WILTON - As an athlete, you don’t get many chances to play for a championship. The intensity and pressure of every play magnified in importance. Shank a pass or blast one over the bar in a less important game, no one notice. Not for long anyway. But do that in a title game and you can just feel the glare of your teammates. The agony of a missed opportunity you may not get again.

Will it be glory or go home?

This is what we play for.

For the Wilton Ancient Warriors, this was their chance. One they might not see again. Would they seize the day?

After doggedly fighting their way through their first SASL Division 1 season without a loss, they found themselves tied atop the table with their opponent for this season finale, Greenwhich Pumas. A win would all but guarantee a championship as the second place team, Greenwhich Gunners, would need to accomplish the unlikely task of winning their final match by at least seven goals. A loss could drop the Warriors to 4th place. That’s how tight the race was for number one (as it turned out, the Gunners won by forfeit 3-0 falling short of the required seven goal differential they needed).

Every bit of drama you would have hoped for played out over the next 90 minutes. If you blinked, you might have missed Andrew Allers’ two goals within the first ten minutes. The first at two minutes when Andrew Copley pushed a simple feed through from the backline which Allers collected at 40 yards and carried into the box, sending a low blast that found its way through a tangle of Greenwich defenders to the bottom right corner of the goal. The second came just a few minutes later as Tom Parsons carried from his right back position into the offensive third and sent a sublime cross in where Allers met it just above the goalie area and nodded it into the right side netting to give The Ancients a surprising 2-0 lead. Needless to say, both sides were shocked at the game’s initial developments.

Despite the early onslaught, and unexpectedly finding themselves in an 0-2 gully, the skilled Pumas would not succumb with the championship on the line. The visitor’s defense would recover to stymie Wilton’s continued pressure through the remainder of the first half. Renewed resolve on defense turned into heightened confidence on offense as Greenwich began to apply more pressure. That pressure paid off at 35 minutes on a low cross from the left wing that was first punched away by Wilton’s keeper Mark Isaacs. Fortuitously, for Greenwich, the parry dropped to a Puma forward who controlled it and, from 20 yards, hit a low drive past two Wilton defenders just inside the far post to pull the score back to 2-1 as the first half came to a close.

With 45 minutes remaining, and the league title on the line, both sides lined up for the anticipated dramatic climax to the season end. Players and onlookers were not disappointed.

Struggling to gain control of the midfield, the first 10 minutes of the second half saw hard tackling and stingy defense at both ends. Despite being short handed due to injury and absence, Wilton appeared more fit than Puma, or perhaps had more desire, which became evident as the half wore on.

However, sometimes it is better to be lucky than fit or desirous. That proved true for Greenwich when they converted the equalizer at 62 minutes. Emanating from an otherwise harmless free kick from 40 yards out on the right flank, the approaching ball whipped into the area and fell to the feet of a Puma offender who had slipped in behind the defensive wall. Unmarked, he had only Isaacs to beat, which he did to the left inside post.

Even score 2-2 with nearly 30 gripping minutes still remaining.

Engineering frequent substitutions to keep the midfield as fresh as possible, relentless work lead by Greg Gryglewski, Nick Slater and Ferenc Kiss helped Wilton maintain the majority of possession from that point forward. On three occasions, twice for Allers and one for Romuald Szostek, Wilton’s front line were sprung by their midfield mates for break away chances only to be turned away by a resilient Greenwich keeper.

Then a turning point. On one Allers rush toward goal, he was intentionally clipped from behind, at least in the referees estimation. This earned Puma a red card (the defender’s second yellow of the match) and suddenly Wilton found themselves a man up with 20 minutes remaining.

Wilton now had extra space to work and just three minutes later Slater sent wonderful through ball to Allers who was able to get behind the defense. Bearing down on goal Allers low blast was again turned away by the Greenwhich keeper, but this time Slawomir Prbzybysz, just on via substitution, one-touched the rebound into the back net for a one-goal lead that sealed a 3-2 Ancient Warriors victory.

One final bit of drama occurred in the final 10 minutes when Isaacs inexplicably double-touched the ball in his own area resulting in an indirect free kick for Greenwich from 10 yards. The ensuing strike found its way through the Wilton wall and would have drawn the score even once again were it not for Isaacs’ intuitive reaction to deflect the shot with an outstretched right hand. Just one of many game changing saves Isaacs and his fellow Keeper Andrea Galimi, made throughout this improbable season.

In one fell swoop, Prbzybysz’s goal, then Isaacs' save, put the finishing touches on an epic match and an undefeated season and delivered the SASL's First Division championship, just one year after taking the Second Division crown and getting promoted up a level.

WILTON - The Wilton Ancient Fathers, ahem, Warriors, celebrated their Fathers' Day with an early morning derby fixture against Danbury 'Daddies' United at Lilly field last Sunday.  On the line was an opportunity to maintain 1st place in the SASL top division, and an exclusive unbeaten record. This year the Ancients have surprised themselves by becoming the team to beat. All the ingredients for a 90 minute soccer smorgasbord of competitive entertainment.  The game did not disappoint. Goals, controversy, drama and intensity was the recipe of the day that left the family-based crowd thrilled, the players spent and the referees exhausted.

Wilton started brightly with Ferenc Kiss picking up an errant ball before bearing down on goal and drawing a fine save off the legs of their advancing Keeper, deflecting the ball on to the top of the crossbar. From the resulting corner Romuald Szostek did well to win the header with the effort bouncing just the wrong side of the left upright.  After this opening foray the Danbury defense settled down to the same miserly reputation they had gained coming into the game (having conceded fewer goals than any other team in the Division), and an even exchange of narrow midfield play ensued.

Danbury’s slippery left winger threatened Paul DeFelice's territory eventually earning an angled free kick some 20 yards out. Andrea Galimi in goal took no chances commanding a 4-man wall to stand tall to block a menacing highly driven shot on goal. The Ancients sensed danger and it duly arrived via a long penetrating ball to the far post with Hossein Sadeghi just doing enough to pressurize the goal seeking Forward’s attempt just wide of goal..

40 minutes in and still no score. But then sudden drama and controversy in the Wilton 18 yard box. Danbury’s appeal for a hand ball, albeit accidental, appeared convincing. However, the referee was unsighted and signaled a corner instead. The Danbury protests continued into the half-time break.

The Warriors regrouped, regaining their composure and doubling their determination to get the game back under control. The breakthrough arrived when Kevan Quantock, with his back to goal and 30 yards out, flicked the ball over his head onto Andrew Allers’ feet.  Allers then expertly spun his marker and guided the ball home past an advancing goaltender to give the Warriors the lead.

Danbury were riled. Tackles flew in. Challenges gained intensity. Mourinho had his own version of the saying, "You can’t make an omelette without breaking some eggs" and certainly both sides could not be accused of being "over easy" in this game!

Tom Parsons midfield play (literally) bled enthusiasm. The Ancient Greek Warrior Bill "Achilles" O’Herron’s heel injury forced his early withdrawal, but the Captain’s Myrmidons sauntered on in protection of their conquest.

But it would not come easy. Chances were spurned at either end . .

• Galimi’s fists punched an ominous cross clear
• Kiss’ whipped right wing cross was met by Allers diving header wide
• Galimi saved 1-on-1 and was also alert to the rebound
• Robert Sztachelski’s audacious 45 yard power lob had the opposition Keeper beaten but dipped just wide of the right post

And yet it still remained 1-0. As the minutes ticked by the drama unfolded. 9 minutes left and Gregory Gryglewski was hacked down leading to a melee of (semi-) controlled confrontation. 7 minutes left and Galimi bravely denied an incisive Danbury through ball and contributed another couple of extra minutes to injury time.

The clock ticked down.  Injury time was all that remained. Danbury launched one final attack into the danger area. Wilton failed to clear with a ricochet falling to the lone striker who took his chance finishing in the right corner to tie the game with seconds left.  One final Warriors attack saw the Danbury Keeper fumble a corner kick, spilling the ball to Kiss whose low drive was blocked to preserve the 1-1 result.

But the damage was done. Perhaps a fair result in considered retrospect but despite the Grade A, extra-large ingredients the Father’s Day breakfast could have tasted so much better.

On the sunny side up then the Ancients’ unbeaten record remains. Interestingly other results in the division have conspired to make next weekend’s final Warrior’s fixture a not-to-be-missed showdown which will decide the Master’s League Champions. Currently first placed Ancient Wilton Warriors will play the second place Greenwich Pumas on Lilly field at 10:00am next Sunday, 28th June.

WESTON - It wasn't pretty.  Unable to secure a Wilton field due to the Nutmeg Tournament, the Wilton Ancient Warriors squared off against league leader Cheshire Azzurri on Sunday at Weston High School and outlasted the visitors in a grinding 1-0 contest. In a game marked by physical play, neither team had much space in which to operate, and play ran the spine of the field --- more like the football we know here in America as opposed to the open grace of the Beautiful Game played in the rest of the world.

The margin of victory was small. But, for one fleeting moment, Ferenc Kiss, appearing like a flash out of nowhere, was able to elude the gripping Cheshire defense to convert the game's only goal in the 21st minute.

It seemed harmless enough. After Nicholas Slater intercepted an errant clearance near midfield he headed to Robert Sztachelski who, with few options, sent a long, high ball into the Cheshire end. As the Azzurri Goalkeeper came out without urgency to collect, Kiss, known for his speed, tireless running and relentless pursuit, came rushing through to pick the bounding ball off and loft it over the unsuspecting Keeper's head.

Wilton did have other opportunities and could have just as easily emerged with one or two more goals. A couple of those long balls up the middle did sneak through, but the Cheshire Keeper had more luck on golden chances for Andrew Allers and Romuald Szostek. Truth be told, luck worked the Ancient's way as well and were it not for the Warriors right goal post which refused a clanging Azzurri shot in the opening moments, Kiss' goal would have been an equalizer rather than the eventual game winner.

The real story, however, happened in Wilton's own half of the pitch. Hard running and relentless tackling by William O'Herron, Gregory Gryglewski and Alex Etemadfar stumped most Cheshire advances. When the visitors did enter Wilton's defensive third they were met by an unfriendly corps of Andrew Copley, Tom Parsons, Paul DeFelice, Kurt Azarbarzin and Piotr Bierezowiec.

Most notable was the fearless play of Wilton Goalkeeper Mark Isaacs in the closing minutes. As time waned and Cheshire grew desperate to draw even, Isaacs made a series of high drama saves destined for Cheshire's equalizer. Scrambling through the penalty area, Isaacs took it upon himself to ensure victory as Mariano Rivera might to shut down the opposition in the bottom of the ninth.

In beating league leaders, who came into the match with a one point lead over the second place Warriors, the Ancients now sit in first place of the SASL Masters League First Division. The Ancient's next match is slated vs. Danbury for a 9am kick off on Father's Day, at Lilly Field Sunday, June 21.

TRUMBULL - The Ancient Warriors traveled to Trumbull hoping to continue their unbeaten run.  Trumbull have been mainstays in the Masters 1st Division for years, and there is a solid rivalry between the teams as many of them know each other from various recreational soccer groups.  The Ancients had the benefit of numbers as they traveled with 16 field players, albeit 2 of them carrying niggling strains.  The realities of being (sometimes well) Over-40 has shown that there is strength in numbers --- Trumbull only had 1 substitute for their own home match.

The match started with Wilton immediately seizing control of the flow of the game, making several incisive runs into the opposition's penalty area.  Shots were saved or flashed wide, and Michael Freliech was sprung on a wide breakaway, but Trumbull's Goalkeeper was quick to come out and collect.  On another breakaway, Andrew Allers was taken down just outside of the penalty area giving the Warriors a free kick from close range, but they were unable to convert.  After 15 minutes, Nicholas Slater put through a perfect ball to Robert Sztachelski, who successfully beat the opposition's offside trap, casually lofting the ball over the head of the on-rushing keeper to take Wilton on top.  For the first 25 minutes the Ancients were dominant, when suddenly a Trumbull players collected the ball, pivoted and launched a rocket from 35 yards out.  From this seemingly innocuous position, the ball dipped and swerved unstoppably into the Wilton net and the Warriors side suddenly found themselves level.  The half closed out remaining at 1-1, though the opposition looked to be feeling the effects of the hot weather and few substitutes.

As the second half started, Wilton again took control of possession and continued to make forays into the opponent's space.  Sztachelski hit the post once, and had another low drive saved by Trumbull's Goalkeeper, and a number of other attempts were made, but the prospect of yet another draw loomed.  Suddenly, Sztachelski collected the ball just over the half-line on the left side and, seeing an opportunity, threaded the ball 40 yards, between the opposition's defensive line and Goalkeeper.  As the Trumbull players hesitated slightly, Allers was able to come in from wide right to meet the ball first and pass the ball over the on-rushing Keeper and into the net to take Wilton back on top.  Throughout the remainder of the game, the Ancients calmly possessed the ball, taking full advantage of their numbers and fitness.  The center spine of Piotr Bierezowiec, Thomas Parsons and William O'Herron remained stoic as they had throughout the match, giving the opposition few chances to create as the end game drew near.  Moments from the end, Trumbull launched a ball from wide right to their target player on the left of the goal mouth, who headed it back across the face of the goal.  Their Striker latched onto it, and in a collision with Wilton's Keeper Andrea Galimi, put the ball into the back of the net.  However the Assistant Referee immediately signaled as their Striker was in an offside position at the time his teammate headed him the ball.  Most of the protestation by the opponents was curtailed as both Galimi and their Striker took a few minutes to recover themselves so that the game could be restarted.  Shortly after that the final whistle blew, and the Warriors retained their unbeaten First Division run with 3 wins and 3 draws.

Next Sunday sees Wilton traveling to Weston to play the 1st place (also undefeated) team from Cheshire.  Wilton is playing their home match in Weston due to the Nutmeg tournament in Wilton this week.

WILTON - The Ancient Warriors squared off against Guilford in the 5th match in their 9-match mini-season.  Last week, Guilford had previously lifted themselves out of the relegation zone with a victory over a tough Connecticut Storm team, so Wilton was prepared for a battle.  Still undefeated in their first season in the top Division, the Ancients are learning that every match is up for grabs.

The match started with Wilton attacking and threatening making a number of forays into the opposition's goal area.  Unable to score however, the Warriors were quickly driven back on their heels when the visitors scored a stunning header on a corner kick.  Shaken, the Ancients would spend the rest of the day trying to regain the dominance they had initially shown.  Confident from their goal, Guilford proceeded to attack and showed very good possession, but neither team made many real threats at goal for the next 20 minutes. Then, after a number of attacks down the left wing, Wilton was rewarded when Alex Etemadfar, having been fouled about 40 yards out on the right, flashed the free kick over the wall of defenders, falling right to the penalty spot.  The visitors unsuccessful attempt at the offside trap was punished when Ferenc Kiss threw himself at the ball, attempting a diving header.  Kiss was unable to meet the ball, but since the opposition goalkeeper was setting up to block the header, when the ball came across the goal Robert Sztachelski pounced and passed the ball into the open net.  Shortly after the half ended with game level at 1-1.

For the remainder of the game, neither team seemed able to create significant scoring opportunities.  There was little to cheer on either side as the game wore on, and each team seemed happy when the game ended at a 1-1 draw, giving Guilford a valuable point, and preserving the Ancient's undefeated record in Division 1 with 2 wins and 3 draws.

Next Sunday sees Wilton traveling to Trumbull to take on another local rival.

WILTON - You work hard all week long. Early mornings fade into late nights. Your weekend schedule is booked carting your kids across South Western Connecticut to their activities. Sunday morning comes and you finally have some time to yourself.  It’s cold, windy, raining and you finally have an opportunity to do what you want. You sleep late? No. Read the paper over a hot cup of coffee? No.  Catch up on your domestic to-do list? No.

For the men of the Wilton Ancient Warriors, there is no better place to be than the comfortable confines of Lilly Field. Arriving for an early 8am kick off, the Ancients faced down the elements, and the Greenwich Gunners, to notch a convincing 4-0 win over last season’s Division 1 runners up.

Stellar shot-stopping by Ancient’s keeper Andrew Galimi kept the first half scoreless with mostly sporadic play as both sides, facing off for the first time, struggled to find a familiar rhythm.

In a match this tight there would be little room for error and Greenwich were the first to blink.

Straight from the second half restart, Wilton found glory with what would prove to be the game winner at 52 minutes when Ferenc Kiss, just on via substitution, punched a spectacular ball over the defense onto a streaking Andrew Allers who artfully brought the ball down to barge in on goal, dodge to his left past the outstretched Greenwich keeper, and tuck Wilton’s first goal just inside the left post. Wilton pressed on and added their second just 5 minutes later as Nick Slater found space enough to blast away from 20 yards. The blocked shot fell to the feet of Robert Sztachelski who, despite finding himself surrounded by enemy defenders, quickly curled around one and slammed a low left-footed shot just beneath the scrambling keeper. 

With 30 minutes still remaining Wilton could not and, characteristically, would not relax. The Gunners certainly possessed the firepower to strike quickly if given the chance. And now, down two goals, the visitors routinely brought one or two extra men forward hoping to pull back into the match. But Wilton’s defense (and Galimi's complete ownership of his goal area) had been sound and efficient throughout and would follow suit for the remainder of time.

Greenwich’s aggressive approach would also leave their backline vulnerable as Wilton was able to convert twice more on quick counter attacks. At 70 minutes William O’Herron won a midfield skirmish and laid off to Sztachelski who immediately partnered with Romy Szostek to ignite a two-on-one break away. After twisting the retreating defender with three neat exchanges, Szostek finally fed Sztachelski who finished with a blistering right-footed shot inside the left post for a 3-0 advantage.

The home side closed the scoring at 80 minutes when Michael Freliech won a midfield scrum of his own and sprung Kiss for a break away. Waiting until the last possible moment, Kiss flicked a clever chip over the onrushing keeper and watched from his knees as the ball bound into the goal.

With the victory, Wilton remains unbeaten through four rounds and sits in 3rd  place with 8 points. The Ancients will take a break from SASL competition next weekend for the third annual Kick for Nick fund raiser against the MLS Coaches on Memorial Day at Lilly.

Monday, May 25th will see the Ancient Warriors host the 3rd annual Nick Madaras Memorial Day Challenge.  At Lilly Field straight after the parade, the Ancient Warriors, a team from MLS Camps (coaches of the WSA Boys' travel teams) and special guests Wilton Blue (a team comprised of Nick Madaras' former teammates from Wilton High School) will play a 3-team round-robin mini-tournament in an exhibition fund-raiser for the Kick For Nick charity.

WESTPORT - Heading into their third round of the spring, the Ancient Warriors traveled to Westport to face nemesis Connecticut Storm at Wakeman Park. Two prior encounters saw The Storm get the better of Wilton, most notably a 3-0 drubbing at Wakeman during the 2008 season. Now, both sides squared off for the first time as members of the top division, with a critical 3 points at stake.

Wilton entered the match with high confidence and ready for the test. The tenor was set early on with physical play between the areas as neither side was able to mount a serious scoring threat. If it weren’t enough to battle their border rivals, the Ancients had to contend with the rain, the loss of their striker to injury and another key man to a red card early in the contest. As they had in their first match of the season, Wilton found themselves a man down just 20 minutes in.

Wilton would again have to be resolute for the remainder of time.

Adversity seemed to serve as a catalyst for Wilton as, just 10 minutes later, Bill O’Herron redirected a corner kick at the near post across the goal to the far post where, unmarked, Robert Sztachelski buried the ball to the back of the net with a bullish header.

Undaunted, The Storm retaliated quickly with 5 minutes remaining in the first half capitalizing on a corner kick of their own. Straight off the free kick, Wilton seemed well positioned to clear the ball from danger, but an errant header out fell to the feet of a Storm defender and hammered in the lower right corner to draw the match even by the half.

Playing a man down began to take its toll seeing the Warriors tire as the second half progressed. The Storm took ownership of midfield and advanced seemingly at will. Nevertheless Wilton’s defensive corps of Piotr Bierezowiec, Andrew Copley, Kurt Azarbarzin, Michael Schneidman, Hossein Sadeghi and Tom Parsons marked tightly and executed timely tackles to keep the Storm at bay.

On their own offense, Wilton was unable to apply consistent meaningful pressure and, aside from tireless running of Ferenc Kiss to occupy the Storm back line, Wilton was unable to maintain effective possession. However, Wilton slipped through in the 65^th minute converting its only real chance of the half as O’Herron, catching the opposing defense flat footed, sprang Bierezowiec for a breakaway goal, and a 2-1 lead.

Despite the go ahead goal, play once again quickly returned to Wilton’s defensive end. Now The Storm was finding more space to attack, including one shot that fortuitously rang against the right post. Finally, with just ten minutes remaining, the home side equalized again, poking home a second chance rebound spilled at Goalkeeper Mark Isaacs' doorstep.

And there the score remained, 2-2. The Ancients have fought through their first three games without a loss and currently sit fifth on the table with six matches left in the Spring season. Wilton’s next battle (and first home match) will be against Greenwich Gunners on May 17, 8am at Lilly Field.

SHELTON - The Wilton Ancient Warriors traveled to Shelton Sunday to take on last year's Division 1 Champions.  The Shelton Kickers' talented squad includes a former member of the US National team as well a former New York Cosmo, and they have enjoyed a healthy dominance at their home field over the past two seasons.

The Warriors seemed skittish at the start of play, possibly intimidated by the reigning champions, and Shelton started running at them immediately.  After a few minutes, the Warriors settled down and began a 15 minute period in which they enjoyed good possession, and even had a few opportunities.  Shelton also had some chances, but the first 30 minutes of the match was mostly a hard-tackling midfield battle, though repeated incisive through-balls were giving the Warriors problems.  Then on a free kick from near half-field, the opposition caught Wilton unprepared, and one of those passes fell to their right winger who finished from close range to give them the opening advantage.

Over the remainder of the half play was fairly even in the midfield, but the Champion's passing continued to spring their two attackers and though the half finished 0-1, Shelton had out-shot the Warriors, striking the post two times.  This, comprised with Goalkeeper Andrea Galimi's fine saves kept their lead minimal.  Aside from the opposition goal, the half was also marked with Midfielder Kevan Quantock catching an opponent's flailing arm, receiving a nasty cut over his eye, requiring post-match stitching and unfortunately ending his day early.

On the restart the Warriors came out firing, the defense having come closer to terms with Shelton's method of attack, repeatedly springing the Offside Trap to keep the Champions at bay.  Then after 10 minutes, Midfielder Nick Slater collected the ball and hit a scorcher from 30 yards out, unstoppably finding the top left corner of the net to equalize for the Warriors.

The opposition's relentless use of long passing to the attack was continuously thwarted by Galimi's ownership of the penalty area.  Multiple one-on-one attacks were shut down, but after time, Shelton's attacking finally paid off again with a very nice goal to take them back into the lead.  Fortunately, aided by judicious sideline substitutions ensuring a constant supply of fresh legs, Wilton was able to once again find their way back into the match.  Slater, still feeling the rush of his previous goal, fired another long-range effort hitting the post.  As the ball rebounded across the face of the goal, Robert Sztachelski calmly passed the ball into the net to once again bring the match level.  Both of Wilton's new players this season have now already scored, further cementing their places in the squad.

The heat began to take its toll on all players, but the Warriors seemed fitter at the end.   As most of the players seemed resigned to a 2-2 draw, Shelton got through near the end and the ball bobbled around in the Wilton box.  The ball fell to one of their attackers, who fired from close-range forcing a marvelous top-class diving save by Galimi to keep the opposition at bay.

As the final whistle came, Wilton was happy to leave the reigning Champion's home field with a draw, continuing their undefeated start to their first season in Division 1.

http://www.wiltonvillager.com/story/468655

The newly promoted Ancient Wilton Warriors opened their first season in Division 1 against their old nemeses Southeast Rovers (also newly promoted to the top tier) in Old Lyme. The first half was finely balanced with both sides struggling to take control on a narrow grass field. Good work by Slawomir Przybysz and Gregory Gryglewski in midfield helped create chances, but the Warriors were unable to capitalize. It was Rovers that finally broke the deadlock with an 18 yard shot initially saved by Goalkeeper Mark Isaacs with their winger first to follow-up for a close range tap in. Wilton’s worries were further compounded, having a man sent off a few minutes later for dangerous play. 1-0 down and reduced to 10 men the outlook was bleak and it looked like the Rovers would easily maintain their unbeaten record against Wilton.

However, a rousing half-time team talk by Andrea Galimi unlocked a will to win and a team spirit that are fast becoming Ancient trademarks. Undeterred by the odds, Piotr Bierezowiec and Andrew Copley calmly passed their way out of trouble when needed. Tackling became fiercer with Paul Defelice and Kourosh Azarbarzin shutting down the opposition wing play, and Tom Parsons getting to the ball first on every occasion to put the opposition on the back foot. Andrew Allers was unlucky not to equalize, hooking the ball over an advancing keeper. The ball bounced against the underside of the bar on to the goal line whilst the bench screamed for the introduction of hawk-eye video technology.  Southeast cleared the ball off the line, and after a few back-and-forth’s it fell to Allers on the right side of the box who crossed in, and the continued pressure was rewarded as Nick Slater nodded home the equalizer.

The Rovers were rattled.  The Warriors energy and fitness more than made up for their one man deficit with Captain William ΄the dynamo‘ O’Herron leading the charge from midfield.  Amidst the pressure, Allers nicked an errant Southeast pass in the middle, and raced past the last defender before drilling the ball inside the far post to rapturous applause from the sideline --- 2-1 to Wilton.

Sensing that attack really is the best form of defense the Warriors were not content to sit on their lead but rather pressed forward again with newcomer Michael Freliech scoring on his debut, adding a third to underline a bold and encouraging ten man fight back.  The Rovers did apply some late pressure but the defense held firm with two superb headed clearances by Michael Schneidman denying any hint of recovery.

There will be continued stiff competition to come for sure, but the Ancient Warriors teamwork and spirit shown here has set the bar for future Division 1 battles.

http://www.wiltonvillager.com/story/468319