SEASON ENDS WITH A WIN

The Vets travelled to Southwark for the final game of the season to play Granchester Vets on a 3G pitch. It took us an age to find the pitch, but make it we did and the guys were happy to get to use the new light blue change kit, until they realised there was only one XL shirt!
 
We had a squad of 14 and confidence was high after a good run of results. We didn’t start well and took time to adapt to the playing surface (fair to say that 3G/4G pitches don’t appear to really suit our old bones). The weather was awful and we all got drenched in a sudden heavy downpour including hail. The oppo took the lead when a deflected header was pushed onto the bar by yours truly only to drop down and into the net off my back. Our passing was very poor and the oppo were winning most of the loose balls. We eventually settled and equalised with a deserved goal from Sean Jackson, who was a constant threat down the left. John McKenna had the unfortunate job of being Jamie McNally’s midfield partner (we reckon Jamie has gone through at least a dozen midfield partners this season). We were then given the opportunity to take the lead, when we were awarded a penalty, but the footballing Gods were against us, as Phil Westcott saw his penalty saved by the keeper. We had further chances to take the lead, but chances were spurned by the marauding Charlie Hands from right back and Jamie McNally (the birds in the trees were in more danger of being hit than the back of the net). We took the lead after good work by Jamie allowed Will Hoar to continue his fine run of goalscoring form and half time saw us leading 2-1.
 
We made a couple of changes at half time to allow everyone a 45 minute run out and the feeling was that with a bit more effort from everyone, we would win quite comfortably. We had plenty of possession, but the oppo worked hard and made things difficult for us. Against the run of play the oppo equalised, when poor marking from a throw in allowed one of their guys space and his speculative shot, took a wicked deflection off Mark Harris and left yours truly with no chance.
 
This spurred us on and we had a number of half chances, but didn’t really threaten their keeper too much. We eventually managed to regain the lead through an excellent free kick from Steve Dulley, which gave the keeper no chance and then finished the game off with a trademark Phil Westcott goal, ably assisted by Richard Brooks.
 
Final score 4-2. An enjoyable game and good to finish the season with a win.
 
Steve Dulley was a comfortable winner of MoM.
 
Thanks to Dean Taylor for coming to support the Vets once again, much appreciated Deano. We then retired to a bar close to Waterloo, where the drinks were soon flowing and Charlie Hands was in his element, getting everyone pissed playing his drinking games.
 
As the season draws to a close, thanks to everyone who has played their part over what feels like a long season for the Vets. We had a really successful trip to the Algarve in September – huge thanks to Phil Westcott for organising the trip and here’s to winning it next September. We enter the West London Vets League next season and with the right attitude and luck with injuries, we should have a real chance of some glory next season.
 
Finally, on behalf of all the Vets, a massive, massive thanks to Tim Deacon for all his efforts over the season, in arranging the fixtures, collecting all the money and writing the match reports – much appreciated by us all Tim, cheers mate.
 
Hopefully see most of you at the Dinner on 15th June, otherwise, have a good Summer and it all starts again in September.