Defending premiership champions Ventolin Inhalers endured a second defeat on the bounce last night, going down 3-2 against all time premiership champions Fairlight Garage.
With the late kick off and wintery conditions both sides knew this would be a game to test not only football skills but also hearts of both sets of players.
Ventolin started the game under pressure from the dangerous Fairlight strikers, both seeing early shots well saved by Barton in the Inhalers goal. As Ventolin started to gain a foothold into the match, it became clear this would be a very close encounter with both sides giving their all. Ventolin took the lead after an excellent move involving Plass and Robinson. Robinson shimmied past two Fairlght players, before playing an inch perfect pass into Plass, who evaded the defender with the famous Plass swerve, before slotting the ball past the Fairlight keeper.
Fairlight responded almost immediately after Marsh poked the ball through the defenders legs, allowing his partner to smash the ball home from close range.
Ventolin were having to defend deep due to the pressure from the lively strikers, although Dain and Plass were now beginning to get to grips with them, while starting Ventolins counters attacks with a series of good passes out of defence. Fairlight then took the lead with a stunning strike from distance, that arrowed into the corner of Bartons goal. While he could have been closed down quicker it was a fine strike from an excellent player.
Ventolin responded by launching a series of attacks of their own. Archdeacon went close after a through ball from Dain, then Ross made a surging run from defence only to see his shot well saved by the in form keeper. Robinson then played a one two with Plass, who saw his well struck shot parried wide. HT 2-1 Fairlight Garage.
With the wind behind them and still only a goal away from drawing level, Ventolin approached the second period with confidence and a determination to avenge last seasons defeat.
Ventolin started strongly, with Plass playing in a more advanced role alongside Robinson. Dain found Robinson who played a neat ball to Plass who again saw his effort well saved by the keeper.
Fairlight responded with some powerful long range efforts that Barton did well to save. From one of these saves, Fairlight won a corner. As the dangerous striker shimmied to shoot, Dain made a superb tackle, taking the ball off his foot, before looking up and playing a lovely through ball to Robinson. He surged forward, attempting to take the ball around the keeper as he advanced. Unfortunately the keeper got an outstretched hand on the ball and smoothered what was a great opportunity to equalise.
From the keepers long clearance, Ventolin were made to pay dearly as the striker held off his marker to fire the ball under the advancing Barton in the Inhalers goal.
At 3-1 down with only 7 minutes to go, Ventolin threw everything forward, keeper Barton was now playing as an outfield player, giving an extra dimension to the inahlers attack.
Ventolin had another chance to make it 3-2 when Robinson recieved the ball directly from the Fairlight goalkeeper, only to blast his effort over the bar. They did eventually make it 3-2 after Ross managed to usher the ball over the line after a scramble around the fairlight box.
With two minutes remaining Ventolin continued to press forward in search of an equaliser, Barton went close with a drive from the edge of the box, while Plass was also unlucky to see his goalbound effort diverted wide by Archdeacon who had no time to get out of the way such was the power of the strike.
Ventolin were still attacking as the referee called time, knowing that although they had lost, they had played well and as team shown superb spirit to take the game to Fairlight. the neutral may have though a drwas would have been the fairest result, after such a superb effort.
Manager Tony Dain was disappointed to lose out in such a tight match, but recognised how well his team had played and most importantly the heart to continue to fight until the very last kick of the game.
Ross was impressed by the spirit of the team and was pleased to have to got through the game, after recently returning from injury. With both strikers nursing knocks too, it is hoped everyone will be fit and well for next weeks match against High and Mighty.
