I write this one with a lot of pain but with a great respect for our opponents. This weekend Vista faced Bickley, whom we are fully aware of the capabilities they possess but they never fail to find 10% more whenever it’s needed. Perhaps from the warm up there was an air of self-belief or what maybe could be misconstrued as arrogance. At this time of the season 2 years ago Vista beat Bickley in a battle to the death and went on to win the league. This season we had beaten them twice once coming behind from 3-0 to win 5-3 in the cup and also a 3-1 win at home in the league so we may have felt the momentum was with ourselves. Unfortunately that wasn’t to be. Within the first 5 minutes Bickley had a great chance with Beaver receiving the ball in behind the defense and swiveling before shooting just wide with the left foot. If that wasn’t warning enough we conceded a free kick outside the box. Everyone in the league is aware of Bickley’s aerial presence but did not prepare correctly. The floated free kick was won in the air by Bickley and converted. From then on we always knew the game was going to be hard but we found no way to break them down as they battled for every ball all over the pitch. Daniel Humwick and Baz Agoro were especially impressive in the middle of the field. The first half faded out with us not making too many chances and if I’m honest probably outworked and without controlling the game for the first time this season.
The second half saw Vista make double changes in Ohran Stewart and Andrew Dalhouse coming on and Vista converting to a 4-4-2.Instantly there was a difference in the play. Vista were much more effective and started to threaten the goal playing a more direct style of play. Bickley are well aware of what it takes to win leagues, cups and trophies and played the game very industrially. Competing for every ball while playing the ball in behind our defense and stretching the game at every opportunity worked for them. Vista really created some great opportunities probably the best falling to Andrew Thompson but even those opportunities were well contested and the slight pressure enough at times to cause unwanted reactions. The second half pretty much followed that pattern and although Vista remained on top Bickley was resilient throughout. Pushing for the equalizer eventually became our demise as we began to take risks and a sharp break from Bickley after a win in the middle of the park led to a breakaway goal. We have to be disappointed with our start to the game but Bickley came to win and left everything on the pitch so we equally credit them for their performance. With 2 games left in the league much is still up for grabs but ultimately this game could have decided the league.
M.O.M – Ciro Donadio