Great team effort versus the Vets. Firstly thanks to Pete "Flash"
Gordon for stepping in to play goalie (for the last time). Starting
with a full team plus subs helped fresh legs to sustain our running game
on a wet & slippery pitch. Thanks to all who rushed to the game from
other commitments (Snout, Jacques, Jarrod...).
The game started at a fast pace. Damage dominating possession early on.
Every 50-50 ball contested and usually won by Valley's commitment to the
ball (& speed). Pressure was kept on the Vets giving them no space
given to use their skills.
We played a great passing game. With Jarrod swinging the ball from left
to right, and back, to keep the Vets off balance. Down the right, Andy
and Drew were cutting through the defence with 1-2 triangle passing. In
the centre Paul (P*rno) and Jeff were making runs into the D and also
dishing off the team mates after drawing the defence. Jiten played with
a broken right hand strapped up like Rocky. Jacques and Mike
Featherstone played havoc in attack. Victor was tenacious in keeping
pressure on the Vets.
Lots of passes went across the goals looking for the last tap into
goals. Hits into the D looking for a deflection into goals (or a foot
for a penalty corner).
The pressure paid off. On a penalty corner, the ball was ricocheting
around in a melee of players. Peter Ransom pounced on the ball to score
the first goal of the game (and also his first goal ever!).
The Vets tried to come back hard. They pressed forward and at times
looked threatening in attack. At the back Maka, Snout and Mike Reid
played a tight game to limit the wily Vets from having clear shots.
Pete "Flash" Gordon was rock solid in goal keeping the slate clean.
A good spirited game with a great win 1-0 to Valley.