The season kicked off today away at Eden FC. The weather was reasonably good leading up to kick off, and all the players were looking forward to their first competitive fixture for several months.
The starting line up included eight of last season's players, together with Josh Brewer, Scott Harrison, and the "returning" Josh Wilson.
The game started well for Deanview and several good moves were put together with some wonderful running off the ball by Jamie, and Dan. Tom threaded through some great balls, and one cross nearly ended up opening the scoring, when Jamie ran behind the last defender on the right and headed the ball goalwards, only to see the keeper make a good save.
Somewhat against the run of play Eden went 1-0 up, in the 23rd minute, courtesy of a long punt up field and a defensive mix up, leaving the Eden striker with just James to beat. The toe punted effort beat James to his left. A minute later the score was level following a good ball from Josh to Jamie, who ran at the Eden defence, beating two players and unleashing a thunderous shot, which although within the keepers range, could not be kept out due to the power.
Unfortunately it was only 4 minutes later that Eden retook the lead, again following a defensive mistake. This time Eden would hold the lead for a longer period. Despite good work again from Deanview, and a shot from Chris that somehow the Eden keeper managed to keep out, the half time score remained 2-1. The team had played some really good football, with Josh Bushnell looking particularly good in a defensive midfield position, and Chris and Tom creating great chances going forward. The scoreline at half time was harsh on the team.
The second half started well for Deanview with a great effort from Jamie, just flashing over the bar. On 52 minutes Matt was introduced (for Kristian) and he was soon in the thick of the action, getting some great flick ons from throw ins and crosses. In the 58th minute Matt grabbed a goal, thanks to good work from the team. Some good passing in midfleld finished with a wonderful ball to Josh on the left wing, who, beating the Eden right back, chipped over a fabulous cross to the far post where Matt unmarked brought the ball down and slammed it in!
The remainder of the game saw chance after chance, mainly falling to Deanview, but Eden looking dangerous on the break. Two chances fell to Josh and then Jamie, in quick succession, but both being blocked. Scott saw a great long shot just clear the bar by about a foot and Matt saw a close range effort with the outside of his right boot fly over the bar from about ten yards. At the end Eden could have snatched it, but for a "flying" save from James.
A point away from home to a team believed to be one of the harder teams to beat, was not disappointing, but on chances created it looked like two points dropped.
Team: James Draper, Josh Wilson (70), Scott Harrison, Ryan Allen, Kristian Nevin (52), Josh Brewer, Tom Brewer, Chris White, Josh Bushnell, Jamie Freeman, Dan Sheehan (65)
Subs: Matt Carey (52), Rob Alderman (65), Tim Burns (70)
