The 4s started off the season with the 3 points that everyone craves. An early Ronnie goal sealed the deal as neither side could add to the goal tally on a day that saw Meads create far more clear cut chances despite a lot of the football being played in their half.
Arriving at the pitch at 2:50 was not ideal for a game that was supposed to KO at 2:30 but this did not seem to bother the opposition. Meads had been waiting around for what seemed like an eternity and when the game started it was essential that the tempo was high to put the un prepared opposition under pressure. The game could not have started any better when a huge goal kick beat their defence and Ronnie was goalside and through on goal. A gentle touch put the ball nicely out in front and as the keeper came out Ronnie tucked the finish away nicely with his left.
Old Vaughanians began to play some football and were getting into some dangerous positions without creating any clear cut openings, nevertheless they were clearly a side capable of moving the ball around. After 10 minutes Dave went into a tackle and came out a lot worse; he appeared to have twisted his knee and was helped off the pitch. It is a massive disappointment for both the team and Dave that he injured himself so early in the first game, lets hope he has a speedy recovery.
The enforced change seemed to knock Meads out of their stride and Old Vaughanians began to keep the ball and force meads back into their half. The defence needed to be on their toes to deal with the pressure but they coped well and when anything did get past the defence Adam, a late stand in for the ill Jake, looked unflustered in goal.
Meads created a number of chances in the first half. Ash mazed through the defence before unleashing a fiece drive with his left from edge of the box but the keeper saved well to his left. Joe had a chance when slid through but the keeper came and spread himself well. The first half finished 1-0.
The 2nd half was much the same, Old Vaughanians started the better but they were always vulnerable to the counter attack. Charlie was running his heart out and was causing their back line all sorts of problems, often getting around the back and delivering good crosses. Old Vaughanians continued to have few efforts of note but they drew an excellent save from Adam with not long to go, diving low to parry away a powerful effort.
Ronnie went close with a header from a corner, Joe sliced an effort when through on goal and Lister, who had an excellent game in the middle, contrived to miss from 7yards out, hitting it over after more good work from Charlie. None of this was to matter as Meads saw out the game with relative ease, finishing 1-0.
It was a hard game but the work rate was great right to the end, with some players running themselves into the ground, and Meads created lots of chances, which on another day could have meant a far more convincing win.
MOM went to Ronnie, who starts the season with a nicely taken goal and a good all round display to take into the next game.
