WELLINGTON Wanderers Under 11s welcomed Devon Saints South West to Dobree Park for an entertaining and competitive fixture that provided plenty of positives and valuable learning opportunities for the young side.

Wanderers started brightly and looked confident in possession during the opening stages, producing some tidy passages of football and moving the ball well across the pitch. Their willingness to play out from the back and work the ball through midfield showed great intent and demonstrated the progress the squad continues to make.

Throughout the game, Wanderers created several promising moments with players showing good energy, determination and teamwork. The match also gave the coaches an opportunity to experiment with players in different positions, allowing the squad to develop their understanding of the game and gain experience in unfamiliar roles. The players adapted well and embraced the challenge, which will benefit them greatly moving forward.

However, as the game wore on, Wanderers found it difficult to retain possession consistently enough and spent long periods chasing the ball. With no substitutes available, the hard work began to take its toll physically during the final 15 minutes, as tired legs made it increasingly difficult to maintain the same intensity and shape shown earlier in the match.

Despite this, the game proved to be a hugely worthwhile experience and an excellent learning opportunity for the whole squad. The attitude and effort from every player could not be faulted throughout the game played in glorious sunshine.

A big thank you goes to Roadchef, the team’s shirt sponsor, and R&M Motor, the match ball sponsor, for their continued support of Wellington Wanderers U11. And also to all the parents and other supporters who regularly turn up to watch the Wanderers in action - in all weathers.