Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } <! Style Definitions p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} > Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
Primrose Ravens FC vs Viper Reds
The Tower of London has stood on the banks of the River Thames for nearly a thousand years. It’s famous for Beefeaters, royal prisoners, grizzly utions and its ravens. Legend even has it that if ever the ravens leave the tower it will fall down. Fortunately, today’s match was against the Ravens from just down the road in Primrose. So the Tower’s safe, at least for now.
If all that history’s too much, then think back just 77 days. It was the middle of September and the Viper Reds’ first match of the season. It was warm and sunny. The sky was blue. The Viper Reds played really well but were so unlucky as today’s opponents edged the match in a nine-goal thriller. Today was freezing cold. It was horrible and muddy. Could the match live up to the excitement of that opening fixture?
Playing in their white away strips, the Reds produced a fine performance in a nail-biting match that had the coaches from both sides match jumping up and down. And not just to keep warm!
The superb shot-stopper Alex started between the posts, with Jordan occupying the left side of defence and Lewis Ireland the right: as formidable a defensive pairing as can be seen at Monkton on a Saturday morning. In the middle, Captain Marvel was once again looking to pull the strings, with Jack fizzing on the right wing, the excellent Adam Wardle on the left and all-over-the-pitch Harry playing up front. Lewis Keenan, Taylor and Adam Elstob were the super-subs.
Early Blues’ pressure saw the Viper Reds on the back foot and some great defence was necessary with both Jordan and Lewis Ireland making important interceptions to prevent Primrose scoring. Slowly but surely, the Vipers got into their stride, creating some better chances themselves.
The ball was spending a lot of time in midfield, but then Harry took possession of the ball and passed it to Adam Wardle. A dangerous run from Adam produced a killer pass to Robert, once again finding the ball at his feet just outside the penalty area. Can you guess what happens next? Yes, it the Thompson Thunderbolt. Again! Fantastic strike Robert, 1-0.
The lead didn’t last long, as the Ravens set about getting back into the match and a very well taken goal saw them draw level.1-1.
The Ravens then extended their lead further when a strong run again put the Blues clean through and left the keeper no chance.1-2.
The match was hotting up, as once again Captain Marvel shot towards goal. This time the keeper somehow managed to block the ball but could do nothing as Harry seized the opportunity to lash the ball into the back of the net. Just time to have a little practise of the Peter Crouch robot dance. What do they teach you at training, Harry? 2-2.
Looking to press home their advantage, a good run down the right wing from Harry earned a corner. Quickly taken, Robert passed to Harry who returned the ball to Robert. A magnificent curling shot was heading towards the top right hand corner. The defender on the line made a great effort to clear the ball with a header but there was only ever going to be one result once that sweet left foot had done its work, 3-2.
Adam Elstob then replaced Adam Wardle and although both teams had further chances, the half-time score was 3-2.
Intense Blues’ pressure at the start of the second half needed a smart save from Alex and tremendous covering tackles from both Jordan and the impressive Lewis Ireland.
Great work in defence saw the ball to Lewis Keenan who held it up well before setting off on an excellent run. A good crossing to Adam Elstob who did well to get a shot on target but the Blues just managed to clear the ball away.
Next, a long-range ping-pong between the Ravens’ keeper and Captain Marvel but this time no goal. Adam Wardle came on. Next, some brave keeping from Alex who closes the Blues attacker down well to take the ball from the player’s feet and deny a goal. Excellent work, Alex!
Despite some fantastic defensive work, the Ravens managed to score with a good shot from the left-hand side of the box, 3-3.
The Ravens looked capable of scoring again but Lewis Ireland stopped the attack dead in its tracks with a great covering tackle. Without doubt, Lewis Ireland was having a great match and time and again his great tackles and clearances came to the Vipers’ rescue.
The final stages of the match saw the Vipers looking to attack but just unable to force another goal. Some great teamwork in midfield and attacking play but it was at the back that the Vipers excelled today. Well done Alex and Jordan but special mention to Lewis Ireland who was superb.
Final Score: 3-3
Gary’s Man of the Match: Lewis Ireland
Jimmy’s Man of the Match: Lewis Ireland
John’s man of the match: Adam Wardle
