A sensational double from Matt Vitty snatched three vital points for CCK FC, as they came from behind to beat O&G United 2-1.
A strong CCK side took to the field looking to bounce back from two difficult matches. The opening stages of the match showed positive signs with CCK enjoying the lion’s share of possession. Chances shortly followed. Mike Morrison drove a low shot goalwards forcing the O&G keeper into a decent save. Moments later Dan Harnden’s cross was met by a powerful Matt Vitty header, which was tipped over by the in-form stopper. At the other end CCK were coping brilliantly with the rare threat from their opponents. Tim Rose, Mike Spence, Jacob Fortescue, and Ben Tucker were working hard to limit Rob Woodward’s activity in the CCK goal, limiting United to hopeful long range efforts. The best effort the black and whites mustered was brilliantly saved by Woodward low to his right post. The players in yellow looked most likely to score, and they almost did when an indirect free-kick inside the O&G area created some anxious moments for the travelling fans. Mike Spence’s shot was blocked and the ball fell for Dave Sewell, who also had his shot charged down. The pinball experience culminated with the ball landing near Dave Jones, whose powerful strike was tipped over by the keeper. A goal seemed inevitable for CCK, but then that has been the case on more than one occasion this season, only to lead to disappointment in the form of a sting in the tail. The game then became rather scrappier as O&G came to the realisation that CCK couldn’t be permitted to pass the ball around like they had been doing. The midfield quartet of Dan Harnden, Dave Sewell, Mike Morrison, and Dave Jones had to stand up to a more physical approach, and they continued to battle hard to earn the right to play. The first half dwindled out with both sides unable to find a goal.
The second half continued to show little to keep the neutral entertained as neither side allowed the other time on the ball to create chances. The battle was fascinating with many aerial challenges hotly contested and committed challenges flying in regularly. A debut was awarded to CCK’s new Swiss signing Floriano Biancaniello who replaced Dan Harnden. He was immediately involved as he made several decent runs down the right. Shots on goal were rare, but long throws and set pieces into the box were the main threat to both goals. Strong defending and great decision making from Rob Woodward frustrated the O&G launches, and at the other end CCK had little luck of their own inside the United area. It was somewhat surprising when the deadlock was broken. O&G United broke down the right and their winger floated the ball to the far post where the CCK players were out-jumped by a significantly taller United player who rose to nod the ball into the net. This setback sparked CCK into action and they pushed forward with greater purpose. The passing improved slightly and ball retention in the final third increased. CCK fans could have been forgiven for lacking the belief that the Badgers could hoist themselves back into such a scrappy match with little chances. That was until a moment of magic from Matt Vitty drew the side’s level. Mike Spence’s long ball was instantly controlled by Vitty who then held off the physical presence of the O&G defenders to strike a half volley under the onrushing keeper and into the net. The Badgers faithful erupted with joy as hope breathed again. Tom Powell was replaced by Gary Walke as Mike Spence was thrown up front to try and win the aerial battle. The impotess was with the Badgers, but O&G refused to lie down. Jonny Cassell replaced Ben Tucker at left back. The game seemed destined to end with the spoils shared until another goal of quality won the match for CCK. A good interception by Tim Rose was followed by good distribution to Mike Morrison. The talented midfielder broke forward with the ball, before passing it left to Dave Jones. Matt Vitty timed his run brilliantly as the ball was delivered with precision, and he made no mistake of guiding the ball past the keeper. The composure of the finish was fantastic, as was the move in general. The goal deserved to be the game clincher, but CCK had to battle to make sure it achieved that status. O&G pumped long balls forward, only for the CCK defence to head clear, and then Rob Woodward excelled with a great punch clear under pressure. The referee’s whistle blew signalling the end of a bruising encounter with CCK celebrating a 2-1 victory.
O&G United Manager was first to address the media and he felt his side was worthy of a draw, “We feel a bit gutted to be honest. Both side's battled hard, it wasn’t pretty but I feel we deserved a point, but that’s football. To be fair it was an incredible pass at the end for the goal that separated the teams. Now we need to react and not get down about the loss.” CCK captain Dave Sewell was proud of his team mates, when he spoke with The Sun’s Sports Supplement “It was a fantastic result for us, it probably wasn’t the most attractive football that we have played, but we adapted to a more physical game and responded brilliantly. All over the pitch the personal battles were won and that was key to the victory.” 6 points from the drop zone CCK face an away match against bottom of the league Southern Rangers next weekend, knowing that they cannot afford to get complacent if they want to move further up the league.
