We kicked off August and our 2017-18 season with a charity, fundraising match for Maytree Suicide Respite Centre, who helps those coping with the affects of suicide on their family or themselves.
Wanderers past and present came together to raise awareness and some cash for this great and sadly overlooked cause. Big thanks to Ashley Stokes and Simon Edwards for organising and for everyone who attended.
The Men's 1st XI took on AFC Ewell in their first pre-season friendly, giving seven players debuts. It was a tight affair with only Junior Akintola really causing problems for the hosts, who edged it 0-2. On the same day, the Women's 1sts tackled Clapham United, who compete two divisions higher in the Greater London Women's Football League. They may have gone down 0-3 but it was an excellent performance with plenty to be hopeful for.
The regular match versus Effra Academicals was relocated to Dulwich College Sports Club for the summer but it was another high-scoring affair. Wanderers bagged an eye-watering 12 goals to the #Accies two with Johnny Higgins scoring FIVE! James Rennoldson and Lee Baldwin netted twice each whilst Ryan O'Neill continued his good form, Kwadwo Brefo bagged his first for the club and even Nick Mendoza-Connell got on the scoresheet with a #belter from long range!
There were two further men's friendlies; a 2-2 draw away to a reformed Tattenham Hotspur team, who showed real grit in baking hot conditions. Louis Sinclair and Nkrumah Smith bagged for the visitors. Lastly, a friendly at the men's new home ground - Prince George's Playing Fields, Raynes Park - was a home game for both teams. Old Boys Clapham won fairly easily 1-4, with Kenny Ekette scoring his first for the club.