It was honours even after a superbly entertaining match between the winners of the last three premiership titles Ventolin Inhalers and VFL Wolfpack. In a game that could have gone either way Ventolin equalised with only minutes remaining to make the final score 4-4, and a point a piece for two worthy opponents.
Leading Scorer John Archdeacon led the way with another brace, supported by goals from Andy Ross and Loz Robinson, who had an excellent game, and only just missed out on the man of the match award to goal keeper Andy Barton who was exceptional once more, making a number of fine saves as well as launching attacks from the back.
The game started at a frenetic pace. VFL were soon on top, playing the ball around nicely without really threatening the Inhalers goal. As Ventolin began to settle VLF almost took the lead after a quick break saw the VFL striker shoot narrowly wide. It was a surprise therefore when Ventolin took the lead. After some good build up play Dain spotted Robinson moving into space, where he then threaded the ball into his path, upon which Robinson cooly slotted the ball home. 1-0.
They say you are at your most vulnerable when you have just scored and this certainly proved to be the case as directly from kick off VFL raced up the other end, where the striker smashed the ball powerfully home from some distance. HT 1-1.
As the second half began WOlfpack took the lead instantly , after more good passing, they opened up the Inhalers defence leaving their player clear on goal, where he made no mistake as fired low past the diving barton. 2-1
It was very nearly 3-1 after another good attack stretched the inhalers defence, leaving Barton to make another fine save. Ventolin upped their game, and went close after Plass played a neat one two with robinson only to see his shot go narrowly wide. Plass did then find Dain out wide, who played a lovely first time pass to Ross, who taking it in his stride stepped inside before firing another one of his famous shots past the helpless keeper. 2-2.
It was Ventolins turn now to press forward, causing all kind of problems for VFL now they were mounting attacks of their own. From one of these attacks, Robinson who had been causing problems all evening with his trickery, beat his man, before cutting the ball back for Archdeacon who was on hand to slot home. 3-2.
It seemed the momentum was with the current champions, yet as before Wolfpack came storming back, this time playing it out from the back, a lofted ball decieved the defence, where upon the tricky striker hooked the ball over Barton and into the empty net. 3-3.
If that wasnt painful enough Ventolin the went to sleep, VFL won the ball in midfield, and after a number of missed tackles and a failure to track the man, Barton was left exposed and helpless as VFL bundled the ball home. 3-4.
Stung by such sloppiness, Ventolin surged forward once more, and as the clocked ticked down Robinson started upon one of his mazy runs, which culminated in a fine ball into Archdeacon, who again showed his predatory instincts making it 4-4.
And that was it. 4-4 and both teams title challenge remains in tact, even though a victory is what both sides were certainly chasing.
Next week Ventolin face Amplicon Athletic in what promised to be another absorbing encounter.
