Matt Vitty struck a sensational hat-trick and Tom Powell grabbed a brace as CCK FC snatched their second win from as many games to move nine points clear of the relegation places, and just six from the Premier League summit. The 5-1 result against Southern Rangers was emphatic and sends a message to their rivals as CCK rise up the league.
Optimism was running high among CCK players and fans after a positive result against O&G United the match before. The rejuvenated belief was evident in the early stages as the Badgers monopolised possession and pressurised the blue shirts into mistakes. The tenacity of the midfield quartet of Dan Harnden, Dave Sewell, debutant Norman Di Giamberardino, and Dave Jones in particular yielded many moments of anguish amongst Rangers fans. Di Giamberardino in particular was getting right in the faces of the Old Boys’ midfielders whenever they had possession. The joy was coming down the right for CCK as Dan Harnden was giving the Rangers left back a torrid time beating him for pace and skill every time he had the ball. Crosses started threatening from both wings as the Badgers kept their opponents penned into their own half. A goal was inevitable and it came slightly fortuitously when Jonny Cassell’s long throw caused mayhem in the box, and after a player in blue had miss-kicked his clearance, Tom Powell pounced and clinically tucked the ball past the helpless keeper. The floodgates threatened to open as CCK produced some fine combination play. Matt Vitty and Tom Powell were lively, working in tandem to cause no end of problems for their counterparts. It was Vitty who could have doubled the lead when he saw an effort saved by the keeper. Norman Di Giamberardino hit a half volley that only just cleared the crossbar from outside the area. Then came the vital goal that gave the yellows a two goal cushion. Dan Harnden raced down the right and produced a fine cross, which Tom Powell diverted across goal. A goalmouth scramble ensued as the ball ricocheted off a Rangers player before being hooked into the net by Matt Vitty via a deflection. CCK were on top and winning the individual battles all over the pitch. Defensively they were keeping the Rangers at bay as the back four of Tim Rose, Gary Walke, Ben Tucker, and Jonny Cassell were first to any lose ball and tough in the tackles. Cassell at left back was having a particularly fine game completely nullifying the threat from Rangers right side, and also providing an outlet when CCK had possession. Jacob Fortescue again showed how dependable he is as a goalkeeper claiming crosses and reading the game well, pouncing on through balls at the feet of strikers. The solid defence provided a platform for CCK to attack, and they extended their lead further after 35 minutes. Norman Di Giamberardino won possession in midfield and then weighted a lofted through ball into the path of Matt Vitty. The striker, who is enjoying a purple patch in front of goal, raced through and smashed the ball low past the keeper to make it 3-0, a score-line which didn’t flatter the Badgers at the half time whistle.
No half time motivational talks required from Tim Rose, as “more of the same” no doubt would have been the message for the CCK side. That is exactly what was delivered in the second half. Neat combination football, commitment in the tackle, and potent in attack CCK were a class act. Matt Vitty was played through by Dave Sewell only for his powerful drive to clear the crossbar. Vitty was not to be denied his hat-trick for long. Jonny Cassell’s long ball looked to be going through to the keeper, but Vitty gambled and was enough of a presence to distract the keeper and worry him into a mistake, allowing Vitty to tap into an empty net effectively ending the game as a contest, whilst grabbing his fifth goal in two matches. Debutant Norman Di Giamberardino who had impressed the Badgers faithful with a solid display was then replaced by Charlie Jones who filled the holding role in midfield. CCK continued to push forward and were unlucky not to extend their lead when Matt Vitty raced down the left and picked out Tom Powell in the box, who put the ball in the net, only for the assistant referee to flag for offside. Boo’s came from the away fans and video replays back up their anger, as Powell was played onside by a sliding defender along with the fact that he was behind Vitty when the ball was played. That didn’t stop Powell from adding to his total. A fantastic team move started when Dave Jones lofted the ball forward for Matt Vitty, whose flicked header put Powell through on goal. The marksman shrugged off a grappling defender and then planted the ball beyond the keeper with a composed finish. Powell was then denied his hat-trick when he latched onto a Dave Jones through ball only for the keeper to thwart his low effort with a good save. At the other end Southern Rangers were looking for a consolation, and were themselves denied by fine goalkeeping, Jacob Fortescue tipping over a powerful effort. Mark Edwards joined the game, replacing man of the match Matt Vitty who went off to a standing ovation from both sets of fans. Rangers were then to get their consolation late in the game when several tired players in yellow dived into challenges they didn’t need to make, and allowed the blue shirts to outnumber them as a result. The ball was played to the back post where it was smashed into the net by Mark Hempenstal. An angry response towards the referee from Tim Rose was obvious from the stands with little explanation. The goal was awarded despite it coming to light after the game that the goal scorer had allegedly shouted “leave it” in the area, and under the laws of the game, that should not have been allowed. The referee did later produce a statement denying that he had heard such a phrase, and Rangers were allowed their consolation. The goal did little to spoil such a good CCK victory as the final whistle confirmed their second successive win.
Rumours of a late call up to the Malta squad to face Croatia for Malta-born Matt Vitty gathered steam amongst journalists at the Patcham Stadium. Vitty was keen to refute such rumours when he spoke with reporters after the game, “I enjoyed the game and to get a hat-trick and for the side to win was unbelievable, but there has been no contact from Malta and I am not thinking about that at the moment. I am fully focusing on having a successful season with CCK and nothing else.” Debutant Norman Di Giamberardino was also requested for the post-match press conference and the Italian was keen to talk up his new sides chances of getting back in the title race, “To win it?, maybe. We could be very close. It was very good to play my first game today, the fans were very nice to me, and the players are very good. I think we can have a good season. As we say in Italy we can only play one game in 90 minutes, so we have to think about the next game only.” CCK’s next game is away against American Express, where they will be hoping to extend their winning run to three games.
