The First Inter-club Fixture of the Season

The new season finally got underway, and due to the enforced weeks delay, this meant the first game was inter club. These games are always keenly contested, with each team having knowledge of the opponents, and keen to get the bragging rights, and this one was no different. The first half was evenly contested, with both sides pressing, but sometimes the composure in the final third was not always there. Joe Ashby, the 4ths keeper was called into action a few times and was able to deal with each of the thirds attempts on goal. Aaron Waters managed to get the ball over the line at one point, but unfortunately just after the umpire had blown to award a short corner! Joe Wray, thirds keeper, kept the defence on their toes as at one point he slid out to clear the ball and completely missed it, luckily the forward hadn’t expected this, so wasn’t able to capitalise. The second half was a tight as the first, with short corners at a premium, the 4ths had one in the game, and with Andrew Vartan likely to strike it, the 3rds defence were aware thy would need to be on their mettle, luckily although struck well, it sailed wide of the post. From a 3rds corner, Jason Purllant had a good flick towards the top corner, but was well parried by the 4ths Keeper. As the game progressed, the excellent running of Davin Foston, Aaron Waters and Mac Gatward-Clarke helped the 3rds push forward. With man of the match Paul Matthews moving the ball wide to Paul Jackson & Stewart Dacre, and with Wes Thomas, Chris Mann, Mike Gregson & Pete Moisey looking to control central areas and stop the 4ths attacks, what they lacked in youth, they made up for in experience. This paid off eventually, when a free hit on the edge of the D was taken quickly by Pete Moisey, who ran round the D until he had gone the required 5 metres, then passed the ball into the D, where Chris Mann pushed it home. Both teams knew a 1 goal lead was easily matched, and the 4ths had an excellent chance when Andrew Vartan jinked his way along the touchline but wasn’t able to get the ball home. Full time arrived soon after, and the 3rds were happy with a hard fought win, although it hadn’t been easy!