It’s as simple as this. The OBDSFL is getting stronger and harder and given a few years there will be new teams on the come up who will shift the balance. I’ve seen it happen previously but the opening 10-15 minutes of this game reminded me of how easily these kind of games can be lost if preparation isn’t done correctly.
Club Langley were straight out the blocks and they passed and moved the ball as if they were the higher ranked team for 10-15 minutes and we struggled to get to grips but never lost concentration. Kwabena Osei was a rock all game and his captaincy qualities really shone as he dealt with everything that came his way but also distributed the passes effectively bringing Adrian Browne into the game. Our strike force started slowly missed controlling touches and not being as effective as possible possibly due to the warm up but eventually found their way in. Omari Hibbert went close a couple of times such as Aaron Southard but the breakthrough was scored by Andrew Dalhouse whom from a corner flicked on via his brother took one touch and volleyed the ball low and hard ricocheting off players on the line and in off the post.
Vista were beginning to apply the pressure and moving the ball quite nicely but Aaron Dalhouse hadn’t quite found his way into the game yet. Nice touches and some great hold up play but it was very stop-start, so for him to get his way into the game with another great goal was testament to the man. Aaron began closing down their defensive midfielder whom he won the ball off before moving towards goal. With defenders approaching but still wary of the threat in behind he let off a shot from 20 yards, which was low into the bottom corner, and not able to being saved.
Signings are of importance when making sure the flame stays alight at a club and Omari Hibbert is showing just why he was signed. Ohran Stewart had joined the pitch due to Siao Blackwood being injured and a one two with Andrew Dalhouse, which Ohran perfectly weighted back, was then timed and hit low and hard across the box. This seems somewhat a signature move as it had been done 2/3 times during pre season and Omari met the cross and finished coolly.
The second half was as impressive but Vista players possibly were trying to be too cute and/or selfish/unselfish during the process and we maybe should have scored many more but the score remained not for the wrong reasons. After going off then returning to the pitch possibly refreshed Omari beat his opponent in a one on one situation for maybe the 3rd time but this time once his cross was slid across Aaron Southard met the ball perfectly before side footing into the empty net.
Club Langley never gave up the fight and around the 88th minute were rewarded with the goal they deserved had they finished other previous chances. All in all it was a great spectacle and both teams deserved respect for the way the game was played. We wish Club Langley the best in their season and we’re very sure they will be challenging given what we’ve seen.
Goals
Andrew Dalhouse
Aaron Dalhouse
Omari Hibbert
Aaron Southard
M.O.M
Kwabena Osei