Milton Keynes 1 - 3 London Wayfarers

In the warm October sunshine, MKHC were seeking their first league win of the season. London Wayfarers, also aiming for their first 3 points, were ready for a competitive match after their timely arrival on the 10:20 Virgin from London Euston.

MK started strongly, stamping their authority on the match with some fierce challenges and physical play. Tireless work from the midfield and forwards provided MK with a few chances, and strong work at the back kept the score at 0-0 for much of the first half. Some excellent saves from Alex White in goal added to a solid first half performance. Just before the stroke of half time (a game of many strokes), some patient play resulted in a flowing team goal, and the first ever in a challenging league for Callum Kumar-Shaw. HT: MK 1 - 0 WF.

The second half started similarly to the first, with MK earning a flurry of chances but without any further success. However, as the half went on, bodies were starting to slow down under the hot sun. MK conceded short corner after short corner, and struggled to get out of their own half. Eventually the pressure told, and shortly after announcing to keeper White how ‘tired’ he was, skipper Tom Murtagh gave away an unfortunate penalty stroke. Wayfarers subsequently scored and with just 10 MK players on the pitch, continued to build the pressure. More short corners followed, and despite Wayfarers best efforts to miss them all, they won another penalty stroke after finding a foot on the way (wide of) the goal. With just seconds to go, MK put in a big effort to try and level the scores, only to concede another short corner - this time slotted home.

A promising first half performance but a frustrating result, with plenty to work on through the first half of the season. MK were slightly more competitive in the post-game boat race but sadly again came second best.

FT Milton Keynes 1 - 3 London Wayfarers. MOM - Alex White
DOD - Giacomo Palmiero