Ventolin Inhalers started the defence of their premiership crown last night with a 5-2 victory over newly promoted championship winners Team Waitrose.
Goals from David Jones (2), Loz Robinson (2) and Joe Plass (1) steered Ventolin to what was ultimately a comfortable victory against a team who started strongly before fading as the premiership champions took control of the match.
With striker John Archdeacon still unavailable, David Jones made his second appearance of the season, alongside Barton, Dain, Plass and Ross, with Robinson starting on the bench.
Team Waitrose started strongly, with some quick incisive attacks, leading to several good shooting opportunities that Barton did well to keep out. Slightly off the pace the champions were under pressure and struggling to get their usual passing game going, although Jones went close with an audacious flick after a good ball from Plass. It was no surprise though when another smart attack, ended with the Waitrose striker firing a wicked shot past Barton from outside of the area. 1-0 Waitrose.
This sparked Ventolin into life and within a minute were level. Plass took a throw on the left, rolling the ball to Dain who with his back to goal, held the ball up until Plass ran past before flicking the ball into his path, where upon Plass beat the keeper with a tidy finish. 1-1.
This seemed to settle the nerves as Ventolin started to play the football they are renowned for and nearly took the lead after more good play between Dain and Plass resulted in the former missing from close range.
Jones whose influence was steadily growing, saw another excellent shot well saved before linking up with Plass, only to see the defence somehow scramble the ball away when it looked a certain goal.
As if to remind Ventolin that Waitrose were still capable of causing problems, a mix up in defence saw Waitrose regain the lead. 2-1 Waitrose. Once again Ventolin stormed straight back with Robinson crossing for Jones who his time made no mistake, finishing clinically from close range. HT 2-2.
Ventolin recognised that they could almost score at will, but would have to be mindful of the threat from the lively Waitrose strike force. Whatever was in the half time water certainly worked as Ventolin scored three quick goals without reply.
This time it was Ventolin who surged out of the blocks. First Robinson and Jones linked up superbly, enabling Robinson to sweep Jones pass past the keeper and into the corner of the Waitrose goal. 3-2 Ventolin.
Only two minutes later the same combination made it 4-2 after a series of clever passes again found Robinson clear on goal, who finished with aplomb. 4-2 Ventolin.
Robinson nearly made it 5-2 after a clever floated pass from Dain put him clear on goal, only this time the keeper managed to divert his effort wide. Plass then found himself in space after good work from Jones only to see his shot go narrowly wide. Ross and Dain then combined setting up Jones who did finally make it 5-2.
More chances came and went, Dain should have scored after being put through by Jones and Robinson could have completed his hatrick after being played through by Dain. At the other end Ross who had been in outstanding form continued to marshall the defence, ensuring there would be no comeback from Waitrose.
Full time Ventolin 5 Team Waitrose 2.
Another victory albeit without reaching the heights of previous weeks, ensured that Ventolin maintained their unbeaten run and cemented their position as favourites for another title. Manager Tony Dain was pleased with the result, even though the performance was at times sporadic.
Next week Ventolin take on newly promoted Safeway Seagulls in what promises to be an exciting match after the Seagulls earned a hard fought 2-1 victory last night against Fairlight Garage.
