Ventolin Inhalers returned to action last night with a thrilling 3-3 draw against second in the table High and Mighty, who only salvaged a point with the last kick off the game.
WIth only 5 players available Ventolin were quick off the blocks pressing mighty back and creating early chances for Archdeacon and Dain. WIth the defence looking strong ventolin were enjoying the lions share of possession, and it was no surprise when a ball from Dain found archdeacon who cooly laid the ball into the path of the on coming Ross, who hit a screamer first time into the bottom corner of the net.
This seemed to rouse mighty who began to get a foot hold in to the game - with the dangerous but mouthy striker going close with a long range effort... unfortunately the same striker was allowed to get behind the inhalers defence and flick the ball over Barton in the Inhalers goal. Archdeacon was then unlucky not to connect to a DAin shot that whistled inches wide of the goal. Dain was then played in by Plass striking a fine effort that was tipped over by the keeper.
As the half drew to a close it was Ventolin who maintained their style of football against a somewhat disorganised but useful team.
As the second half got underway and with Ventolin kicking into the wind it was clear that it would require a super human effort to collect all three points in what were gale force conditions.
Ventolin continued their passing game and again looked the more composed side on the ball, although to be fair with the wind behind them mighty were begining to break forward much more..
Ventolin restored their lead after some fine work by Plass, who played in Ross, he drilled the ball across goal and after a goalmouth scramble Archdeacon poked the ball over the line. 2-1.
Things took a slightly surreal turn as the mighty were reduced to 4 players after a somewhat innocuous challenge on Archdeacon. This created an opportunity for Ventolin who didnt make the most of the extra man - although chances were created they were wasted with early shots at goal when a final pass was required.
Ventolin were then punished on the break with a long ball involving the keeper Barton and the mighty striker, who somehow ended up clear through and able to tap the ball into the empty net. 2-2.
WIth the last few minutes on the clock and mighty back to full strength, Ventolin continued to surge forward - Dain won the ball in midfield, carrying the ball forward before slipping in Archdeacon who calmly slotted the ball past the on coming keeper in style. 3-2 and three points were there for the taking - Archdeacon had a chance to put the game out of reach after again being played in by Dain, although this time Archdeacon could only scuff his shot wide underpressure from the chasing mighty defenders.
Mighty then broike clear and after a mix up in the defence managed to slide a shot home, that Archdeacon was unlucky not to stop on the line. 3-3.
The referee had the whistle to his lips as the ighty nearly claimed a late winner only to be denied by a fine save from BArton in the Inahlers goal.
While Ventolin were disappointed to lose a late goal and therefore all three points - they were pleased with their efforts in the wind, against supposedly one of the stronger sides in the division!]
Manager Tony Dain thought they played well, although with a bit more composure could have claimed all three points.
"I thought we did pretty well in the wind - we kept trying to play our football, created chances worked hard and were unlucky not to get all three points"
