Vista FC is a team capable of performing at the highest level and displaying football in its purest form. If I’m honest with myself for 60/65 minutes today that wasn’t visible. The opening 10 minutes were controlled by Vista and we showed attacking intent but after that we severely dipped in performance. Vista FC conceded a free kick via a foul on the edge of our box. FC Elmstead delivered a dangerous free kick and we were extremely lucky not to have been 1-0 down. I’m not sure what was wrong with our players but complacency had definitely set in. FC Elmstead got their reward for their hard work .A looped ball dropped in behind Vista FC’s defense, which was coolly, lofted over our goalkeepers head. For the remainder 25 minutes FC Elmstead defended deeply and performed with a solid infrastructure not allowing Vista FC to breach their defense. On rare occasions Vista FC created dangerous attacks but were unable to convert the chances, which continually frustrated our midfielders and creative players. The half ended Vista FC 1-0 down and there was a lot to think about.
The second half ended the same and it wasn’t long before changes had to be made. Our patterns of play and positional sense were severely lacking but positive substitutions were the key to improving that. Adrian Brown who has been missing for long periods during the season due to work commitments joined the game and instantly made an impact. His ball manipulation and ability to play through the lines threatened and great interplay between himself, Dominic Weston and Andrew Thompson resulted in a great swivel, which was finished by Thompson. From there after it was all Vista. Danny Bleach switching from CM to RWF seemed to re-invigorate him and his high pressing was rewarded when he chased down the goalkeeper and forced his error winning the ball and finishing into an empty net. This was Danny Bleach’s fourth opportunity in 10 minutes and he more than anyone was more relieved to have scored. From this point on it was all Vista FC.A well worked attack down the left hand side was finished by Jordan Greaves followed shortly by Martin Onuhoa playing a great ball inside between the RB and CB, which was finished by Victor Okisor.
Vista FC carried on threatening and Ohran Stewart coming back off the subs bench was unlucky not to score when sitting the goalkeeper down only for Andrew Thompson to poach and get his second of the game. The 6th and final goal was rewarded to Victor Okisor who recently after returning is back amongst the goals and finished from a great cross by Andrew Thompson which Martin Onuhoa created by running across the goalkeeper and getting a touch into the path of Victor who finished nicely. The final score was probably harsh on Elmstead who battled and were possibly weakened by no visible substitutes and a stand in goalkeeper but for Vista that was part of a 7th game unbeaten and our winning streak increasing.
M.O.M – Dominic Weston