopes in Stan's hands. After some (unsuccessful) practice in the game last week, Stan managed to get a glove to their attempt and joyfully cleared it to keep the scoreline at 1-0. However, in the breakdown of another short, Wisbech got the ball to an unmarked player on the shoulder of the D, who skillfully sent it through the crowded D, down Stan's left and into the side netting to make it 2-0. Not to be defeated easily, the 2s responded shortly after with a build-up and D entrance down the left side of the field. A deflection from multiple Wisbech sticks left the ball at Jack's feet who put a shot on target which was quickly tidied up by Jonty. The momentum had turned in our favour, but Wisbech took their opportunities to hold the ball and run the clock down where they could and sadly the final whistle came before South could level the score. With two strong games against high quality opposition to start 2024, South will be going to Cambridge City 3s next week on the hunt for 3 points.