MDHC 1st vs Old Wulfrunians 3rd

With Old Wulfrunians and Wolverhampton & Tettenhall merging during the off-season, Market Drayton were unsure just how much the opposition had strengthened ahead of their first meeting of the season.

The game started tentatively, with both teams moving the ball around the back and looking to establish control. Market Drayton played some excellent passages of hockey and created several chances, but were unable to capitalise.

The sides went into half-time locked at 0–0, with little to separate them.

Drayton knew they needed to increase the tempo in the second half and create more opportunities, but the Old Wulfs defence held firm and frustration began to creep into the game.

Old Wulfs were awarded several short corners, but each time the well-organised Drayton defence stood strong and prevented them from seriously troubling the goal.

Then, in the 43rd minute, Market Drayton were awarded their only short corner of the game. Matthew Kenvyn stepped up and fired a low, powerful strike past the Old Wulfs goalkeeper to give Drayton the lead.

The goal changed the game. Old Wulfs pushed higher and adopted a more direct style in an attempt to get back into the match, but a standout performance from Reilly Hayward at centre-back helped minimise the threat throughout the game.

It wasn’t the most convincing of performances, but Market Drayton showed plenty of resilience to secure all three points away from home.

Two wins from two and Drayton remain in the top two early in the season.