Christmas Comes Early!

The last game of 2017, for the Vets, has given us some Christmas cheer as we finished the year with the elusive victory. The result was actually the cherry on the cake as the performance was the most pleasing aspect giving the dressing room a real buzz afterwards. Hopefully the squad members missing today will be able to bounce off this feeling as it's felt like we've all been on this journey and everyone deserves to enjoy it! Credit must also go to FISSC today as they more than played their part in the game, playing some great football and in the spirit a Vets game should be played.

The first half had only a few attempts on goal and was largely about the passing and movement from both teams. FISSC did have the first attempt on goal as they broke through our back line only to be denied by a low save from Scott, who commanded the 18 yard box throughout the game. Their second came from another ball that split the defence but this time Ray stood tall and just shielded their forward away from goal to the point that the shot could only by struck at an angle that Scott could gather up. It wasn't all FISSC though and we were getting plenty of joy down both wings, from Andy T and Steve, just without the shot at the end of the moves. Dan had our first shot on goal when he picked up the ball just inside their half and ran at the defence that kept backing off, opening up to the point Dan had sight of goal and struck it just over the bar from the edge of the box.

Andy M had taken on the team talk responsibility and kept things positive at half time, praising the communication and team work that we'd witnessed first half. It's often been the case that the second half has been our nemesis but with the hill to our advantage we continued where we'd left off and put together a number of attacks all over the park. Ian and Andy B were causing a lot of problems, from the runs they were making and confidence was growing. It felt like a goal was coming but it was probably past the 60 minute mark when Knaggsy was tripped on the edge of the box. Andy T stepped up and curled it round the wall leaving the keeper rooted to his spot. FISSC weren't without their opportunities, in the second half, with some last ditch tackles and saves from Scott keeping them out. The second goal was needed and it came from the ball bouncing around in the box before twinkle toed Dean made some space for himself and slotted it home.

It was now all about the clean sheet and we had to defend several corners but any resulting shots were struck wide or were dealt with well. Our energy levels remained high throughout and Andy B got a goal for his tireless running to cap off a highly enjoyable game.

Everyone stepped up today and it's difficult to pick out special mentions as there are so many that come to mind. Collectively the back 4 worked as a team, well supported by midfield it must be said, Andy B never gave up, up front and Scott put in his most commanding performance but Ian and Ray were superb today. Ian has found his position and revelled in running at them and Ray was solid at the back. Thanks also to Keiran and Stevie G who joined this week and slotted in very well.

Enjoy your Christmas and New Year and lets look forward to the next one!

Goal Scorers:
Andy T (1)
Dean (1)
Andy B (1)