Christmas; this is the time of year that can prove most dangerous for footballers. Players often succumb to bad habits while wanting to spend time with their families and do things they possibly weren’t able to do during the year like drink and eat excessively. A 3-week break could prove to be the difference between these two footballing powerhouses in the OBDSFL. Vista and Kenningwell both share very similarities in the fact that they both have majority athletic players and play fast attacking football so this was always going to be an exciting spectacle.
As expected the game started with a real intensity. Many of the players on show were quick to show their speed, skill and brilliance. Vista probably just edged the opening 20 minutes but Kenningwell managed to capitalize on a goalkeeping error and Omari Delgado tapped into an empty net. Recently Vista have come back from various losing positions most emphatically against the current league champions FC Bickley therefore it was no surprise that despite the goal deficit Vista continued to play without panic and were rewarded with a goal by some great work between Ashley Sheppard and Andrew Thompson before Thompson sweetly finished beating Kenningwells George Kamurazi. Vista’s 2nd goal probably came as the biggest surprise. A cross by Vista’s Ashley Sheppard looked to be a comfortable catch but Andrew Thompson rose above the 6ft plus keeper to header into an empty net. The 1st half ended 2-1 to Vista.
At 2-1 the next goal was important and despite excellent play during many periods by Kenningwell’s Omari Delgado and most influential Omar Folkes they just couldn’t seem to get the goal they needed. A forced substitution led to Dominic Weston coming on for Jordan Greaves and although the opening 10 minutes weren’t great for him he responded in excellent fashion. Latching onto a ball crossed low by Ashley Sheppard and saved by Kamurazi the ball fell to Dominic Weston. With 2 players approaching and Kamurazi back in goal he placed the ball high into the top corner in the one place that Kamurazi wouldn’t be able to save the ball. This was an excellent goal, which put Vista in the most positive position.
You would expect the game to die down in most situations but both these teams carry immense pride and continued to play fast fluent football for the remainder of the game. Siao Blackwood is probably an unsung hero most of the times and it was rewarding for him to get his goal. Some great interplay between Ashley Sheppard, Siao Blackwood and Andrew Thompson finished with a pass splitting the Kenningwell defense. Siao caught the keeper with the element of surprise finishing early and pushing the game beyond reach.
At this point the game was in a comfortable position and Vista FC made changes bringing on Ohran Stewart and Andrew Dalhouse for Ashley Sheppard and Andrew Thompson. Both players performed excellently and deserved a much-needed rest. To their credit Kenningwell still refused to give up and a quick break resulted in Omari Delgado blasting the ball past an exposed Steve Hanley.
What followed was probably the moment of the game. Siao Blackwood broke free from midfield leaving opponents and teammates in his dust. With a possible chance of going alone having only one defender to beat he opted to pass to Ohran Stewart. In one on one situation Ohran is a wizard. A quick drop of the shoulder followed by a chop had Ohran a little wide of goal with an oncoming 6ft plus George Kamurazi. With the deftest of touches he dinked it over the keeper into the back of the net. This goal had everyone Vista both on and off the pitch in celebration. A massive huddle and a 5foot slide by Kwabena Osei recorded on video catches the jubilation of not only a great goal but also a great performance by a team now 9 unbeaten.
Kenningwell are an amazing team but on this day Vista’s fluidity and team camaraderie proved too much. After the game the two teams embraced and congratulated each other in what has always been a mutual respect between the two.
M.O.M – Andrew Thompson