Wanderers collected the three points against WCC Rangers, but it was far from being the easy victory that many had predicted.

The Blues began the game well, passing the ball around with confidence, and protecting debutant Stuart Croxson's goal from WCC's direct approach.

Wanderers took the lead after fifteen minutes, with a well-crafted goal.  Jamie Ryall started the attack, linking up with Ian Griffiths, who fed Tom Soane on the right.  The Blues' forward beat him man before sending a low cross to the near post, where strike partner Paul Martin turned the ball home.

Martin had the opportunity to make it 2-0 minutes later, when Anthony Prior's pass sent him free.  He perhaps waited too long to shoot, but credit to the WCC 'keeper, who did well to tip the shot over the bar.

Clint Falcus then released Tom Soane, but he was frustrated by a dubious offside call.

As half-time approached, Wanderers were stunned by an equaliser from the visitors.  Typically it followed a long ball over the top, which was eventually headed through for the WCC forward to lob over Croxson.

The second half saw Darren Wakley introduced in place of Falcus.

Wanderers wasted little time in putting themselves back in control, as they scored twice within the opening ten minutes of the second period.

Martin collected the ball on the right and switched play to Prior, who advanced into the WCC box before pulling back for Tom Soane to fire high into the net from close range.

The Blues' scorer then turned provider after Ian Griffiths found him, Soane crossed for Martin to score his second of the game.  Griffiths then came close with a free-kick, that was tipped over the bar.

Wanderers then took their foot off the gas, and WCC capitalised on the Blues' complacency as they forced their way back into the game.  After pulling one back, WCC found an equaliser with ten minutes to go, and it looked as though Wanderers had dropped two vital points.

Fortunately Paul Martin was able to complete his hat-trick with a low shot five minutes before the end of the game.

The Blues played well in parts and deserved victory, however will be wise to learn that complacency can be very costly. 

TEAM: Stuart Croxson, Jamie Ryall, Dan van der Laan O'Donnell, Chris Hillsdon, Chris Orbell, Ian Griffiths, Clint Falcus, Dave Griffiths, Anthony Prior, Paul Martin, Tom Soane.

SUBS: Darren Wakley (for Falcus), Andy Corless (for Ryall) and Phil Soane (for Prior).