NUFC Oilers have had another good season in the top Division and they are now hosting at Polytechnic’s ground –The Quintin Hogg Memorial Ground – a ground where the First team are virtually unbeaten in recent decades. So I was confident that we would do well at this venue. The ground layout has been revised and all the pitches look different but it’s a great place to play football and both teams turned in an exhilarating performance.
Despite the tricky wind the standard of play in the first 45 minutes was exceptional. Due to a train malfunction the game missed the 2pm kick off time slot (good old Arne) and we started off like a malfunctioning train – slowly.

Manager, Andy Foster, was appearing in his 350th managerial role – a feat which is unsurpassed in WWFC history -- so congratulations to Fozzie who started off managing the Fours 15 years ago. He’s been responsible for developing the careers of numerous amateur footballers and has won plenty of silver in the process. WWFC is deeply indebted to you Foz and those of us who have managed sides know how much effort, time and heartache that’s gone into the job. With this in mind I knew that we would not lose on Saturday.

After missing a host of chances, we finally took the lead just before half time via a Josh Tutt goal, following good work by Johnny White. Half time came and went – just like it does every week. The second half started at the same frantic pace as the first half and it was Oilers who scored next after a long range effort arrowed into the top corner of the Rascal’s net. From then on proceedings blossomed into an end to end, top class encounter.
Around the 70th minute we made the vital breakthrough with Akin Lawal playing in Josh Tutt who finished sublimely for yet another goal.

The three points were invaluable as the season draws to an exciting climax in our battle with Nottsborough to win the title. It is highly likely that the title will be decided at Twisted Peak on Saturday 3rd May when Nottsborough visit “the home of football”. But you never know said the class dunce.

Oli Clarke was in imperious form – directing traffic in midfield and prompting numerous attacks. Ben Linter overcame his hamstring tweak from the game against Wandsworth Borough last week – an injury which probably cost us a place in the AFA Final – and as usual won numerous aerial battles. Alfie Airey, Sam Murray, Connor Byrne and Josh Kennedy were also missing for that game but all have a chance of returning for the run in which is really good news.

Man of the Match went to Josh Tutt, who has never played better, but Clarkey was also immense as was Ben Linter. All 14 members of the squad played a vital role, as did the travelling army of Hurworth, Thompson and Kilcoyne. Astonishingly we have won our last 11 League games on the run, several of them by a single goal which demonstrates the team’s winning mentality. This run stretches back to November 2nd 2024.
Josh Tutt and Charlie Kallas have both scored 18 goals so far and either of them or Pat Keane will win the 2024/25 GOLDEN BOOT which will be presented at the Club Annual Dinner by Norma Stits from the West Wickham Times.

The Reserves turned in an exciting performance with Dedji again on target along with Elijah “one L” Philiphs and Jack Benetar. They beat Polytechnic 3 – 0 and played some very entertaining football and could have won by a greater margin.
The Reserves have had a superb season under the new management and should finish runners up in Senior Division Two – they have played exciting attacking football with a newly formed young squad which augurs well for the coming seasons so well done to Jamie Hackshall and Rob Doyle, skipper Jack Maws and his squad.

The Fours drew 3 – 3 with league leaders Nottsborough after twice being in the lead – this was another highly watchable game and a draw was probably the right result. Our goals came from Rawley and two from Germaine.

The Fives went down 2 – 1 in a game that they dominated – Dan Fontaine scored for us against Alleyns – bad luck men.

Everyone can now look forward to the amazing interview to commemorate The Fozzie Era – Andy’s heart to heart with myself and Norma Stits covers all the great (and not so great) moments in his long and distinguished career.
This will be published after the last game of the season which we must win for obvious reasons – also this game on 3rd May will herald the return of Half Time Oranges. Probably 85% of the club members won’t have a clue what I’m talking about which is probably normal if you read my reports every week.