VISITORS Haringey Boro powered to their fourth win in the last five games, on their first visit to Herns Way in over 20 years.
In contrast, WGC’s form is heading in the other direction, as this was their third loss in their last four matches.
In what was a poorish match in very difficult weather conditions, with a very high wind and torrential rain throughout the game, Haringey – in the Southern League Div 1 Central for the first time this season after winning last season’s SSML title – outmuscled the Citizens in the opening 45 minutes.
Their, at times, tough, heavy-handed tactics seemed to unnerve WGC’s players, with some of the Citizens’ smaller, cleverer players such as midfielder Ryan Hayes and winger Junior Moses seemingly particular targets.
Home keeper Connor Sansom was called on to make a sharp save with his legs in six minutes, when Haringey burst down the left and played in forward Jon Hippolyte, but Sansom saved well.
WGC were forced into a change on 15 minutes, when teenage defender Frankie Impey went down injured. Luis Cantello replaced him.
Then on 18 minutes, WGC had their best chance of the game.
Nick Ralfe was played into the visitors’ area. He took himself too wide of the goal, but managed to cut the ball back. WGC re-cycled it well to set up a golden chance for Hayes, but just when he looked a certain scorer, a Haringey block in front of goal denied him!
It wasn’t long afterwards, before Haringey again swept downfield for the game’s only goal.
Again they attacked down the left, forward Matt Young was played into the box and when sub Cantello got over to block the effort, the ball took a major deflection to bounce over Sansom’s dive and into the net.
WGC were very lucky not to be 2-0 down three minutes later as a very dangerous cross from the right saw Hippolyte finish in the net, but the ball elude him and finish behind the goal.
The second-half was a poor affair.
WGC had more of the play, but couldn’t fashion much that threatened the Haringey goal.
They used all five of their substitutes, but it was the visitors who had the best chance of a disappointing second period, lively substitute Leo Lapete getting away down the left to find Sami Bessardi, but again Sansom kept the lead to just one, with a fine block with his body.
WGC didn’t create a clear goalscoring opportunity in the half, the best being a late shooting chance for substitute Kendall Gyamfi.
He hesitated with the chance and the effort was blocked and with it went the three points to Haringey.
WGC: Sansom, Ntege, Impey (Cantello 16), Lovell, Gauthier (Mendes 68), Corbit, Nosike, Moses, Hayes (Barrett 70), Ralfe (Sippetts 81), Rookard ((Gyamfi 63).
