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No Blues for Reds…..
A tough test for the Viper Reds tonight at an eerily quiet Monkton Stadium. With just a few days left of the season, this re-arranged fixture was the only footy match at Monkton. But the action on the pitch was top class as the Vipers continued their run of good form to eventually end the match on a high. But not before the Blues had given the Reds a tremendous scare in what was a very tense finish to the match.
Alex “the Cat” was between the post, dynamic defensive duo Lewis Ireland and Jordan with the excellent Adam Wardle up front, Jack in the Box wide on the left, Captain Marvel patrolling the middle of the park and the mercurial Harry on the right and all over the place. Super-subs were playmaker Lewis Keenan, Adam “Bite yer Legs” Elstob and Taylor oozing class on the bench.
Good start from the Vipers with plenty of attacking play. The trademark Thomson Thunderbolt was quick to make an appearance and only a smart save from the keeper stopped what looked odds-on to be a goal. And with the keeper beaten, a rasping half-volley from Rob shook the post. Scary!
Shortly after Jordan was called into action with the first of a number of tackles that cleared the danger. Time after time Jordan was in the right place at the right time to give what was arguably the best individual performance of the season. Touch tackling + great clearances + strong challenges = exceptional defensive play that allowed the Vipers to send players forward looking for that opening goal. Well done Jordan, absolute quality!
A good throw down the right wing from Harry Delap put Adam in a good position but still with plenty to do. No problem though for the excellent Adam Wardle who raced on to the ball and tucked it neatly into the back of the net, 1-0.
And when Harry swung in a good corner , who was on hand to pressure the Jarrow defence and make sure the ball crossed the line? Yet again, the excellent Adam Wardle, 2-0.
The second half saw Taylor on for Lewis at the back and Taylor was soon in the thick of the action with some great covering work. Well watched Taylor!
Next Adam Elstob’s turn to show his skill in midfield with a fantastic turn of the Blues player but a foul stopped Adam from getting away. Great skill Adam!
It was all Vipers now as Rob whistled a shot just wide before Harry set the popst rattling with another decent effort. And when the Blues did attack Jordan was always there to lead the defence. And Lewis Keenan was so unlucky not to score from a corner but despite all the attacking play, Vipers couldn’t extend the lead.
Jarrow Super Blues were back in the game when a fantastic shot from the edge of the area gave the keeper no chance and with a few minutes to go set the nerves jangling 2-1.
Another great shot from Jarrow needed the Cat to be alert and push the ball round the post for a corner. Tremendous save, Alex, phew!
And a huge sigh of relief when the last kick of the game saw the Blues’ dangerous in-swinging corner nestle safely in the side netting.
Some great attacking play from the Vipers and a truly great team performance. On another day, the Vipers could have scored loads more. And without some great defence and keeping the result would have been different. Well done Lads!
Final Score: 2-1
Jimmy’s Man of the Match: Rob and Harry
Gary’s Man of the Match: Adam Wardle
John’s Man of the Match: Jordan
