WITH the utmost respect to the quality of Wingham Warriors, Gloucester Scorpions under-14s travelled to Wingham last Saturday for their third encounter of the season.
Having already gone down to Wingham twice – 1–0 and 2–0 – the Scorpions knew they were in for another tough battle.
Changes were needed, with Peter Clinch backing up once again in the centre-back position, allowing Max Dellsperger to step into defensive midfield and help launch Gloucester’s attacks.
The change worked well in the early stages, but Wingham’s midfield and centre-backs made it incredibly difficult for the Scorpions to find a way through.
Wingham’s ability to anticipate Gloucester’s final passes was exceptional.
The ball moved constantly from one end of the midfield to the other, but it was Wingham who repeatedly managed to drive deeper, leaving Gloucester scrambling to win the ball back.
The defensive efforts of Henry Maggs, Peter Clinch and Dean Freeman kept the Scorpions in the contest, while Ewan Sheely was once again a safe pair of hands in goal, denying at least two excellent chances in the opening 15 minutes.
Gloucester did manage to find some success out wide, with Eli Soupidis and Brock Gruisinga helping the Scorpions play out through the wings. Unfortunately, that final cross or decisive pass just wouldn’t come.
Wingham eventually broke through to take a 1–0 lead into half-time.
The message at the break was simple: we’re still in this game.
The second half demanded even more from Gloucester’s midfield, and the Scorpions worked tirelessly to try to create opportunities.
For a short period after Wingham’s second goal, Gloucester found another gear. A five-minute spell saw the Scorpions pressing higher, winning the ball back quicker and finally getting shots away.
One chance came particularly close. Eli Soupidis delivered a dangerous ball across the face of goal, with Brock Gruisinga agonisingly just a few steps away from getting on the end of it.
But small moments can change football games — and Wingham were ruthless in capitalising on them.
The Warriors began finding space from Gloucester’s mistakes and added to their lead.
Their left winger, in particular, proved extremely difficult to contain with his pace and strength, and Gloucester simply couldn’t push high enough to prevent him from becoming a constant threat.
The final whistle saw Wingham take the match 5–0.
Congratulations to Wingham Warriors on a thoroughly deserved victory, and all the very best for your next game against Pacific Palms.
But for the Scorpions, it’s not lights out just yet.
Finishing third on the table means Gloucester have earned one more avenue to the final.
One more game.
One more chance.
This Saturday, the Scorpions face Taree Jaguars with a place in the final on the line.
The season isn’t over yet.
By Trudy SCHULTZ
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