Range Rover Cobra Vets 7 vs 2 Appledore Veterans

On 3rd October 2026, Range Rover Cobra Vets welcomed Appledore Veterans to the Co-Op Sports And Social Club for a friendly neutral 11-a-side match, kicking off at 2:00pm. The home side produced a commanding display to secure a resounding 7-2 victory over their visitors in front of 30 spectators.

Range Rover Cobra Vets lined up in a classic 4-4-2 formation, with a balanced setup designed to control the midfield and exploit wide areas. The back four consisted of Shaun Pullen at right back, Tom Horse and Steve Haynes as central defenders, and Shaun JM on the left. In midfield, Dan Nash operated on the right flank, Joff Butler and Nathan Pope held the central midfield roles, while Joe Spencer took up the left midfield position. Up front, the strike partnership featured Aaron Kerry on the right and Dave Finch on the left. The squad was supported from the bench by Ash Barton, Matthew Coote, Jared Galvan, and Elliott Barnes.

The match began with Range Rover Cobra Vets asserting early dominance. At 13 minutes, Joe Spencer opened the scoring, expertly finishing a move set up by Dan Nash’s precise assist. However, Appledore Veterans responded swiftly, pulling an equaliser just three minutes later to level the scores at 1-1.

The home side faced an early setback in the 23rd minute when Aaron Kerry was forced off due to injury, with Ash Barton coming on as his replacement. Yet, Range Rover Cobra Vets quickly regained the lead as Dave Finch found the net in the same minute, restoring their advantage.

As the first half progressed, tactical changes were made just before the break. Matthew Coote replaced Nathan Pope in midfield, while Jared Galvan came on for Shaun Pullen at right back, signalling a shift in approach heading into the second half. The teams went into the interval with Range Rover Cobra Vets leading 2-1.

The second half saw Range Rover Cobra Vets extend their lead rapidly. Shaun Pullen, returning to the pitch after being substituted off, scored in the 47th minute to make it 3-1. Just two minutes later, Ash Barton doubled the advantage with a goal of his own, putting the home side firmly in control.

Joe Spencer continued his fine form by adding a fourth goal for Range Rover Cobra Vets in the 56th minute. Appledore Veterans managed to pull one back at 58 minutes, but the visitors were unable to mount a serious comeback.

In the 75th minute, Elliott Barnes replaced Dave Finch, allowing fresh legs to maintain the attacking momentum. This proved effective as Dan Nash scored in the 76th minute, further extending the lead to 6-2.

Range Rover Cobra Vets rounded off the scoring in the 87th minute when Joe Spencer completed his hat-trick, once again assisted by Dan Nash. This sealed a comprehensive 7-2 victory for the home side.

Joe Spencer’s outstanding performance, highlighted by his three goals and tireless work on the left flank, earned him the player of the match accolade. The 4-4-2 formation proved highly effective, with midfielders Dan Nash and Joe Spencer providing creativity and goals, while the defence, despite a few changes, maintained solidity throughout.

The referee’s performance was adequate, overseeing a lively encounter that showcased Range Rover Cobra Vets’ attacking prowess and tactical flexibility. This friendly encounter will surely boost the confidence of the home side as they look ahead to future fixtures.

Joe Spencer took the Managers Man of the Match for this one.