Over the years Vista have often been guilty of dropping their competitive level when playing teams that on paper were regarded lesser opponents. Barnehurst FC operates one league below but possess some amazing players in Rikki Cable, Luke Coleman and more. It was probably to our benefit that these players were playing in less attacking positions. Barnehurst FC controlled the opening 10 minutes. They were able to use Vista FC’s poor pre match preparation and create the greater chances. Fortunately for us they were unable to score. Against the run of play a great run and diagonal pass by Ashley Josephs fell into the path of prolific striker Andrew Thompson and he dispatched as per normal.
The second goal for Vista FC was reminiscent of some of the amazing play that Vista FC has played lately. A quick free kick by Ashley Sheppard and Andrew Dalhouse was played in behind the Barnehurst defense. Andrew Thompson faked left before coming back on his right side before bending the shot into the top corner. Andrew Thompson was in no mood to play games and a defense splitting pass from Jordan Taylor was threaded to Victor Okisor. Victor ran on to the pass before taking on a defender and cutting the ball back for Thompson to finish. Victor Okisor returning from holiday was quick to remind us of his pace and another pass in behind fell to Victor. His shot was saved for Ashley Josephs to smell the opportunity for a goal and beat two oncoming defenders to tap the ball in.
While not playing the best football Vista FC continued to threaten. Michael Campbell returned for the 1st time since pre season and a through ball by him
Fell to Ashley Sheppard. Ashley coolly lofted the shot over the oncoming 6ft keeper into the top corner. The next goal was reminiscent of the one prior but this time with Ashley Sheppard providing the assist for Victor. With a defender on his tail and a keeper oncoming no one doubted that Victor Okisor would be the first to reach the ball. He opened up well before passing the ball underneath the goalkeeper for what is his third goal this season.
Ashley Sheppard will probably be unhappy about this one but the 7th goal for Vista FC came from what was probably his 20th decisive run of the game. His shot was saved and fell into the path of the returning sub Andrew Thompson for his 4th goal.
The final goal was capped off in style and probably rewarding for both players involved. Andrew Dalhouse chasing down an attacking Barnehurst player before intercepting, opted against playing it back to goal. After taking on the attacking he played a great attacking pass into the path of Ashley Sheppard who had acutely bent his run. While one on one with the keeper it was clear that many different thoughts had gone through his mind but Ashley remained composed. He went around the keeper before passing into an empty net and topping off what may not have been Vista FC’s best performance but ultimately kept the winning run going.
M.O.M – Andrew Thompson