Post by oggy on Mar 11, 2012 20:07:22 GMT
Vets enterained Raynes Park Vale today for second time this season the first match ending with a narrow 1-0 win for Ruts,missing seven players for various reasons we still managed to have 14 players again,in first match back in october we had probably our strongest squad of the season against last seasons vets surrey cup finalists so we knew today we had to step up our performance after last weeks fiasco and from the start we played the ball around nicely using full width of poplar road pitch eventually resulting in us taking the lead from some excellent play with Monk finishing it off expertly,we were holding our own physically all over the pitch with reynolds moving into centre midfield today to combat their strength in that area proving decisive we continued to edge the half with not to many scares from their attack H/T 1-0, second half cook & lyle replaced some weary legs and soon got involved in the game but to be fair RP VALE raised their game a little to gain control and from a throw in their winger broke loose down the right side to roll a perfect cross into path of forward who finished cleverly just chipping over rolys dive 1-1, the game was going end to end and we scored again when this time we broke down their right side for cross to find lyle who stuck the ball home first time in crowded area 2-1, with some legs begginning to tire now RP VALE equalised again when a corner was pushed away by roly only for forward to hit first time and fall straight at another forwards foot 2 yds from goal but onside to score 2-2 this raised RP Vales heads now and for short while we were holding them at bay with some good defending resulting in one excellent flying save from heal in goal but they took the lead for first time when from quick corner and lack of concentation from us a forward fired home from 12 yds unchallenged 2-3 down and with 20 mins still left bezza entered the fray and as i explained to him only reason he didnt get longer was that not being a vet its unfair to technically cheat and not sportmanslike against a team without younger players but he at least had an assist in our third goal although unwittingly when he got clattered in an ariel challenge but ball fell to simon young who cut inside onto his right foot to curl an excellent shot/cross not sure which into top corner we will give him benefit of doubt and call it a moment of brilliance, which made amends from a chance earlier when he ran along the line to break through on goal but keeper who although didnt look the the most agile produced a very good one handed save so final score 3-3, so a very well deserved draw for both teams which is fast becoming one of the best fixtures we play both teams and supporters and even john the ref coming off saying how enjoyable a game to be involved in which in vets football is what we hope to achieve regardless off result but better when we win, also although he comes under crititism most home games credit when due to john the ref for very good running of game today with high praise from opposition espiecially,lastly a big well done to everyone today for excellent determined and committed performances.