Over the years Vista FC have learnt one major key factor to playing in the OBDSFL league and that’s respect every opponent. Today our opponents were Eden Park FC, a team that demand respect and we asked our players to take all of our various encounters into consideration. Previously in games 2-0, 3-0 up and other scores Eden Park has managed to find a way back into the game and on occasions win. For a team like Vista with our passing ability and individual quality it’s been unacceptable and from a management perspective we made sure this was highlighted prior to this game.
10 minutes into the game Vista FC were managing to find their way into the game when a misjudged clearance by Danny Doyle allowed Eden Parks striker to get in one on one with Ciro Donadio who was the stand in keeper today. In fairness the opportunity was slotted away perfectly and Eden Park FC took the lead. This possibly was the wake up call needed as both teams battled ferociously for the next 15 minutes both creating a few chances and tackling tough which resulted in bookings for both sides. Roughly 30 minutes into the first half Andrew Thompson opened his account for the season getting in behind the defense and coolly slotting home. This was particularly inevitable as he had threatened many times leading up to that opportunity and was beginning to remind us why he scored 40 goals in 2012/2013.Eden Park FC also threatened for the remainder of the half but I’d say 1-1 at half time was deserved.
In the second half Vista FC really began to control the game. With passing and fluidity created many opportunities of which Ashley Sheppard, Aaron Southard and more should have finished but we tried to remain positive and were rewarded when some great interplay between the front 4 (Ashley Sheppard, Aaron Southard, Jordan Greaves and Andrew Thompson) allowed Siao Blackwood to find space on the edge of the box and drive a nice finish home.
From here on Vista FC really managed to control the tempo and play some amazing football. Our best attack of the season really opened the Eden Park FC defense with Andrew Thompson and Ashley Sheppard creating havoc. Unfortunately Aaron Southard couldn’t convert the chance but he made sure he made up for his miss less than 5 minutes after a leaping header from a corner and heading home.
Due to Luke Milner being on a yellow card and Vista FC needing to ensure all 11 players stayed on the pitch Andrew Dalhouse was subbed on. With high pressure from the team and other players guiding him through the game a gambled opportunity to press led to him winning the ball off the left back and powerfully driving before passing the ball to Aaron Southard who drove a hard low shot back to the side of the goal the ball had come from wrong-footing the keeper.
Most teams would have given up but Eden Park FC always give you something to think about as their left winger continued to cause havoc and threaten with some great attacks. It was no surprise that they scored from a header won from a corner not long after. This was another wake-up call which caused Vista to then play with caution and for the remainder 10 minutes Vista made the pitch big and forced Eden Park to play disjointed and take risks but there wasn’t long enough and soon after the game ended. This was another great contest by two great teams and we look forward to the replay.
MOM – Jordan Greaves