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.

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