Lets be clear. Hatcham FC technically has the best players in the league and if we’re honest they should be able to bring home 2 trophies per year without a doubt. Unfortunately for them and fortunately for us there is something that holds them back. They must hold a percentage ratio for most possession every game but as we’re aware possession doesn’t win games goals does.
The first half wasn’t much to speak about as both teams battled similar to a game of chess trying to find cracks in each other’s armor. Defensively both teams were sound until Vista FC do what Vista FC do best and force an opportunity. Vista FC took a harmless free kick on the half way line that was delivered by Ciro Donadio into the Hatcham FC box. Hatcham FC failed to deal with the incoming cross and the ball fell to Ashley Shepard who took a shot, which deflected off Hatcham defender Justin and bounced back into his path. With the rebounded shot Ashley Shepard took another swing and this opportunity found the bottom of the net. You’d be forgiven for feeling sorry for Hatcham FC but a team of their quality deserves no sympathy. Hatcham FC upped the intensity and for the remainder 15 minutes dominated the half but were unable to score through some great defending from the Vista FC backline.
The second half started pretty much the same as the first half but Vista FC were determined to get a second goal and breakaway. With teams such as Bickley FC getting almost flawless wins and Kenningwell FC becoming a real force we couldn’t afford to drop points. At times of desperation you need special players and there aren’t many that possess the quality of Ohran Stewart. A cross from Ashley Sheppard found it’s way to Ohran Stewart who’s run took him to the back post alone while everyone else has gone towards the front post and a guided finish dazzled the keeper and Vista FC were 2-0 up.
Hatcham made some changes during this period, which intensified their play, and Harrison Carnegie was providing them with the quality they needed to create goal-scoring opportunities with some great wing play but once again they were unable to capitalize. Finally, there was one more goal that ended the tie. Respectively the goal was a representation of Hatcham FC when things don’t go their way. Ashley Sheppard made a great pass over the Hatcham defense, which was horribly miss-controlled by Andrew Thompson but somehow he managed to retrieve it in front of the goalkeeper. His next action was too tamely shoot at the keeper who then parried it into his path again of which Hatcham defender Nytram Dixon cleared it off the line once again into the path of Andrew Thompson who finally converted the opportunity. The goal was shambolic and almost embarrassing to watch but Vista weren’t complaining as that goal ended the tie. Hatcham battled to save their pride and a fortunate goal was converted by Darryl Wheeler who very rarely disappoints against Vista scoring in the last few games he’d played but the game ended 3-1.Hatcham FC will feel hard done by but this pattern has reoccurred with them for many seasons and at some point the team need to take responsibility.
M.O.M – Luke Milner