The match began with Rawdon winning the early exchanges, playing crisp passes and keeping possession with Wyke just a little bit off the mark. As with any match involving youthful sides, petulance and discipline came into play in the first quarter of the match. Rawdon’s striker saw an early dismissal after clashing with a couple of Wyke players.

Despite this, it was the home side who took the initiative; a free kick rebounding from the wall and landing fortuitously at the captain’s feet. His resulting pass cut through the Wyke defence to find a Rawdon player’s feet, who made it 1-0.

Wyke rallied and attempted to decrease the deficit. Matt Conway, feeding off scraps, managed a few glances at goal with little reward. A well-struck effort from Max Powell was deflected by a Rawdon defender which could have easily found the back of the net.

The half-time whistle blew and Wyke entered the changing rooms a goal down. After a stern team talk and some self-analysis they readied themselves for the second half.

Following the interval, Wyke began to pile on a bit of pressure by playing football high up the field. Rawdon’s defence remained defiant however, with little to no chances being created. This pressure was not sustained and Rawdon capitalised on an error at the back, rounding the keeper to make it 2-0.

After the second goal, Wyke seemed deflated and found themselves unable to keep possession. Even the introduction of more veteran and experienced players did not seem to kick-start the team. Rawdon battled and showed more willingness to win the ball, ultimately increasing the deficit further when a first-time ball over the top fell to Rawdon’s number 10 who fired into the bottom-left of Wyke’s goal.

The game ended 3-0 with 3 points fully deserved by a 10-man Rawdon team. Wyke will have little time lick their wounds and reflect on this as they entertain Oxenhope Recreation on Wednesday night, 6.30pm at Whitcliffe Mount. The Wanderers will have to put Saturday’s game behind them and build their momentum once again.