It is often said in sports that the sign of a good side is its ability to 'win ugly'. If this adage is true, then on Saturday's evidence, the Old Malvernian First XI can be said to be a 'good side'. Criticised during last season's annus horribilis for a lack of fight and steel as time and again they dropped points from winning positions, this season's Malvern team look far more accomplished at winning close games.
Travelling to Winchester on a cold February morning for a 12.30 start was not particularly enticing, and the light snow that fell as players made their journey south down the M3 saw Will Gifford proclaim it was ‘like playing an away European game at Zenit St Petersburg.’ I am not sure if Will has ever been to St Petersburg, but Saturday’s temperature in the Russian city fell to minus 21 at one point Saturday, so a little bit colder than it was at Winchester. Nonetheless, he had a point, and the cold weather and sticky pitch meant the OMs knew a difficult day lay ahead.
The team showed two changes from the previous week’s comprehensive win over Westminster, with Josh Hughes returning in place of the unlucky James Bath, and Sam Vaughan called up for his seasonal first team debut after his man of the match heroics last week for the Dinks. Ayo Afolabi arrived just in time for kick off, a slightly disappointing return to old ways after some more prompt arrivals from the man nicknamed ‘Lord Lucan’ in recent weeks. Playing the first half uphill and into a biting North Atlantic wind, Malvern started reasonably well, with the midfield three of Leon Kirchhoff, Alex Richardson and Gifford Snr particularly impressive as they controlled the game. Arthur Vaughan won his first ten headers, although like a golfer struggling with the wind off the tee, did manage to shank everything left out for a lot of throw ins.
Despite a couple of nervy moments at the back, the away side deservedly took the lead when Richardson’s ball in behind the Old Wykehamists’ defence was latched onto by Afolabi after a defensive error. The forward showed admirable composure as he raced clear and finished high into the top corner to give the keeper no chance and Malvern the lead. In truth, apart from the odd scare due to a couple of defensive mix-ups, the OMs controlled the first half and might have extended their lead with a better final pass and more leniency in the interpretation of the offside rule as Charlie Gifford continually threatened and Tom James had the ball in the net from what looked to be a perfectly legal onside position.
The second period saw a predictably refreshed OWs start aggressively as both sides realised the importance of a game between two sides who hope to be playing Premier League football next season. Winchester were rewarded with an equaliser ten minutes after the break when their winger got free down the right and whipped a dangerous ball into the middle that was skilfully flicked home. In recent years, and particularly last season, the OMs have thrown away countless leads in matches, and might have surrendered under fierce pressure in years gone by. But not this season’s team.
The new found steely determination was in evidence as players worked hard for each other all over the park and snapped into tackles, gradually reasserting their authority on the game. A slick move down the right saw Richardson play in James, who beat his man for pace and squared across the face of goal. The ball broke to Peter Ford, who swivelled and shot only to see it cleared off the line. As the ball bobbled in the area Gifford Snr took control, taking the ball over one defender before nonchalantly flicking it with the outside of his right foot into the corner of the net. It was a moment of class in a scrappy game and would prove to be the decisive goal.
Malvern hung on with some resolute defending and were indebted to Sam Vaughan in goal for an outstanding one handed save to keep out a Winchester header as the home team pressed for an equaliser. A 2-1 win at the same venue at a similar time in the season last time the 1s were promoted four years ago proved crucial that season. The four players who were in that side that were present on Saturday will hope that is an omen for good things to come as the club continues to chase an historic double promotion season.
