Ventolin Inhalers maintained their unbeaten start to the new season with a comfortable 4-1 victory against premiership new boys Amplicon Athletic.
With a full squad Ventolin were confident of securing victory, although the early kick off time meant there was some concern as to whether everyone would be able to get to the game on time. As it turned out only striker Loz Robinson missed kick off, arriving just as the match had started.
The rush to get there seemed to have left the inhalers slightly flat, as the opening minutes of the game were a scrappy affair. With misplaced passes from both teams and possession passing from one team to the other.
As the half progressed Ventolin began to gain a measure of control, enjoying a greater share of possession the chances started to come. First Archdeacon went close after being played in by Dain. Then Plass saw his effort well saved after combining well with Ross down the left.
At the other end Barton was a virtual spectator. Amplicons first real attack saw the dangerous Reece Baker taking on the Inhalers defence only to be thwarted by an excellent tackle from Ross. Looking up Ross slipped a long pass up the wing to Archdeacon who allowing the ball to run into his path deftly flicked the ball past the Amplicon keeper. 1-0 Ventolin.
Maintaining the lions share of possession, it seemed that it would be only a matter of time before Ventolin increased their lead. Surprisingly the next goal came at the other end. After a mix up in defence and an unfortunate bounce the Amplicon striker saw his mis hit shot loop up and over the hapless Barton in the Ventolin goal. 1-1.
The remaining minutes of the half saw further ventolin pressure on the Amplicon goal, and were unlucky when Robinson went close with a fierce drive. HT 1-1.
Ventolin knew this game was there for the taking and although they were on level terms they knew they hadnt played one of their better halves of football. Determined to improve on this Ventolin began the second half in some fashion.
From the kick off, Robinson surged forward, beating two players, before unleashing a powerful toe poke that just went wide of the far post. Plass then went close with another drive from the edge of the box, after a good touch from Ross.
Ventolin were now playing with much greater control and purpose, using the ball well and if the opening wasnt there playing the ball and starting again. Barton was providing an additional option by playing almost as a sweeper.
Ventolin were finally rewarded after an excellent team move resulted in Plass slipping the ball in from 5 yards. Dain picked up the ball in defence, befor eplaying the ball down field to Robinson, he played a neat one two with Archdeacon, before cutting the ball back into the path of Plass who stroked the ball home. 2-1 Ventolin.
This time ventolin put their foot on the gass and played their best football of the game, creating chances for Archdeacon and Plass, before Robinson finished off another fine team move, slotting the ball into the unguarded goal, after a neat pass from Dain that left the keeper stranded. 3-1 Ventolin.
Knowing victory was in sight Ventolin relaxed and continued to play the ball around, while snuffing out the rare Amplicon attacks with a series of excellent takles and interceptions by the Ventolin defence.
As the game drew to a close there was still time for Ventolin to add to their tally. Another team move involving all outfield players saw Plass, cut the ball this time into the path of Ross who steered the ball past the dejected keeper. 4-1 Ventolin.
The refereee put Amplicon out of their misery calling time on what had been if truth be told a comfortable victory for Ventolin.
With six points after two games Ventolin are now two points clear of second place Hammers FC who they play next week. Could this be another title winning season? The fans are living in hope!
