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Super Reds...
Spring, sunshine and squelchy pitches at Monkton today as the Viper Reds eased to what, in the end, turned out to be another good win over the Felling Magpies. Playing in the traditional black and white stripes, the Magpies put in a good performance but were undone by some fantastic strikes from Robert and a well deserved goal from Lewis Keenan.
The reds were at full strength today, with the returning Jordan once again forming a tremendous partnership with Lewis Ireland in the heart of defence. Alex was in goal with the excellent Adam Wardle on the left. Captain Marvel was in midfield and Adam Elstob playing wide on the right. Harry started up front and Taylor, Lewis Keenan and our very own JT waiting to come on. Only Gary was missing, choosing to miss the excitement of Monkton for a trip away to Doncaster.
Vipers kicked off and straight away a strong run from Adam Elstob down the right wing led to a throw in deep into the Magpies’ half. The throw-in found Robert in space just outside the box but his well struck shot was saved by the keeper, for now.
The match wasn’t all going the Vipers’ way with Lewis Ireland called to make one of a number of outstanding tackles in defence. Always committed, Lewis’s tackling was incredible. But somehow, a cross into the box managed to evade the Vipers’ defence and trickle across the line for a goal to the Magpies. An early set-back, 0-1.
The score was soon level as Robert pounced on a half-cleared goal kick and struck the ball trademark Thompson Thunderbolt. Although the keeper managed to get two hands to the ball there was just too much power in the shot. The back of the net was hit and Captain Marvel to the rescue once again. Some tremendous “Dad Dancing” on the sidelines from our very own JT snr. Some of the moves had not been seen since 1977 when that other JT strutted his stuff in Saturday Night Fever. Groovy, Jimmy! Who’s for Glitterball? 1-1.
Another attack saw good work from the Vipers in midfield before Harry poked the ball just wide of the post. Pressure from the Vipers was mounting as first Adam Wardle and then Harry came closed before once again Robert hit a powerful shot. This time it was the defender’s turn to try and keep the ball out. And a brave header nearly succeeded but couldn’t prevent the ball hitting the back of the net. Great strike Robert, 2-1.
Lewis Keenan then came on for Harry and immediately set about causing problems for the Magpies’ defence. Vipers’ defence was also called into action and both Jordan and Lewis Ireland made excellent tackles and great clearances to keep the Vipers in the lead.
Another Vipers attack and once again the keeper made a great save from a Thompson Thunderbolt but unfortunately for the Magpies the ball fell back to the one person they didn’t want it to. Captain Marvel made no mistake to calmly hit the back of the net again. Great hat-trick Robert but you need to help your dad work on his goal celebrations. What odds on Jimmy doing a Kenwyne Jones’ style somersault before the end of the season? Anyway, back to the football, 3-1.
Adam Elstob was then replaced by Taylor playing wide on the right. Half-time 3-1.
A great move down the left then saw Jack with possession of the ball just outside the area. With space to shoot, Jack unleashed a tremendous shot that looked like it was certain to rocket into the top left hand corner of the goal. Somehow the keeper managed to get a hand to the ball and make a magnificent save to push the ball onto the post. SO unlucky Jack, but fantastic football!
From defence the ball was then cleared out to Lewis Keenan in the centre of the pitch. Lewis then hit the pass of the game. Taking the ball with his back to the goal Lewis swivelled and hit a superb first time ball out to Taylor racing up the right hand wing to continue the attack. Fantastic flowing football, Lads!
And Lewis Keenan’s hard work was soon rewarded when he chased the Magpies’’ defender down to get the ball and force it over the line. Nice one, Lewis, 4-1.
Harry then came back on for Robert. Lewis Ireland then came close on a couple of occasions but just couldn’t quite get the goal. Unlucky Lewis. Next it was Taylor’s turn to get close but again, somehow the Magpies kept the ball out.
Adam Elstob came back on and immediately got stuck in with a great tackle to prevent what looked to be a certain goal. Excellent play Adam!
The Vipers had a couple of other chances but couldn’t increase the score. Some great play today with some players in different positions. Alex looking comfortable goal, Lewis and Jordan outstanding in defence, some excellent midfield play with good runs from Taylor, both Adams and Harry and some excellent finishing from Robert and Lewis K. And I still don’t know how the keeper managed to keep Jack’s shot out…
Keep up the great work Lads!
Final Score: 4-1
John’s Man of the Match: Captain Marvel (aka Robert)
Jimmy’s Man of the Match: Lewis Ireland
