Ventolin Inhalers began the defence of their title with a monday night horror show as they were defeated by a young and hungry Wolfpack side 4-0 in the evenings televised encounter.
Ventolin started well, playing their usual good football, although the Wolfpack were also looking dangerous in possession. The early minutes were a microcosm of the whole match - Ventolin on top and creating a number of excellent chances before being undone by uncharacteristic defensive mistakes.
Ventolin could have been three goals to the good before conceeding a sloppy goal just before the break. First Robinson went close with a good strike, then Plass saw his effort saved, then Archdeacon saw his shot saved after a nice through ball from Dain. Plass and Dain then combined teeing up Robinson who saw his drive crash off the bar. Subsititue Brendan then went close after another good team move ending with Plass playing a fine through ball, which should have been finished by the usually deadly marksmen, seconds later the Inhalers defence dwelled on the ball, allowing the winger to cross for the unmarked striker to tap into the empty net. Half time 1-0 VFL Wolfpack.
Ventolin went in at the break in confident mood, knowing that if they continued to create chances they would surely find a way back into the match.
The half started in a similar vein with Ventolin immediately threatening the Wolfpack goal, only to be denied by some great saves by the Wolfpack keeper. Plass combined with Robinson before playing a neat reverse pass to Brendan, who saw his effort tipped around the post.
Ventolin then made their second defensive mistake of the evening, Robinson embarked on one of his mazy runs, only to be dispossessed mid pitch by the lively Wolfpack striker, who surged forward under pressure from Robinson, only to punt the ball with power past Barton in the Inhalers goal. 2-0 Wolfpack. This was a painful blow to a team who had been in control of the game and were continuing to enjoy the better opportunities.
From the restart Ventolin attacked once more, with Barton now begining to join the attack.
This produced a good chance for Brendan after a great move involving Dain, Barton and Plass.
Wolfpack then landed the games fatal blow, again somewhat self inflicted after more confusion in the inahlers defence between Plass and Robinson, resulted in the ball being intercepted and finished in some style. 3-0 Wolfpack.
Again Ventolin pressed forward, this time Dain intercepted the ball playing in Plass who teed it up for Archdeacon whose moments hesitation allowed the defender to close down his shot.
Barton was now playing almost as an outfield player, and he went close after recieving the ball from Dain, the keeper parried his shot, before Ventolin could pounce on the rebound.
For anyone watching the game it would have been a surprise to learn Ventolin were 3-0 down such was the flow of the game.Wolfpack nearly made it 4-0 after breaking away, only for Dain to clear the ball off the line. Barton then made a fine save from the in form striker who hit a crisp goal bound volley with real Venom that Barton somehow tipped over.
There was still time for Ventolin to attack which they did with gusto, unfortunately a combination of rushed finishing and good goalkeeping ensured Ventolin would remain goal less.
To cap a strange night Wolfpack then made it 4-0. This time the striker completed his hatrick with a stunning chip from the half way line that summed up perfectly the nights events.
Two good sides, the difference, three defensive mistakes and the ability to convert your chances, fortunatley its only 3 points and Ventolin will be looking to kick on next week against rivals Fairlight Garage.
