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Seventh Heaven for Red Hot Vipers…
A 9am kick-off at Monkton Stadium saw a fine display from the Viper Reds as good teamwork and some clinical finishing produced their first win of the season against an enthusiastic Sheriff Hill side. Excellent early season form had already brought six goals in the previous two games and today the Reds took control of the match from the start and deserved what in the end became a comfortable victory.
Coaches John and Gary made sure the lads were ready and waiting for the start of the match. A couple of changes were made to the starting line up with Alex once again between the posts and turning in a commanding display. The strong defensive partnership of Taylor and Jordan were at their best making excellent tackles and turning defence into attack with some great distribution going forward. An eager midfield trio of Adam Wardle, Harry and Jack were matched by the hardworking Robert who led the line well and showed once again what a key player he is with some great shooting and tracking back to help the midfield and defence when needed.
Following an early attack from the Reds, a goal kick fell to the excellent Adam Wardle out wide left in midfield. A strong run carried the ball forward and when Adam slipped a cool pass inside to Robert, a lifting left-footed shoot found the top right-hand corner of the net. A great start for the Reds 1-0.
The Reds nearly doubled their lead when straight from the kick-off Robert did well to intercept the ball and feed Harry whose good shot went past the left-hand post. Further excellent football also went unrewarded as Adam Wardle once again made a great run down the left of midfield before crossing to Robert whose shot was well saved. The rebound fell to the hard-running Jack who was unlucky when a good shot on the turn was deflected wide by a Sheriff Hill defender.
The Reds kept the pressure on and were dominating play with the odd Sheriff Hill attack being well defended by Taylor and Jordan. But against the run of play it was Sheriff Hill who scored next with a fine individual run and well-hit shot giving the keeper little chance to prevent the goal, 1-1.
Further attacks by the Reds caused problems for Sheriff Hill but the finishing touch was missing until Robert received the ball on the left of midfield and cut inside into the area before unleashing another powerful goal bound effort. The keeper did well to get a hand to the ball but was unable to stop the ball crossing the line to make it 2-1.
As the sun broke through the early morning cloud things looked even brighter when the Vipers extended their lead when some good work from Adam Wardle was rewarded when he was on hand to turn in the ball from close range 3-1.
Further good work in defence and the ball was once again on the edge of the opponent’s penalty area. Robert’s shot was well struck and deserved more but the keeper made a great save only to see the ball fall to Harry who lashed it into the back of the net 4-1.
Another good piece of work saw the Reds again coming forward and looking to extend their lead. The ball broke to Harry who shot well, 5-1.
The referees whistle blew with the Vipers looking to score again. The half-time
break failed to disrupt the pattern of play as the Reds continued the good work of the first half.
Lewis Ireland came on and was reliable in defence to ensure that the door to the Vipers’ goal remained shut. Lewis Keenan also came into the attack and continued the attacking efforts of the Reds finding himself in some good positions and making some great runs. Midfield terrier Adam Elstob came into the thick of the action and made some strong tackles and good runs into the box.
Adam Elstob was unlucky not to score when a strong diagonal run across the area finished with a shot that just sailed past the wrong side of the post. It was another great dribble from Adam Elstob that threatened the Sheriff Hill goal next but just as Adam jinked past the defender and was about to unleash a shot on goal a badly timed tackle brought play to a halt.
The free-kick was taken 5 yards outside the area and a fine shot from Harry left the keeper with too much to do and allowed Harry to complete a hat-trick, 6-1.
The final few minutes saw the Reds continue their good work and from another attack, the resulting corner was swung into the box. Unfortunately for Sheriff Hill a defensive clearance rebounded off a team mate and found its way into the back of the net, for another goal. 7-1.
An excellent all round team performance today with every player contributing and playing for other. Well done Lads and keep up the good work!
Final Score: 7-1
Gary’s & John’s Man of the Match: Robert Thompson & Harry Edwardson
