Line up

T.Williamson

Mazza, P Wrigley, Kevin, A. Knott

Tom, Ulrik, Chris R, Patricio, G Boyadjiev

K Francey

Subs: Hughie Gallagher Delegue: Hughie Gallagher

So guys, ready for the next thrilling instalment of Vets 2 vs the World! Today we played second in the table away at their place in Anderlect. A very hard place to find, and again Chris R’s Crap Nav gave us the run-around! Ended up in a Carpark full of Saturday Shoppers all trying to get out at the same time. After successfully negotiating the carpark, without the crap-nav, we managed to find the ground. 30 mins before Kick off and we’re still missing a few guys, Tom and Ulrik turn up at the death to give us 11 and Hughie as our Sub.

The game started and Ecusson looked as though they meant business. Lots of passing in midfield, and trying as much as possible to use their left wing, a fast and tricky player who gave poor Mazza a torid time. We created a few chances of our own, with a break down their left, the ball was clipped to the far post, just on the 6 yard line waiting for Tommy to bury, but his header was straight at their ’keeper. Then onto their attack, again on our left, a shot by their centre forward heading for the top right hand corner, but Williamson tipped the ball onto the bar back into the 6 yard box and cleared by Alex, who incidently hand a blinder at left back. Another attack shortly after see the hosts go 1 up. Mazza was beaten for pace and a shot across the keeper, who managed to get something on the ball, but not enough, and rolled into the opposite corner.

Come on lads, lets go again, and we started creating again. Ulrik playing well in our left midfield was holding the ball well and finding some good passes out to Georgey boy out on our right. Again GB sends a great cross into their box where Tommy was lurking, or goal-hanging, had a clear shot on goal, only to find the keeper in the right place again. A case of deja-vue – up their left and the ball passed across our area, and the Forward just stroked the ball home with Vets Keeper stranded in no mans land. 2 nil to the hosts.

Shortly after came their 3rd, a great shot from outside our box, straight into the top right hand corner, no chance for our debutant keeper again!! Heads up boys, and from a long throw from Williamson to Kevin who played the ball up field. Their defence let the ball roll through to their keeper, who mistimed his kick and underneath his foot for 3-1! This gave the boys a much needed boost and again playing well in the midfield. Chris Riley and Pat breakng down their play and distributing the ball well. Then just as we were getting our confidence back they scored the killer blow. A shot from just inside our box, came across our keeper, who managed again to get a hand on it, but still not enough, as it settled in the corner. The ref blew his whistle for half time, and time to get a much needed breather.

Kenny, as usual gave the HT speil, but it was just a case of go out and enjoy it. Hughie also giving lots of encouragement, so the 2nd half started. The game started as it ended at the 1st half. Plenty of pressure from Ecusson, but the lads stood up well. Their tricky player on the left swopped over to the right, so Alex had the job of marking him, and did a good job. He was beaten a few times for pace, but Williamson the cat, or was that pussy!! Managed a few saves to keep his goal intact.

Half way through we could feel we were getting on top of the game, the whole midfield played very well, closing down their players, with gusto!! Again we made quite a few chances, Kenny and GB having efforts saved or going wide. Then we had a penalty awarded for handball, Looked a little harsh from where I was, but I was propping up the post!! Kenny, by the way played his 50th game for Vets 2 and calmly picked up the ball and placed it on the spot. Whistle blows and Kenny places the ball under the keepers body. A very modest Kenny admitted he meant it!!!! So 4-2 to the hosts.

You could see they were becoming a little nervy, just another goal with ten minutes to go would have made the game very interesting. A few more attacks from Ecusson saw the Vets ’keeper busy again, A shot from 8 yards out straight in the Knackers for our debutant, but at least it didn’t go in!!! Then one final attempt from Ecusson saw Williamson save well on his left post. Corner was taken, cleared up field, and the Final whistle blew.

All in all, a great performance from all the lads, espcially in the second half, where we blocked them out completely. I think they deserved their 4 goals, but I believe it flattered them somewhat, same as Picardie. A special thanks to Ulrik and Tom for coming to lend a hand, and of course congrats to Kenny for reaching 50 again!!! MOM was awarded to Chris Riley for a commited, should be!! game in the centre of midfield, with Ulrik and the virgin keeper in second place. Some wag even voted for Ecussons ’keeper, cheeky sods!!! So until the next time, Adios.

(ABSSA have now declared this game forfeit as Ecusson missed a date-of-birth on the pink form. 5-0 to us !! - Ed.)