#This was the final game of the year for both teams and what a game it was. Naïvely Vista threw away points against Midway earlier in the year so this point was illustrated to the team repeatedly before kick-off/.Both teams opened well calmly retaining possession and moving the ball comfortably .Midway possess 3 or 4 players who are extremely dangerous but Vista were restored with long serving Ambrose Kamara returning to the fold so we were confident defensively we would defend well. Vista got into some great chances but a lack of conviction meant that goals evaded us. Eventually some great link up play down the right side fell to Andrew Thompson who drove and played a classy cutback to Ashley Sheppard who coolly finished. Vista continued to dominate but Midway used their pace up top to threaten and won a free kick in the corner which we should have dealt with much earlier. Jordan Taylor passing on defensive duties left Terry exposed and he left his friend similar to his actions on a night out. The free kick was delivered and Midway striker rose at the front post to head home. Confident that this was a blip Vista continued to play the same game with Luke Milner and Josh Bonnett playing some great football in the middle. What should have been a defensive jockey ended as a naïve foul on Vista striker Andrew Thompson with his back to goal. Thompson who is currently top scorer stepped up to convert his 10th of the season. Vista came in at half time winning 2-1.
The second half again opened well but little change was happening. A few opportunities were created but I didn’t get the feeling any would be converted even though we had hope. Andrew Thompson probably was the closest with a chance from 1 yard out. The ball was behind him as it was crossed low but he made a good connection and the Midway keeper did excellent to keep it out. Against the run of play Midway made sure that they reminded us of the first match and equalised again. Changes included bringing on Siao Blackwood in central midfield whose energy and drive really changed the game. At 2-2 Vista needed mental strength and a moment of class from Ashley Sheppard was exactly what we needed as he danced his way past an opponent on the edge of the box before driving the ball to the near post and beating the diving goalkeeper. If that was a moment of class then what followed was out of this world. Jordan Greaves stood up his man 1 on 1 then chipped a great pass to the back post to Luke Milner who conducted a technically flawless volley into the top corner. This was a goal worthy of the premiership and got a magnificent celebration from those supporting and playing. Final substitutions included Victor Okisor, Andrew Dalhouse and Martin Onohua whose fresh legs created just the amount of problems to keep Midway on the back foot. Victors pace was a constant threat and a cross which found Andrew Dalhouse at the back post should have been converted. Andrew Dalhouse continued positively and was rewarded with a goal while chasing down the goalkeeper from a quick free kick via Luke Milner. The oncoming goal keeper took his eye off the ball and Andrew Dalhouse ran to an empty net and finished his opportunity. There were a few great possessions of play but the game ended 5-2 in a well-rewarded win for Vista FC and something to positively head into 2017 with.
M.O.M – Ashley Sheppard