From the time they entered the league Lullingstone had been our bogey team. Over the last season or two we had adapted and found ways to win but the games were always well contested. This game was no different. The initial 10 minutes Vista was very direct and looked to be the team on top but were unable to capitalize on the pressure.
In true Lullingstone fashion they stayed well organized and caught us unsuspected with a goal in behind our defense. Although it was our home ground, despite it not being one of our favored pitches Lullingstone took to it like a duck to water. The pitch wasn’t very big and Vista couldn’t use it affectively and while we may have looked the most likely to score Lullingstone scored again with a direct approach.
Their number 7 was allowed the freedom of the game and every time he got on the ball he looked dangerous.
Vista knew we had to make changes and that we did. Although the changes came only from players on the field we had fielded a very adaptable team and once we found a system we were able to mount a definitive amount of pressure. Omari Hibbert was starting to force his way into the game running at players and on maybe his 3rd attempt he ran past two defenders before cutting inside and blasting a powerful shot past the keeper. The game was well fought and at half time it ended Lullingstone 2-Vista 1.
Half time was essential, as we had to address our errors and make sure we didn’t go further behind but our response was imminent. The dominance of play started and we attacked in numbers causing Lullingstone repeated problems but our finishing was letting us down. We had missed possibly 4 clear cut opportunities at this point and started to fear the worst but finally Andrew Thompson ended his little troubled spell and lifted the ball over the keeper while latching onto a pass.
At 2-2 now it was a very edgy time as Lullingstone battled ferociously and in all honesty I’m unsure how they didn’t score 3 opportunities in the box from corners and deep crosses. Had it not been for some luck and some excellent saves from our keeper we would have definitely gone behind. Despite this Vista battled on and in the 75th minute Aaron Dalhouse produced one of the most sublime bits of skill when after bringing the ball off his chest, took a touch and then volleyed the ball in from 30 yards. Two of our newest signings had scored and were starting to repay faith so management was definitely happy.
I wish the story ended here but Lullingstone weren’t happy to drive home to Eltham without a point after the will they had showed and a ball in behind our defense in the dying minutes was wrongly judged by Mario Campbell and the error played in the Lullingstone striker who finished excellently. After the balance of the game 3-3 was probably a fair result and full credit to Lullingstone who pushed us all the way. This was a great season opener.
M.O.M – Aaron Dalhouse
Goalscorers – Omari Delgado, Andrew Thompson, Aaron Dalhouse