Ventolin Inhalers kicked off the new season in style with a hard fought 3-1 Victory against last season's promoted championship winners VFL Wolfpack.
Ventolin were rocked by the news that Joe Plass was still unwell and unavailable for selection, although this was compensated by the return of skipper Tony Dain.
Ventolin started well, closing down their opponents quickly and making good use of their early posession. The first chance of game came after a fine move between Dain and Archdeacon. Dain Played a ball upto Archdeacon who held the ball up and played the ball square for Dain who had continued his run, taking a touch he played the ball back through to archdeacon, who saw his first time shot well saved by the keeper.
It wasnt long before Ventolin took the lead, after a fine ball from barton found Robinson in behind the defence, where he smashed the ball powerfully home after some great footwork.
Ventolin continued to press although Wolfpack were now begining to to get into the game too, and could have scored but for an excellent save from the in form Barton. The defence were playing well, and restricting the wolfpack strikers to long range shots which Barton dealth with easily.
At the other end Ventolin were continuing to make chances with Robinson going close with a fine strike, before Dain wasted two good chances, after being played in by archdeacon and Robinson, rushing his shots when he had time to take a touch. This only inspired ventolin to push harder and it wasnt long before they doubled their lead. This time Ross played a fine ball out of defence to Archdeacon who on the volley hooked the ball over the on rushing keeper and watched as it dropped under the bar and in. A stunning goal from an in form player.
The Wolfpack responded immediately the Ventolin midfield failed to close the ball down allowing wolfpack too much space, the rangy striker cleverly flicked the ball over Barton and into the back of the net. As the whistle sounded Wolfpack left the field confident of turning the game around in the second period. While Ventolin knew this was a game they would win if they maintained their first half performance.
HT - Ventolin 2 Wolfpack 1
Ventolin started the half slowly and were nearly made to pay after some sloppy defending allowed the Wolfpack marksmen a free shot on goal, fortunately Barton was alert and able to tip the ball around the post for a corner. For the next five minutes Ventolin were on the back foot as Wolfpack surged forward, this time though the defence held firm with Dain and Ross, making a series of excellent tackles and interceptions, as well as playing the ball around well, drawing the wolfpack players in and using Barton to create the extra man. Barton in fact nearly set up a third goal with a great run from defence, carrying the ball way inside the wolfpack half before slipping a nice ball wide for Robinson, who slightly over hit his crossfield pass, leaving Archdeacon with just too much to do as he slid in at the far post.
Wolfpack hit back again, winning a series of corners that the defence did well to clear, and going close again after some excellent team play resulted in another fine save from Barton.
It was clear Ventolin needed another goal, and with less than five minutes remaining they got it and with it sealed the win. This was classic Ventolin counter attacking football, defending deep Dain intercepted the ball and sped forward, before releasing Robinson on the right wing. Dain continued his run, breaking clear on goal, this time acting as the perfect decoy, as Robinson shaped to square it before lashing the ball past the keeper from just outside the box.
3-1 and with only two minutes remaining Ventolin were on the verge of securing 3 poiints from the seasons opening game. With a final push Wolfpack came hard at Ventolin, who were again forced to make a series of fine tackles, with Archdeacon running from deep to intercept when Wolfpack were clear on goal and Dain calmly gathering the ball in his own box, holding off two players before he was fouled and given a free kick. Ventolin used the final minute to pass the ball around strecthing the Wolfpack and ensuring there would be no further dangers.
The referee blew his whistle and Ventolin could celebrate a well earned victory against a talented young team, who could do well in this seasons premiership.
FT Ventolin 3 Wolfpack 1
Skipper Tony Dain was ecstatic at pitchside, showering his team with praise for their hard working attitude and another excellent performance. " I thought the guys were superb again tonight, we never gave them an inch, we created plenty of chances and defended well as a team"
Defender Andy Ross was equally impressed with the teams efforts and ability to find that extra something when really needed. "Another strong performance, we are working so hard and we are getting our rewards"
MoM John Archdacon Was pleased to net again and maintain his scoring form and looked forward to next weeks crunch match against Fairlight garage. " Im really enjoying my football this year, and feel im playing my part in a really good team"
Next week promises to test the Inhalers to the max, although on this form and the likely return of Joe Plass they are more than a match for anyone in this division.
