Team: Reynolds; Maza, Hyde, Hughie, Alex; Cunningham, McKeeney, Riley, Gaukroger; Brown & Roosen; sub Donnelly

Vets 2 gave a determined, solid performance against the league champions which was tensely balanced at 0-0 until midway through the second half before yielding to late goals.

The day started with two teams needing a victory to achieve their season objectives. Metrasport needed a win to secure the league championship and Vets2 needed three points to pass Hughie's points target to achieve the reward of a wine tasting evening. Metrasport had a large squad and good support on the sidelines expecting an easy win over the lower placed Vets2 team, but Vets2 were not going to be so obliging.

The game started with the youthful Metrasport playing intricate passing moves but tenacious defending by reunited central defensive partnership of Hughie Gallagher and Hyde and the full back cover from Maza and Knott ensured that during the first half they were only restricted to long shot. Vets2 were defending resolutely and with the Vets2 version of Torres/Gerard up front (i.e. Brown/Roosen) there was always the treat of a breakaway goal. One opportunity saw Roosen try a shot/lob from near the half way line which was on target.

Vets2 best chance of the half fell to McKeeney who raced into the penalty area but had his shot blocked by a fast, covering Metrasport defender.

At half time the 0-0 score line was as a result of sound defending, very impressive central midfield work of McKeeney and Riley and overall strong teamwork by Vets2.

The second half continued as the first half left off with Vets2 growing stronger in the game and Metrasport increasingly nervous as they seemed unable to pass the Vets2 defence and keeper. By now the Vets 2 defence consisted of all 11 players and Cunningham and Gaukroger where playing their role in supporting the defence. Unfortunately, midway through the second half the defence was breached, a miss-hit shot looped up and into the top corner of the goal. Vets 2 continued to defend doggedly together with some impressive saves from Colin the Cat (Reynolds).

Although a second goal was conceded, Vets2 continued to attack for a goal. Cunningham attacked down the right and chased a lost cause on the right, winning the ball on the by-line and crossing for Brown to tap into the net. Unfortunately the referee considered that the ball had fully crossed the by-line and belatedly blew his whistle for a goal kick long after the ball nestled in the net. On another attack Brown sped onto a through pass from Knott but his shot was saved by the advancing keeper. Not to be outdone Gaukroger tried a long shot that whistled past the far upright.

Despite some good saves from Colin, including a great stop when the centre-forward was through on his own resulting in a shot striking Colin full in the face. The further two goals were conceded late in the match which gave a score line which did not truly reflect the tension which was in the match until late in the second half. Many thanks to Jimmy Donnelly who made the time to turn out and play the last 15 minutes with his calf injury allowing Gaukie to leave and perform his abbsa duties and to ensure we played to the end with 11 players.

Metrasport were elated with their victory which secured the championship but acknowledged that Vets2 had given them as tough a match as they had all season.

Despite the result, Vets2 performance was excellent and we felt happy with our effort, maybe against a lesser side than the league champions we would have yielded a better result.

MOM … this was a tie between Colin Reynolds for a good goalkeeping display with some great saves and Chris Riley for some excellent defensive midfield marking and tackling.

Thanks to Pete Brown for his leadership of Vets2 over the past two seasons and good luck for all next season.