What is it about matches between the Viper Reds and Consett Fire? Last season saw the Reds win a 3-1 thriller and once again both teams produced excellent footballing performances in a real old nail-biter. And it was the mighty Reds who came out on top, again, with a hard won if narrow victory, in another entertaining and exciting match at a rather damp and muddy Monkton. Top marks to both sides.
In what were extremely difficult conditions, the rain lashed down throughout the warm-up and the pitch was heavy. Credit to both teams for doing so well, but right from the whistle the Reds played at a pace and with determination that shows good promise for the season ahead. The starting line-up was Alex in goal, Jordan and Lewis Ireland at the back and Harry, Rob and Jack in midfield. Lewis Keenan was up front with Taylor, Adam Elstob and Nathan on the bench.
Welcome to the impressive Nathan, playing his first match for the Reds today and coming into the squad to replace the excellent Adam Wardle. And good luck Adam from all of the Reds, as you play in goal this season for our mates, the Viper Yellows.
The Reds kicked off and some early pressure and slick passing between Harry, Jack and Lewis led to a great chance to open the account. Jack’s strong shot was well saved and sniffer Lewis’s dangerous follow-up went narrowly past the post.
At the back, normal service was resumed as Lewis and Jordan combined to keep the Reds safe. And when long-range shots threatened, Alex was ever-alert with some outstanding saves. Especially the one where he caught the ball with his legs. How did he do that??
Adam came on to replace Jack and immediately set about getting in the thick of the action with some end to end running and tough tackling. Neat passing too that set up some good attacks.
Great teamwork next from the Reds as a dangerous Consett attack required a fantastic save from Alex low to his right. And when the follow-up looked like it was falling to a Consett player, across steamed Harry with a well timed interception to clear the ball.
Awesome work from Adam tracking back the length of the pitch to deny Consett a chance on goal. The lads were in full flow now and starting to purr, in a well-oiled machine type way. Perhaps it was the excessive amount of water at Monkton?
A trademark Thompson Thunderbolt (Beware of imitations!) ricocheted off the defender shortly before Alex made that unbelievable save with his legs to ensure the half-time score was 0-0.
With Harry and Adam switching flanks, one of many intelligent and well uted lay-offs from Lewis fed Harry down the right. Bursting into the box, his well-struck attempt was denied by a fabulous save from the Consett shot-stopper.
But the Consett keeper was powerless when an in-swinging Reds’ corner was deflected in to give the Reds a well deserved lead, 1-0.
Soon after, a smart throw-in from Harry on the right and into the box, was picked up by Adam making a well timed run. Controlling the ball, Adam coolly slotted the ball into the back of the onion bag to extend the Reds’ lead, 2-0.
Taylor came on for the influential Rob and the Reds’ defence continued to be tested with some great tackling required from Jordan and Lewis. Another charge down the right from Harry and another shot lashed goalwards, but the keeper neatly parried the ball away. Adam did well to follow up but the left-footed shot inched just the wrong side of the post.
Nathan then came on for Lewis Keenan and immediately linked up well in midfield playing a fantastic pass to set up the Reds and only excellent defending from Consett prevented a further goal.
Jack came back on for the tremendous Taylor and Nathan once again showed a quality touch in midfield to put in Jack but the shot was well saved. Another bit of bad luck for a defender, this time for the Reds, as the wet and slippy conditions cruelly led to the ball ending up in the back of the net, 2-1.
With just enough time for the excellent Nathan to have another shot and Jordan to make another decisive tackle, the match ended 2-1.
Well done lads, a great start to the season against one of the best teams in the league. Several players arguably had their best ever games for the club and although Consett will no doubt feel hard done by, this was a great performance, a great effort and great result.
With 3 Monkton Viper victories today, the coaches were left delighted and especially Phil who was grinning like the Cheshire cat, if one that looked as if it had been given a thoroughly good soaking. And details of just how wet Phil’s undercrackers were are best left out from a family match report. But he did point out they were M&S and not Primarni.
How appropriate that the teams have a new sponsor, Complete Smile, but if the weather continues like this over the season then maybe we should also be looking for a deal with Daz or Persil. And does anybody know the best way to get mud off the back seat of the car?
Final Score: 2-1
