Team WoW Drown at Hands of Derwent

Team WoW 3 - 6 Derwent United
(Darling 2, Gale)

Team WoW have failed to make the cut for the finals series after losing in a tight encounter to Derwent United. The affair boasted some intense play from the boys in black, especially in the second period, but their efforts were not enough to see them through as the final buzzer sounded. Team WoW fielded a full strength side, with the exception of Foster, in their last game of the season.

Team WoW were first to draw blood on the night, a fine Gale run was finished off expertly into the bottom corner - it's hard to believe it was only his 4th of the season. Derwent bounced back well, netting three in quick succession. Much of the half was played in the midfield, with Team WoW's expert defence balancing out a crafty Derwent attack. Darling, however, managed to find a goal before the period was out, striking a direct freekick into the goal via the post. Derwent again rallied, however, scoring two more to take the score to 5 - 2.

The second half was mostly one way traffic; Team WoW were determined to put up a fight if they were to be eliminated. Most of their attacks, however, culminated in strikes which either found the post or narrowly missed. Darling himself hit the woodwork around three times before he notched up his 2nd of the night - and his 5th in two games. His goal came through a Phil Gale ball to which he applied a fine first and second touch to beat the defensive line before striking past the keeper. Team WoW threw on a ravenous Jordan Scott to try to grab a couple more and level up the game. He could only find the upright however. All hope was lost when Derwent added a killer 6th.

Post match analysis revealed Derwent United's structure, which is perfectly designed for futsal, was the chief contributor to their win. A fat keeper, bulky defender, and three nimble Asian attackers appears to be the key to futsalling success. Team WoW's defence had their work cut out for them whilst the attack simply could not find a way through for lengthy periods. The loss meant Team WoW were relying on other results for any hope of making the finals but unfortunately other key games did not go their way.

See the boys in action again some time next year...