Wanderers win as Hoffman bags five

Before the season re-started, The West Hampstead Wanderers had played The Gym United. It was the team’s first competitive match and they lost. Quite badly. Now, with the league properly underway and the Wanderers’ form improving with every game, it was time for a rematch. Thom Hoffman reports.

Matchday 3. Monday 31st January. KO 6.30
West Hampstead Wanderers 5 – 2 The Gym Utd.

A solid start to the match saw a series of tight exchanges between the two teams. Hard running from the Wanderers made it very tough for the Gym Utd, who were restricted to a few long-range chances. Eventually the ball broke for @nickhudgell who played a great pass to @thomhoffman who slotted home the first goal of the match. The Gym Utd chased back and made it 1-1 after good work from their big striker who had been the thorn in the Wanderers’ side in the previous encounter. The Wanderers’ defence had learned from that however, and changed tactics – not committing too close and making it hard for TGU to play where they wanted. The Wanderers were playing some superb passing football, with the rock solid @timcheese breaking from the back and providing options on the wing. A sneaky one-two with a TGU defender allowed @thomhoffman to make it 2-1, and solid defence kept the scores that way until half time.

The second half started with TGU on the up and only some unbelievable goalkeeping by @DJVectra kept them out. Eventually though, they found some space and the game was level once again. @thomhoffman slipped back on the pitch and managed to nick a goal after a good pass from the throw in. Back in the lead again, the Wanderers began to ‘pass and move super smooth’ like an Anfield Rap instructed behemoth. Great performances all around the pitch and a 100% work rate made it impossible for TGU to get back in the game. @thomhoffman nicked a couple more to end up with five goals. The United keeper worked hard all night, and kept out many shots from almost all the Wanderers – the final score could have been a lot more.

Team: @NickHudgell, @nwsixDan, @ThomHoffman, @MatthewMargot, @DomChristie, @Talalb01, @TimCheese, @DJVectra

Goal scorers: @thomhoffman x 5

League standings:

Kilburn Wizards          P3 W3 D0 L0 GD +8
Abacus Athletic          P3 W1 D0 L2 GD -1
The Gym Utd              P3 W1 D0 L2 GD -3
West Hampstead Wanderers P3 W1 D0 L2 GD -4