Plumtree started life in Division 3 with an impressive victory over Trent Vale. The weeks of pre season training looked to have paid off as Plumtree started confidently, passing the ball around before scoring the opening goal. Following a period of short accurate passes, Paul Thomas spotted Simon Athertons run towards goal and slid a weighted pass into his stride. Simon collected the ball and blasted the ball beyond the Vale keeper for his first of the season.
The second goal came soon after and was again scored by Simon Atherton. Jon Atkin passed the ball to Simon who hit a fairly weak shot at the keeper. Luckily, the keeper seemed to misjudge the ball and it trickled through his legs to put Plumtree two goals up within the first 30 minutes. The second goal seemed to spark Trent Vale into life and after a couple of attacks had their first shot on goal. A misdirected defensive clearance bobbled to the Vale striker who hit his shot goalward and was just turning to celebrate when Matt dived full length to palm it round the post for a corner.
This seemed to galvanise Plumtree who continued to attack and after numerous corners, scored their 3rd goal. An excellent corner from Peter Oates was headed powerfully (what do you expect with 15 stone behind the ball!) into the goal by Paul Thomas. Plumtree went into the half time break with a well deserved 3 goal lead.
The second half got underway with Plumtree again playing good attacking football and creating numerous chances. Manager Atkin decided to make 3 changes with 30 minutes to go and brought on Murray, Stillwell and Craw to replace Atherton, Blades and Hawkins who’d all had a good first 60 minutes.
Time and again, Ryan had the beating of the defence and late in the game, he played a fantastic ball across the box which his flat mate Johnny managed to put round the post from less than a yard much to the derision of his new team mates.
As the end of the game progressed Atkin decided to drop back in defence and was lucky to avoid a clear yellow card after taking out a player who was far too quick for him. After scoring an own goal in the last game, maybe it’s better that he continues in midfield for a couple more seasons until he can clear and tackle effectively!
Trent Vale scored a late consolation goal after another fantastic save from Matt was bundled over the line in the 85th minute.
Overall a great start but we need to work on our fitness. The passing was there but we struggled to keep up the early momentum for the whole 90 minutes.
Paul Thomas was the man of the match with Chris Kay a very close second.
