This was the big one. As described on twitter from Bickley player James Smith this was his ‘favorite game of the season’. Regardless of the outcome over the years this game has often led to title winning or trophy wins for both teams and even though Vista didn’t have much to play for in this game, being out of the title race we’d never let Bickley down in terms of good competition.
Little things can have a massive impact and this game the first thing that probably went in Bickley’s way was having the benefit of sides. They opted to play into the wind and use the wind to their advantage. Within 10 minutes a deep free kick arrived at the feet of Anthony Weir who evaded the defense due to ball watching and a cross was finished perfectly. If there is any team you don’t want to give an advantage too its Bickley as you know you’ll have to fight sword and shield for anything. We’re not sure how old Anthony Weir is now and we hoped those 3 minutes into the game getting smashed in a tackle and complaining that he was now “too old for this” would sway him but we were incorrect. Bickley won a corner an like he’s done for the last 10 years he rose high and headed home at the back post. The cross went past everyone but his eye for goal is second to none and he finished easily.
At 2-0 down you’d imagine after our recent results we’d have given up but we showed great character. We pressed and pressed and if it weren’t for a great save at the feet from Bickleys goalkeeper we’d have scored earlier but after Bickley missed some chances that some of our nan’s could have converted a lightning attack involving Ashley Josephs, Fabian O’Brien and Victor Okisor ended up with Victor doing his trademark finish. We fought for that 2nd goal but had to settle for 2-1 at half time.
The 2nd half was ours to win with the wind now on our side and we threatened consistently until the pressure caved Bickley. Some great work by Siao Blackwood and a smooth pass to Omari Delgado resulted in a simple finish for the striker drawing the game at 2-2. He’d held the ball up well all game and this was well deserved. Unfortunately straight after his goal he had a similar chance that was once again saved on the goal line. Had this been another game he could have had 3 goals.
If you’ve played Bickley before you know what the punishment for missing chances is; a defensive error by Vista taking too many chances when clearing the ball made it’s way to Bickleys front line and they punished. Instructions from the side meant that Vista now had to risk it all and went gung-ho with 3 and sometimes 2 at the back and this time it backfired. X Vista player Jordan Greaves who threatened but got no joy for the 2nd game running against us bundled the ball home in toddler fashion before celebrating as if it was the goal to win a champions league final and the game was done.
Congratulations to Bickley on another impressive win. We face them once more this season in the league in an away game for us. We hope to get a win there!
Goals: Victor Okisor, Omari Delgado
Assists: Fabien O Brien, Siao Blackwood
M.O.M – Steve Hanley