Kenilworth Wardens still looking for their first three points of the season

By James Smith

20th Sep 2020 | Football


A disappointing result left Kenilworth Wardens Reserves wondering what could have been after a 1-0 defeat to Whitnash on Saturday.

Wardens were hoping to build on the hard earned point from the opening fixture against Coventrians, but ultimately lacked the cutting edge to take anything from yesterday's match.

The first half was cagey, with both sides eyeing each other up, working out how to create chances against each other, but both keepers had little to do.

Wardens' plans were interrupted early on, as they were forced into a change at centre back due to an injury to Dan Neeld, meaning Rossi Farquarson returned from his own injury earlier than expected to fill in the gap.

There were speculative efforts from Archie Evans, back in his favoured position of left back. Sean Povey also saw a header go over, as well as producing a scuffed shot straight into the keeper's arms, after great work to get past two defenders.

Charlie Waters provided the Wardens' with a real outlet and was the bright spark of the first half on the right side of midfield. However, he was often isolated and couldn't create any clear opportunities for his team mates.

The second half began in much the same vein, with a real lack of creativity on both parts. Wardens were forced into another change, again due to an injury, meaning Christian Salisbury got his first appearance of the season.

This seemed to give the Wardens a bit more pace and movement, which opened up space for Andy Legg, who steadily became a bigger threat.

Legg managed to pick up the ball up on the edge of the area, spin and drive a low shot narrowly wide, soon after. Five minutes later he put a ball across the box, for nobody to be able to connect with it.

Legg got another shot away after Povey won the ball high up the pitch, but again, it went wide.

Povey was replaced by Chris Lewis with 20 minutes remaining, and the change nearly paid of immediately. A throw by Evans, flicked on by Salisbury fell to Lewis, who flicked the ball narrowly round the post.

It looked like it might be one of those days for the Wardens, but the game was beginning to open up with both sides tiring.

Whitnash started creating half chances, and would have scored if it wasn't for some great defending, first by Tom Perrin, and secondly by Farquarson, both of whom charged shots down that looked goal bound.

Shortly after this warning, Whitnash made the breakthrough. They forced the play through the middle of the pitch, and teased Farquarson, showing him enough of the ball to make him dive in.

The Whitnash player evaded the challenge, before riding another slide tackle from Perrin, leaving him one on one with Charlie Stranks, who was helpless as the ball went past him.

Not to be deterred, Wardens kept going and an equaliser looked certain after a corner, with the ball falling to Lewis who had his effort blocked on the line, and the follow up from Legg also being blocked from close range.

Their efforts were to no avail, the full time whistle cementing a 1-0 win for Whitnash that was probably against the run of play.

Wardens are left still waiting for their first win of the 20/21 season.

Todays match was sponsored by Kenilworth Wardens are proudly sponsored by LPC Sports Therapy and Yoga.

Lead-therapist Lily is a Level Four qualified sports massage therapist and yoga practitioner, specialising in anxiety support.

Lily is trained to diagnose injuries, rehabilitate, and is fully recommended by players of Kenilworth Wardens.

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