The fourth XI got their season underway with a home game against Walsall Phoenix and with a slightly modified side.  Paul Cole was the first change as he stood in between the sticks and I might add, did a sterling job.  Rumours of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young making a return to the music scene may have to be postponed if Paul wishes to remain in his new role.

Dimmack, Carey and Labib lined up in defence; Mark Howard and Nick Ling added weight to the midfield, joining the Kapcia brothers was Adam Hughes who had a fine debut.  Janos and Garner provided an interesting forward duo.

A manager should always lead by example and shortly into the game, this was not the case as Gary Dimmack was caught out of position allowing the ball to reach a Walsall player, who calmly made it 0-1.

Gary atoned for his error shortly after by sending an awkward ball into the Phoenix box, which was headed past the keeper into his own net by a defender.

Wulfs then started to play with much more confidence.  Andy Carey even managed to beat the offside trap and head towards goal, but his shot from 6 yards was well wide.

Minutes later, Paul Janos provided an assist for new boy Adam Hughes, who finished with confidence into the bottom corner for 2-1.

But there was something about Gary Dimmack on that afternoon, and soon after, his hesitation allowed a pass to be played behind the defence for the equaliser.  2-2.

The best efforts before half time both fell to Stefan Kapcia, firstly volleying sweetly from outside the box and forcing the keeper into a great save, then with a shot that scraped the top of the crossbar.

At half time, Gary Dimmack apologised for his errors stating, "It won't happen again boys".  Soon afterwards, it did.  Gary chose to head the ball backwards to Paul Cole, not realising that Walsall Phoenix's 'Killer' was racing onto it.  He lobbed and scored for 2-3, raising suspicions of Gary's personal gains from this game.

A Walsall free-kick later was parried down by Paul Cole and fell at the feet of 'Killer' (I presume that this isn't his surname!), from all of 6 inches, he blasted over the bar, and that proved to be the wake-up call.

Wulfs equalised in controversial fashion.  A Mike Garner throw-in bounced awkwardly, evaded everyone, and went in.  The referee, presumably not aware that a throw has to touch someone for a goal to count, gave it anyway for 3-3.  Thankfully, Walsall Phoenix saw the funny side of it and no-one seemed all that bothered or angry with the referee.

Paul Janos was having a good game and soon after, he beat two players (with no skill by the way) and smashed his shot wide of the goal.  Fortunately, Mike Garner was at the back post the tap in the fourth goal.

Although Phoenix did their best to comeback, Wulfs killed the game with minutes to go.  Stefan Kapcia completed his first ever tackle in a Wulfs shirt, then headed to goal.  He decided to lay the ball on to Paul Janos who shot from outside the box.  The goalkeeper, still fuming at the throw-in decision, decided to let the ball go into the top corner for 5-3.  A great strike.

A mention must go to sub Chris Nicholls, whom despite looking like a WWF wrestler, did well when he came on.  Gary's new policy of 'worst player takes the net down' meant he was left out on the pitch ten minutes after everyone else.  All in all it was a great way to begin the new season.

PS. I do not hate Gary Dimmack, he played a blinder apart from the mistakes and I can promise on behalf of the rest of the team that Mike Garner will help with the nets next time.

Final score: Old Wulfrunians 5  Walsall Phoenix 3.