The Vale got their first win of the season this morning with a very good 3-0 win over Star 07. Not only a win, but also a clean sheet, something that has eluded the Vale for 36 games (thats 665 days since our last clean sheet!).
The team lined up with Bomo in goal, a back four of Marcus, Steeley, Ed and Scottie, in midfield were Gaylo, Dan W, Dave D and Kie with Sam and Nick up front...on the bench we had Shane, Sean and Sean's brother Aaron.
The Vale got off to a good start as they tried to pass the ball around (a bit more than last week anyway!), and certainly started the stronger of the two sides. We took the lead during this period as Sam picked the ball up on the right hand side and ran at the Star 07 defenders....he kept on running and eventually found the room to arrow a shot into the corner. Top drawer goal.
Usually when teh Vale take the lead they make a cockup and give a goal straight back, but the boys were putting a shift in and didn't allow the Star team to settle. We could and probably should have extended our lead before we did, but before half time Sam went on another mazy run...deciding not to pass into space to Dave D (who can blame him!) and using Gaylo's run to open up space for himself, he reached the edge of the box and slid the ball past the keeper. 2-0 to the Vale!
Star 07 came out in the second half and started to apply a bit more pressure as they continually lauched early long passes toward their front men....despite the odd miscalculation, Steeley and Ed were solid at the back and managed to clear almost everything. Star had a few chances that perhaps on another day they would have taken, but we rode our luck when we needed to. Subs were made as Aaron came on up front and instantly had an impact as his pace and direct running put Star on the back foot. Sean came on in centre mid and played well as he kept possession and moved the ball early, allowing Gaylo, Sam and Aaron in particular to attack the Star defenders. Shane came on and put a shift in on the left hand side, as Star tried to get back in the game. But the game was effectively over as Sam was brought down on the edge of the box, and he stepped up to curl the ball over the wall and past the keeper for his hattrick.
The Vale smartly kept hold of the ball towards the end, and tried to run out the clock. Star had one last chance but knocked it over, meaning the mighty Vale had the win and the clean sheet.
Everyone played well, the back four were very solid, the midfield kept the ball moving well and Sam scored three great goals. The subs came on and impressed as well. Happy days!
Goal 1 - Sam (no assist): Dribbled round three or four players before placing it in the corner 9/10
Goal 2 - Sam (no assist): Dribbled round three or four players before placing it in the corner 9/10
Goal 3 - Sam (no assist): Freekick placed over the wall and past the keeper 8/10
Misc notes:
Bomo got karate kicked in the balls
Twice Chuff ran the width of the pitch to provide Dave D with treatment only for Dave to tell him he was ok and send him back....sorry Chuff!
Dave D definitely didn't handball it...despite what everyone says.
