A lot of questions were being asked this game. After a 14 game unbeaten run Vista were beaten by Mildean (Away) in a game which could have had a real dent in Vista’s quest for the title had not both Bickley FC and Kenningwell FC lost last week. Fortunately for us with not only just the losses but we were playing Mildean the following week and able to rectify any previous errors. If this was a blip then it was perfect that we were able to play them straight away.
The line up was much changed from the previous week and closer to the team that went on the unbeaten run except for Ashley Josephs who featured as the lone striker in place of Andrew Thompson. Vista started cautiously trying to get a feel for the opposition and were unlucky not to score on a few opportunities but once again Mildean found a way to soak up the pressure before evading Vista’s high line and scoring via the top corner on a second attempt after a save by Steve Hanley. Unlike last week it was important the main characters stepped in and proved themselves today. Siao Blackwood, Ashley Sheppard, Victor Okisor and Ashley Joseph’s led the attacking line fluently and were rewarded when some great attacking play by Adrian Browne resulting in him crossing low before Siao Blackwood luckily pushed the ball into the path of Victor Okisor who fired home. At 1-1 with both teams pushing for the mental edge a bit of quality was needed. Look no further than the games standout player Ashley Sheppard. A direct free kick on the edge of the box flew straight in and Vista was on top. The 1st half ended 2-1, which was an impressive showing by the team.
The second half started with Vista FC in a position that they were more used too and the fluency showed. We began to control the game tempo often leaving Mildean only able to create any attacks by the sole ability of their lone striker. Another free kick was gifted to us by an off the ball attempt to stop an on-going run and it was once again converted by Ashley Sheppard beating the goalkeeper from 30 yards.
Victor Okisor had been a threat all game but before his substitution he partook in one of the greatest moves of the game if not the season. The team had been involved in some great interplay with Siao Blackwood passing the ball to Victor in the box of which came as a shock to all watching as with his first touch he passed it back over the oncoming defender. While acting under pure instinct Siao Blackwood connected with the sweetest volley sending it past the goalkeeper and into the net.
At this point of the game Vista took their foot of the gas having believed the game was won and allowed Mildean to get back in on two occasions which has been unlike us this season but on the basis of the game and the hard work and ability their striker had shown it was probably deserved that he earned his hat trick.
With many great goals being scored Ashley Sheppard was determined to beat not only Siao’s but also his own. Some great running from Siao and a pass while in a shooting opportunity ended up at Ash’s feet. While taking a touch with set him up nicely he half volleyed the ball into the stanchion and the ball stuck emphasizing what a great goal it was. A round of applause and a substitution was enough to finish his involvement for the day.
The 6th and final goal was particularly pleasing for one individual who hasn’t stamped his authority enough given the talent he possesses. With Ashley Sheppard off and Jordan Taylor having proved he can’t take free kicks Adrian Browne stepped up to take the final free kick of the game. Adrian expertly executed a pass from Siao Blackwood into his path with a low curved shot right into the corner and beyond the goalkeeper’s blind spot. The game was won comfortably overall and Vista once again get back on track.
M.O.M – Ashley Sheppard