Match Report- 07/11/2010 v Batley Phoenix (Away- Reverse Fixture)

After a phenomenal performance last week, Wyke once again faced a tough test against Batley Phoenix who had won 4 games out of 5 before the encounter. Wyke had comfortably beaten Phoenix twice last season, however the side had improved vastly from last season and were already showing their ability in the league sitting in 3rd place.

Wyke managed to scrape a 3-2 victory, in a gritty and close encounter which both teams fought desperately hard to win.

Wyke once again started very strongly, this time with a goal in less than a minute. Damien Hields thread a ball through to Mikey Brooksbank, who turned on the ball rounding the last defender. He shot down the right and fired into the goal. Another perfect start for the Wanderers.

Chance after chance came to Wyke, as they dominated the match, but Connor and Mikey couldnt seem to extend their lead. Mikey made two crosses, firstly to Scott who fired wide on the back post, and then to Nathan who rose to head but was just out of reach.

It took Wyke until the 20th minute to get a second goal. Tai Pedder put in a great challenge to stop the counter attack and played the ball to Scott Morris, Scott played a great ball through to Connor Rhodes. Connor gained on the keeper, muscling off a defender and slotted it past him. Wyke now had a deserved two goal lead.

Batley did start to improve and became far more competitve in the middle of the park. They had a couple of chances to get back into the game, they were unlucky not to get a goal back when a shot deflected off Tai Pedder and it forced Joe McLoughlin to make an exceptionally good save. Batley then put a shot wide and there were a few scraps in the six yard box which could have found their way in, but Wyke had defended pretty well. Tai and Jake's partnership was getting everp-stronger. Louis and Matty were both playing very well, and Phoenix had very little play down the wings.

Wyke did manage to get a 3rd goal, with 27 minutes gone. Mikey Brooksbank played a fine diagonal through ball to Connor Rhodes. Connor raced through on goal and blasted the ball past the keeper. Wyke Wanderers were cruising here! Going into half time three goals to the good.

Half Time: Wyke 3-0 Batley Phoenix

Batley Phoenix came out with a strong performance, and proved they are no pushovers! They did well to win the ball in the middle of the park, and made it very hard for Nathan and Damien to win the ball. They managed to get a goal back after only six minutes. Tai mis-kicked a clearance, and the Batley striker punished him, by getting possession and firing it at Joe. Joe managed to get a hand to it, but it trickled into the bottom corner.

Batley, buoyed buy their latest goal, continued to give Wyke a hard time, the midfield were making it very hard for Nathan and Damien to play, and Phoenix seemed to be winning every ball in the middle. Scott Morris was once again working very hard, and Abel Mariwandi had come on as right winger and used his speed well to create a few problems for the Phoenix left back.

Wyke had their fare share of chances, Connor had a couple of chances, but put one wide and the other into the keeper's arms. Mikey also had a shot over the bar. The ball just didn’t seem to want to go in for the Wanderers!!

Phoenix came at Wyke again, and were rewarded with a second goal. It was a long range effort which hit the roof of the net, leaving Joe McLoughlin helpless to stop it going in.

Batley were now on top of the game. Mikey Brooksbank was put back into defence to try and help hold onto the lead. Joe McLoughlin had a steady performance and Jake, Louis and Matty put in some key challenges to keep the visitors hanging on.

Wyke had a few chances to get another goal, but both Mudiwa and Connor couldnt find the net. Mikey was sensational at the back, and Scott, Nathan and Damien also gave 100% for the last 5 minutes as Wyke managed to cling onto a 3-2 victory. Mickey Brooksbank put in a fantastic effort at the back and cut out any attacks very quickly.

Full Time- Wyke 3-2 Batley

Goals

Michael Brooksbank (1), Connor Rhodes (20,27)

Man of the Match
Michael Brooksbank: Mikey was fantastic today, he opened the scoring and also assisted one of Connor's goals with a brilliant through ball. He then came back and put some great challenges in against Phoenix, and cut out some attacks which could have given Batley an equaliser.

Manager's Comments

We didn't play anywhere near our best today, but to be fair, Batley were a good side! They really worked hard. I know we can't play like we did last week, every week! As I said after match, winning games against good teams even when we haven't played well is the sign of Champions. And that is what we are going to be at the end of the season. Batley had the potential to be a slip up for us today. They are a good side, and I'm sure they will give Northowram a good game as well! I was pleased with our efforts in the last ten minutes because we gave it our all to get the three points. So well done