If there’s one team that Vista FC are fully aware of the problems they cause it’s Lullingstone. Since their introduction to the senior league Lullingstone can best be described as Vista FC’s bogey team? For 2 seasons they remained unbeaten by us during our best runs and even when we were on route to win games found a way back into the game either winning or gaining a draw. Our luck changed against them in the Charity shield game following our 2013/14-league win. A well-fought battle, which we equalized late and then, went on to win in penalties. Notably their captain was missing and Vista FC was determined to take full advantage of this.
After last weeks win against FC Elmstead Vista FC were determined to capitalize on our second half performance .A high intensity start made sure that we were willing to give as good as we got. Danny Bleach in the midfield gave the Lullingstone team much to think about as he was involved in nearly every tackle and managed to inspire the rest of the team. After some great attacking play and many great chances Vista FC were unsure how they weren’t ahead but the dominance of the game was important and it was no surprise that after many rash tackles from Lullingstone Vista FC were finally awarded a penalty. Currently Vista FC have changed penalty takers for various reasons but you wouldn’t have been surprised to see Andrew Thompson step up considering his record of scoring in every game against Lullingstone. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be and his penalty was saved. Despite the penalty miss Vista remained playing the same and from Lullingstones view it was a shame that the goal they conceded was via some great interchange and wing play from Ashley Sheppard who crossed the ball and deflected of two defenders and into the net. Following this Vista performed as we had been and our attacking play led us to win yet another penalty. Up stepped up last week’s penalty converter Siao Blackwood but once again we missed this time with him dragging it wide. Vista were determined not to let either penalty miss effect them and some great play first starting from defensive work from Jordan Taylor and Terry Boyle followed by an amazing direct kick from Steve Hanley that landed at Aaron Southards feet. Aaron Southard controlled the ball amazingly before running in behind the Lullingstone defenders before lobbing the ball into the path of Andrew Thompson who floored the goalkeeper and both defenders before slotting home. At half time Vista FC went in 2-0.
The second half started well but once again unfinished chances came back to haunt Vista. We battled well but when you play at the tempo that we do at times in the game you may have to replenish your energy or accept managing the game and/or moving the ball rather than repeated attacks. Our midfield performance started to deplete and this gave Lullingstone the onus to gain some control of the game. Maybe it was something in the air because Vista was also on the end of an own goal. They say 2-0 is one of the worst scores because you appear vulnerable and 2-1 is even worse once you’re team is lacking control. Lullingstone’s striker worked his socks off and it was no surprise when a great run by him ended with him curling a well-deserved right footed shot around a Vista defender into the bottom corner.
For the second time in 3 or 4 weeks Vista had thrown away a 2-0 lead and with some of our most influential players in Danny Bleach, Jordan Greaves and Aaron Southard off the field it was important Vista dug deep. On in their place was Victor Okisor on the wing, Ashley Josephs on the other wing and Geno in a defensive midfield position. Vista FC battled again and created many chances mostly falling to Andrew Thompson but Lullingstone were determined to create a story of their own. A final sub by Damani Campbell bringing on Andrew Dalhouse to partner Andrew Thompson up top was probably the most rewarding. All football fans like to see a big striker with a smaller striker running off them but with maybe 2 minutes left on the clock great defensive work by Mario Campbell and then a inch perfect line ball was controlled by Andrew Thompson who then played it into Siao Blackwood.Siao Blackwood excellently ran with the ball before reversing a pass into Andrew Dalhouse who also reversed a no-look pass into the path of Andrew Thompson. Given his record against Lullingstone it was no surprise that he was the player to win the game for Vista FC and start what hopefully is the 2nd win of a winning run.
M.O.M – Danny Bleach