Stantec 4 - 2 WSP

New recruits ensure Stanteckkers are on full display

Given that both teams put out relatively unrecognisable teams to previous encounters, this game would ultimately be decided by the group that could gel the quickest. For WSP, Ben Ali played his first game in over a year following a long term calf injury whilst Cameron Padfield had his first ever outing I a WSP shirt settling in nicely to make up almost the entirety of their defensive unit. As for Stantec, either they had new players or they were just unrecognisable due to hard hours spent in the gym, honing both their fitness and physical prowess.

Early exchanges were pretty cagey with both teams giving the ball away in equal measure. As Stantec deployed a slightly different tactic, utilising the sweeper keeper and opting for long but accurate balls up top, they began to have more joy and enjoy longer periods of possession. WSP were on the back foot, but Cameron and Jay’s positional play helped keep Stantec at bay, but for how long? Adidas Copa Mundial or Puma King traditionalists out there would physically recoil at the sight of purple and yellow boots, but if you have the teKkers to back it up as Josh Todd did for Stantec, then all is good in the world and the balance is restored. Josh produced a dominant display in midfield, almost matched by the equally blessed Ben Ali. This proved a decisive battle where Stantec just gained the upper hand. Aaron Oakes, Dan Morris and Luke Roberts both complimented and matched Josh at times which is significant as they all chipped in with some quality taken goals.

If Ben Ali offered the brains, brawn and creativity in midfield, Aaron Dodds could be described as the engine, working his socks off in the first half with little to show for his efforts in the end. McKenna huffed and puffed on the wing but saw several chances go wide and frustration in front of goal was etched on the WSP faces. Ali was far more composed and closed the gap to 3-2 but as WSP ploughed numbers forward in search of the equaliser, Stantec took full advantage on the break making it 4-2 with only minutes to spare. No need for any searching questions or rants to the press from Captain Conte McKenna on this occasion, just a message of keep it simple, keep up the graft and the goals will take care of themselves.

Ben Ali received Player of the Match for WSP but it could have easily gone to their Keeper Gary Walker who pulled off some point blank saves to keep them in with a shout until the end. Best for Stantec was Josh Todd.