Ventolin maintained their unbeaten run with a slightly unconvincing but ultimately hard earned 3-1 win against an equally hard working Retro United. Goals from Loz Robinson, Andy Ross and DJ ensured vicory was secured in what were testing conditions.
On what was possibly the hottest evening of the year. Ventolin were handed an early 7.20 kick off with the sun still scorching the turf against newly promoted Retro United.
Ventolin were without the injured Tony Dain, although Joe Plass maintained his never say die attitude turning out while awaiting a visit to the treatment room. Jon Archdeacon was also back after a short absence following the birth of his son Remy. So with six available Barton, Plass, Ross, Robinson and Jones started with Archdeacon on the bench.
The game started slowly with Ventolin clearly on top without looking like the slick passing side the fans love. There were one or two chances with Ross going close after some good link up play with DJ, who was also unlucky when he was unable to convert from close range following another opening. At the other end the defence were holding firm limiting the retro strike force to a few speculative efforts that didnt unduly trouble Barton in the Inhalers goal.
As it looked like the two sides would play out a goal less first half, Robinson picked up a pass from DJ just inside the retro half, embarking on a dribble through the retro midfield before unleasing a low angled strike into the bottom corner of the net. HT 1-0 Ventolin.
While clearly not at their best Ventolin were good value for their lead, with Retro working hard but looking slightly limited in the strikers department.
The second half began much as the first, slowly. Only this time it was Retro who came out on the front foot.Barton made an excellent save before Robinson hooked the ball to safety after a goal mouth scramble. The heat was clearly taking its toll on both teams, with some heavy touches and limited movement from the outfield players.
The game was sparked back into life when Retro equalised after a period of sustained pressure, culminated in the defence being undone and the striker finishing calmly from inside the box. 1-1.
This galvanised Retro who enjoyed their best spell of match, repelling the Ventolin attack, before pushing forward themselves. at the other end Archdeacon nearly made it 2-1 after being put through, only to see the keeper smoother his effort , diverting the ball to safety.
The defence were holding firm with Ross, Robinson and Plass making a number of excellent defensive blocks and interceptions to ensure there would be no further goals for retro. The only question would be could Ventolin break through at the other end.
As the half reached its mid point Jones returned to the field of play. Linking almost immediately with Robinson who saw is shot go narrowly wide. From the very next attack Ventolin did finally break the deadlock.
Breaking from the back, Ross played a ball into Robinson, who found Jones, who fired a cross across the goal, which Ross who had continued his run, vollyed in at the far post. 2-1 Ventolin.
WIth only a few minutes remaining Ventolin restored a sense of calm to proceedings, enjoying some good possession before launching one final attack on the Retro goal. This time it was Robinson who started the move, winning the ball deep, he played an excellent crossfield pass to Plass, who taking the ball in his stride spotted DJ surging forward, slotting the ball perfectly into his path, DJ who steadied to shoot, then cut back inside before slotting a left footed curler low past the keepers desperate dive. 3-1 Ventolin.
And with that a tricky contest had been settled. In the end Ventolins experience and spirit saw them navigate a team who will be no pushovers for anyone. With both teams clearly suffering in the heat they did well to produce such an absorbing contest.
So the run continues, 15 straight wins and next week, standing in the way of making it 16 are the dangerous Cheekybois at 8pm.
