New boots for Phil!!!
From the outset our opponents “Villa” did not appear to be up to much in terms of ability purely based on there appearance, however we didn’t want to be complacent based on last weeks horrendous result. Even though it was probably the dominant performance we have put in thus far this season.
Form kick off Villa showed that what they lacked in technical skill, they more then made up for in effort, physicality and drive. Perhaps the hardest working team we have faced.
The first half was cagey in the first few minuets with neither side really getting the ball down and playing, but slowly we began too show our class, notably with Dan making his first start on left wing (after a good debut) making some surging runs.
Phillip and Alex also caused Villa a series of problems in the next 20 minuets with good movement and individual skills. It seemed it was only a matter of time before the scoring started and indeed on the half hour some good pressure forced a corner form which the ball was worked across to the edge of the box where Levi fired in form 20 yards! The keeper made a token dive but was never near it. It’s was a surprise strike as he managed to miss from two yards the week before.
Villa came back strongly and had a few half chances but Kingers and Matt King (stand in keeper) had them on “Lock” and never has us too worried about an equaliser. Maybe some over commitment or not enough discipline from us to allow them in more often then we would like.
More missed chances and pressure from View saw the first half finish it more seemed a case of when we would score our next one.
Having scored in the first half View played with a lot more freedom and less pressure on our shoulders. Moving the ball well and keeping passion nicely was a key part of our play and the team seemed a lot more harmonised then it had.
Robbies runs from the centre of the park where very testing but perhaps one too many touches caused the space to close up before the killer ball could be delivered.
And Ant played a little deeper and simpler in the second half that seemed to pay dividends as villa pressed the ball the space was there for us to exploit.
Alex a worthy MOM, destroyed the defence before his goal and could have perhaps had a penalty before he notched.
(Note to any refs reading this: If any player gets fouled 5 times by the same defender then surly that warrants a caution?)
Alex also set up the rejuvenated Pete for his two goals with some good foot work and balance.
Two goals from inside the box from Pete secured the game and I think everyone was as happy as me tom be back to winning ways.
Special Notes:
Matt king: in goal for the injured Daz, good kicking and talking, and back to business once he went in midfield late in the second half.
Well done son clean sheet.
Pete: clearly showed a hunger to play and had a point to prove after being left out in the previous match, he does not score beautiful goals but he scores them, wither it be his shin or knee only he can tell you.
Stuart: our ever present right back this season showed a good attitude at being rotated and came on cold and put in a good performance, a good example to the rest of the squad.
Well done lads lets get back to the top!
Levi
