When Vista FC comes to play it can be an enjoyable view for any football fan. Over the years Ground hoppers have created some of our sternest tests most probably reminiscent of a modern day Lullingstone. Due to this we were prepared for a battle. Many other years Vista may have lost but our preparation was spot on and it showed.
Early on in the game two of Vista’s most in form players linked up extremely well in Andrew Thompson and Ashley Sheppard, with the latter taking the ball on his chest before placing it in the top corner.
Perhaps fortunately for us we were playing on a big pitch. There are very few teams in the league who will benefit playing Vista FC on a big pitch as our mix of experienced with youth and energy is one of our greatest strengths.
Vista continued to push and our repetitive attacks as proven can put a strain on even great teams. Unfortunately for Groundhoppers this resulted in them giving away a penalty and Andrew Thompson who seems determined to top the goal rankings stepped up once again to put the penalty away.
As the game continued it was obvious Vista would continue to threaten as the high line and big pitch was playing the game right into our hands. A sharp break in midfield from Ashley Sheppard ended up with 3 of our forward line against just Groundhoppers two center backs. Ashley Sheppard delayed the pass forcing the two Centre backs to make a decision between pushing up and/or delaying the tackle but his connection was Andrew Thompson was too great. His pass was beautifully placed in front of Andrew who blasted the ball high and controlled above the diving keeper.
Half time provided a short team talk, with the team having just two goals to achieve with one of them being keeping a clean sheet, and the other scoring more goals. That was partially achieved when another Vista break and pass from Luke Milner fell into the path of Andrew Thompson. Confidence plays a great part in a strikers ability and with oncoming runners in Siao Blackwood and Ashley Sheppard, Thompson opposed passing and chose to come back onto his right foot before shooting which deflected off the defender and passed the Groundhoppers goalkeeper once again.
At 4-0 it was time to make changes and allow other players to gain some minutes. Ashley Joseph was finally introduced in his favorite position and some direct running ended up with him one on one with the Groundhoppers goalkeeper. His decision to round the goalkeeper benefitted him and he finished by placing the ball into the empty net with the goalkeeper still on the floor.
The final goal of the game was quite sweet for all of those involved. Intricate passing ended up with Luke Milner playing a dummy pass while confusing the Groundhoppers defender into the path of Ashley Sheppard who again sat the keeper down before slotting it home.
A few of Groundhoppers regular players were seen to be missing including their long term goalkeeper who for reasons unknown to myself was on the sideline. I have no doubt that many factors played a part in Groundhoppers not being able to produce their usual gritty display and we wish them all the best for the future!
M.O.M – Ciro Donadio