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Viper Reds
With just three matches left of the season, the Viper Reds started this match with high hopes as they looked to extend their winning run. It looked like a beautiful, early summer, sunny morning. But it felt like a freezing cold winter’s day. Bet there was more than one of the Lads, who before stepping out of the house and feeling the icy blast of the bitter wind, had called to mind those words written by that famous bloke William Shakespeare:
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
Thou are more lovely and temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May
And summer’s lease hath all to short a date
Not sure if The Bard knew much about the off-side rule but he sure knew how to write a poem! A bit like an old fashioned Tinchy Stryder. So there you go, a bit of culture to match that about to unfold on the pitch.
Now for the match. Missing the excellent Adam Wardle and mean defender Jordan, the Viper Reds started with “the Cat” in goal, classy defender Taylor and Lewis “the Rock” Ireland in defence. Alongside Jack in the Box was Captain Marvel and Wide Boy Harry. The clever playmaker Lewis Keenan was up front with tigerish tackler Adam Elstob on the bench.
Vipers kicked off and an early test for the Sheriff Hill keeper thanks to good work from Captain Marvel. Next, it looked like the strong wind and high kick from the keeper was somehow looping towards the top of the goal as the ball bounced on the unusually rock-hard pitch. Great work to stop the ball from Alex who also came out brilliantly to narrow the angle when the Sheriff Hill forward found himself clear on goal. Excellent keeping Alex!
The blustery conditions and high bounce again caused the Vipers problems but good defence and keeping kept it level pegging. And Harry nearly scored when a good corner from Robert was met with a volley just the wrong side of the post. So close, but the Vipers were beginning to come to terms with the difficult conditions.
Lewis Ireland made a trademark tackle to stop another attack. And some quality defending from Taylor who gets control of the ball, looks around with composure before coolly slipping the ball to Harry on the right of midfield. A mazy run from Harry carries the ball into the other half before a great diagonal pass to Jack in the box on the left hand side of the area. The keeper did well to get a hand to the ball but once Jack had shot there was only one outcome. Fantastic move Vipers and great finish Jack ,1-0.
Another good clearance, this time from Adam Elstob on for Harry, and Lewis Keenan made a great run shoulder to shoulder with the defender. Good attacking play, Lew! Half-time 1-0.
Harry came back on for Rob and from an early corner Lewis was unlucky as his decent shot was inches wide of the goal. And shortly after the lead was doubled as a quick throw-in fell to Harry who carried the ball into the area before unleashing a firm shot that hit the back of the net. Nice one Harry! 2-0.
More good play the box but Adam’s first shot was blocked and the rebound just couldn’t quite find its way into the goal. Fantastic effort Adam!
And the defence couldn’t switch off at Sheriff ~Hill mounted a dangerous attack but crucial tackles from both Lewis and Taylor preserved the lead. Good teamwork.
A throw-in from Harry Delap then bounced dangerously in the penalty area before an unlucky deflection from Sheriff Hill caused the ball to end up in the back of the net. 3-0.
Brave keeping from Alex diving at the feet of the attacker before setting up the Reds for another attack. A good shot from Adam saw the ball cleared out wide on the right. Harry took the ball down the line and swung in a wicked deep cross that was met with a brilliantly timed run and volley from Frank Lampard, I mean Jack Taylor. Total football, 4-0.
And the score was nearly extended when a fierce shot from Captain Marvel went whistling over the bar. Unlucky, Skip!
Some great play from the Vipers. Good passing and movement in midfield. Rock-solid defence and quality keeping. Upfront some good link up play and clever runs from Lewis. What a team!
Final Score: 4-0
Jimmy’s Man of the Match: Lewis Keenan
Gary’s Man of the Match: Taylor
John’s Man of the Match: Harry
