Abberley Vale have been consistent only in their inconsistency this year and Sundays game against bottom of the table Hillgrove was no different. The squad arrived in good humour however lacked the intensity in the warm up that has been present of late.
Ageing captain Will ‘Carragher’ Silk tried to take control of the squad with some harsh words in the build up to the game however it was the talking to by Mark ‘psycho’ James who was heard to just say...’Pricks’ who had most effect.
Keeper Matt ‘Enckelman’ Ormerod was also seen to have given up with warm ups as Dave Delivers, who normally warms up the keeper, can’t kick the ball straight. In addition to this, Dave ‘I want to be mentioned in the write up blah blah blah’ Handley was seen to be warming up by playing an imaginary banjo... no wonder he didn’t start!!
Vale started the game, as expected, the stronger of the two sides. Although they lacked the usual quick passing in the middle of the park that has been an ever present since Bingo took charge, they threatened on a number of occasions down the wings as Luke ‘Arjen Robben’ Bridgewater and Sam ‘Downing’ Hughes used their pace to good effect.
Vale were getting frustrated though as possession was not turning into goals, but with almost half an hour gone their luck changed as a corner was whipped in by Sam and Aaron ‘im better than silk’ Roberts headed home from 6 yards. You could feel the relief from the Vale players and support when the goal was scored as it was a long time coming.
Earlier on before the game had started the Referee had spoken to both sides regarding behaviour and language towards both himself and the opposition. The referee decided to have an inconsistent/crap game as early on he heard Az give an opposing forward a torrent of foul language however decided to just stare at him and point. A punishment he did not share with Luke as he sent him off for calling a Hillgrove defender a...’batty’...so vale were playing with 10 men!
This did not seem to affect the Vale performance as they were still...well...crap! The quick passing still eluded them even when one goal up. It seemed to go on like this for the majority of the match. The only time Tude was called into action was to deal with a free kick and also a couple of dodgy back passes, one of which he skinned the Hillgrove forward!
The game was made safe on the 70th min when Laan ‘I smile far too much’ David fired across the keeper into the far corner from inside the penalty box.
Vale went home with all 3 points however will be happy not to see that dire performance ever again!!
