After a journey that by length mirrored a UEFA Europa qualifier to Moldova the Vipers gathered at a very bright and sunny Charlwood pitch in Horley. It was noted that the conditions at Charlwood have had a great upgrade with excellent cut grass and a brilliant marked surface. One thing that hadn’t changed was Charlwoods classic Yellow, Blue, White Brazilian kits that to be fair matches the silky skillfulness that their team has been known to demonstrate.
 
Marco and Willem had been transferred to the Vipers for this game and it was good to see Willem saunter in just before kick-off with all the enthusiasm of Gareth Bale being pulled away from a golf course to train with Real Madrid J
 
Special mention to the injured Sam Vettese who turned up with his Dad to support the team! This showed great team camaraderie but also possibly that Di wanted some shelves put up in the house so Marco may have found an excuse to escape?
 
The game started at a good pace with play shared 50/50. From the off Sebby showed his strength and calmness in the centre of defence. Also, from the off the Charlwood #19 showed a lot of skill, with some excellent twists and turns on the ball that was a feature throughout. The wind blew up quickly and also became a feature of the first half as did Jody running from the halfway line on the end of long balls with his afterburners in full flight.
 
George was kept busy but remained a safe pair of hands, his commandment of the area and constant encouragement demonstrating why he had been presented the “players player” award prior to the game.
 
The 10th minute came and very importantly Jeremy returned from Costa Coffee with a full round. Not only a nice selection of Cappuccino, Lattes, Teas etc but also some pastries…. the bar has been set. Now back to the footie……
 
In general, the passing from our opponents in the middle of the park was causing issues as they demonstrated some very neat passing around our midfield. However, the cleverness of some of our through balls from Willem to William, Sebby to Jody etc continued to threaten. The move of the half started with Sebby pushing the ball to Jody, who less orthodox for him pulsated up the right wing. A cross to Charlie bought a chance that was saved by their keeper and Raff was unable to convert with the goal gaping – were the Vipers to rue that missed chance?
 
New crowned  "Coaches Player of the Year" Cody, Sebby and Harry J continued to battle with a very skillful Charlwood attack and covered each other well during multiple attacks - who again were being well marshalled George on a number of occasions who denied a number of chances.
 
Marco came on for Raff in the 22nd min and only a minute later the pre-match awarded "Parents Player of the year" Jody scored with a trademark run from midfield, perfectly timed to avoid the offside trap. He saw off a resolute Charlwood defender and pushed it into the far corner which left their keeper no chance. Time to see out this half!
 
Raff replaced Willem in a tactical change and only 2 minutes later William pushed the ball through to Jody and it looked to be a carbon copy of the 1st goal until some brilliant defending by the Charlwood number 12 fairly bundled Jody off his stride. In the last couple of minutes there was some excellent pressing by the Vipers led by Charlie in particular who created enough urgency to pressure a corner and then a second ball given away to provide Sebby with a long-range effort. Vipers had finished the half on a high and a and tactical chat was welcomed.

​​The 2nd half started with the players in the same formation and some very incisive commentary from William Fielding who noted that as he was on the right wing this half would be better “because Dad I will hardly hear you shouting at me”. If only the Amazon All of Nothing team had been present for this scoop!
 
Charlwood started the 2nd half extremely strongly and scored in the first minute. Very skillful (this word is becoming a trend) play by the Charlwood #77 bought a save from George which was rebounded out but he was left no chance with the follow-up.
 
A busy few minutes ensued for George who had a couple more good saves and came out of his area twice creating hearts in mouths moments on the sidelines but George had timed them well. Upfront the Vipers continued to threaten. Charlie had a deep free kick that tested the keepers ability to hold onto the ball and then he slotted the ball through to Jody who again was denied by good goalkeeping.
 
The quality of the 2nd goal Charlwood goal in the 37th minute couldn’t be denied. #77 skipped past our defenders in a Maradona-esque style to poke the ball past George. Heads were dropping shortly after as it looked like Charlwood had scored again however VAR stepped in and ruled it offside – my eyes say that the Vipers got away with one!
 
The clock turned to 41st minute and William got a surprise. It turns out that Paul can shout loud enough across the pitch for his son to receive some encouragement and support from the coach J
 
#19 troubled our defence and Cody repelled a couple of attacks. Raff was starting to impose himself upfront and bought a decent save from the keeper after a decent turn in midfield created the chance. The ball bobbled loose but neither Jody or Charlie could get themselves in the right position.
 
5-minutes of what can only be called sleeping then killed off the game. In quick succession (the 49th and 53rd minutes) the Vipers were caught ball watching or not quite alert as Charlwood who seized on the chances to turn the game from 1-2 to 1-4.
To be fair, with 7 minutes remaining this could have turned very sour but the boys picked themselves back-up and toiled. Charlie was to epitome of this and headed the ball strongly from midfield and then followed it up by pushing through the defence to get himself one on one with the keeper and confidently poke the ball past their keeper with his left foot.
 
The game finished 2-4 which was a fair win for Charlwood but an excellent test for the Vipers who have shown a massive improvement already on last season and competed toe to toe against a very talented side for 55 mins of the game.
 
Onwards and upwards….
 
The match players and coaches awards went to Harry J and Charlie respectively.

Final word goes to our giant of a keeper a and players player of the year George.....

outh 

​As the boys of Loxwood Youth FC looked ahead to the new season as Under 12s, the opportunity came up for a pre-season friendly against their rivals at Cranleigh. The wider squad began the day with another great training session, this time focusing on shooting from distance and at pace, before a good training match made possible by the healthy numbers on show on a sunny Saturday morning (report to be published soon). As the session drew to a close, the selected players, a mixture of Cobras and Vipers, made their way to Snoxhall for their first competitive game of the new season.


Starting team saw a towering George in goal; Kelsey, Finn and captain Angus in defence; William, Marco, Ben and Archie in Midfield; and Jody up front. Luc and Sylvester started on the bench.

​Next up on the Trophy trail was St Paul's Panthers away, buoyed by last weeks narrow victory the Cobras were a much-changed starting line up with the bare bones of a squad. Missing were the influential Sam, Archie, young Barney and Chris. Could the unbeaten run continue?? With the Cobras having failed to beat the Panthers on 3 previous occasions, this was going to be a big 'ask' indeed!
 
After some overnight rain, the clouds broke, and we were 'off' with the opposition on the front foot from the start.  A sluggish Cobras, failed to match the home sides intensity, giving them far too much time and space with much of the first twenty minutes spent in the Cobras own final third of the pitch. Only an alert and an excellent Willem in goal and a determined Marco in defence repelled the constant wave of Panthers attacks, time and time again, keeping the Cobras in the game.
 
Finally the Cobras managed to break out of their own half with Ben and Angus linking well to enable Sylvester to break down the right flank, a determined run and shot forcing an excellent save from the Panthers keeper, that was more like it! With half-time rapidly approaching another rare Cobras insurgence into the Panthers penalty box resulted in a trip with the referee hesitating but finally deciding on a penalty to the Cobras. Stunned silence came over the crowd - Could the Cobras take their chance and force a lead? Up stepped Ben, who with nerves of steel found the bottom corner much to the relief of the travelling coaches and supporters. It was never in doubt! The half-time whistle went with the home supporters dazed and confused as to how the score line showed their team behind.
 
A 'lively' Cobras team talk ensued with some encouragement to improve in certain areas! A slight change in formation was made with the impressive Marco going in goal due to a knee injury, Angus dropping back into a more accustomed left back position with the willing running and endeavour of Sylvester leading the line up front. Some midfield steel was also added in the form of Willem to support Ben.
 
The second half continued in very much the same vein as the first, with the home team asking all the questions, however a new sense of purpose and determination was in evidence from the Cobras with Kelsey and Finn impressing at the back along with Angus. The midfield seemed to have more 'bite' in the tackle with Dan impressing along with Luc down the right-hand side. Willem and Ben also combining well to release Sylvester. After some determined play down the left the Cobras earned themselves a corner, with Kelsey placing an excellent cross into the box, a deflection off a Panthers player meant that the ball broke free inside the six yard box with an alert Ben pouncing on the loose ball and providing and excellent finish into the bottom corner. 2-0 Cobras!
 
Immediate reinforcements for the Panthers almost paid dividends but a fine save with his feet by Marco and also the upright coming to the rescue of the Cobras. The Cobras sensed that this game was theirs for the taking and some fantastic rearguard determination meant that Panthers were restricted to efforts from long range. With passes being taken with more care Sylvester and Luc also went close for the Cobras after some fine work down the right side. Possession wise it was pretty much all Panthers but the Cobras battled hard and never gave up. The Panthers did manage a consolation goal with what proved to be the last kick of the game but the Cobras resolve and determination was a pleasure to witness.
 
The Panthers and their supporters may have been scratching their heads at the end due to the score line but the 'team effort' and togetherness of the Cobras was enough to see them through a difficult game against a good Panthers side. A very rewarding morning all round for the Cobras who can be all extremely proud of their efforts. 
 
Well done to Ben and Sylvester who thoroughly deserved their awards. 

​After a herculean effort through viruses, car accidents (not one of us), puddles on roundabouts and poor reading of SatNav directions the Vipers arrived at Goldsworth Park their cup game against the Sea Lions. Vinny had messaged ahead to say that he was re-directing himself around an accident and would be late. He had forgotten that with Brian Smith in attendance that he would obviously be early J
 
On a great run of form with two wins out of two on the journey so far anticipation was in the air (alongside who know what else!). A school event had laid the boys a littler lower in numbers and without George Schmeichel in goal Charlie agreed to stand between the posts for the 1st half – using a nice negotiation tactic of requesting not to be a substitute in the 2nd half. Good work Charlie!
 
The lads started the game as they have done recently with an early chance and good attacking – Jody flashing the ball just wide. However, with only 3 mins on the clock a speculative long shot from the Sea Lions wasn’t dealt with by Charlie who was rusty between the sticks and trying to use his feet rather than his hands simply watched the ball bobble past him. 0-1 to the Sea Lions.
 
The game settled into a rhythm of a lot of good possession for the Vipers with fast breaking attacks from the Sea Lions. Notable moments included William pushing the ball through to Jody who couldn’t quite convert, a beautiful nutmeg from Sam through the Sea Lions right backs legs only to be foiled by Goldsworths’ excellent keeper, a Harry Smith shot from a corner and the  highlight probably being a fantastic curled shot from the left by Cameron that sailed over the keepers head and dipped goalward only to hit the bar. “Oohs and ahhs” all round from the Vipers supporter base.
 
At the other end the defence was resolute. Good positioning from Harry J to push players wide and get the ball to safety, a brilliant sliding tackle from Cody, Sebby using his head on multiple occasions to clear the ball – look away Chief Welfare Officer – I don’t think Sebby has read those FA heading guidelines! Cody continued holding the line and what is now a familiar role commanding the defensive line to deny the Sea Lions space. Charlie had made up for his early error with a lot of theatrical saves that had our (my) heart in our mouths at time!
 
With Paul only bellowing at 300 decibels at this game (jumping up and down like a chimp was how it was described by a player in the car after the game, LOL) it seemed only appropriate that the supporter base would join in on the coaching side! Through their guidance, Charlie collected the ball and before the Sea Lions had a chance to set themselves up a strong goal kick was struck that was very central. Missed by the defender, Jody ran from behind, powered past the last man and elegantly half-volleyed the ball over the keeper to nearly burst the net. A great goal, well taken. Sam Allardyce would be proud! 20 mins gone, a deserved 1-1 score line.
 
From there until half-time the Vipers continued to have the better of the play. Oscar was “up for it” and displayed some tough tackling, Jody won a corner that Cameron kept at with multiple crosses – a lot of chances but the half ended 1-1. Was this not to be our day?

​A quick round of water bottles – non-shared, bring your own in these troubled times – and a quick team talk from Paul and Vinny and the 2nd half was underway. A terrifying rumour of our own “Blonde Messi” going in goal was averted as the ever reliable Harry J took up his position between the sticks and Charlie slotting into an attacking midfield role behind Jody.
 
It nearly made an immediate impact as a great ball in from the right went into the path of Jody but it was just a little too heavy. The boys were winning all the first balls. William had now slotted into the left back role and was commanding, Harry J was “safe hands”. In an attempt to emulate Charlies assist a long clearance by the keeper was mis-headed by the opponents defence into the path of Jody who went on to round the keeper but hit the side netting.
 
The attacks continued. Cam came close again, William had a brilliant break and Jody was thwarted by what was some excellent Sea Lion defending.
 
The danger man on the Sea Lines side was the number 6 on the left wing and for some reason the Vipers kept losing him – as the game went end to end this was going to be costly. And there you had it, a beautiful curling cross from number 6 (it felt like it was in slow motion) was met by the head of one of Goldsworths attackers and a thumping header struck the back of the net. Absolutely superb goal, you can only hold your hands up! 48 mins gone. 1-2. After all this effort we were on the back foot with only 12 mins to rescue it!
 
In something that looked like a scene from the Alamo the Vipers attacked, attacked, attacked!!!! A goal kick spun off the back of Jody, Jody again from the left and a shot stung off the keeper, William was denied off the line, the keepers feet coming to the rescue on another attack, a great cross from Sam and a Jody header. Their amazing keeper couldn’t be beaten. And then….. a speculative long shot from the halfway line by Charlie and the keeper bent to pick it up. Our hearts went out to him as he mistimed it and it bobbled between his legs. Correction, our hearts went out to him for about 2 nanoseconds and the celebrations started (with some shouts of “unlucky keeper” to be fair). Charlie ever the gentleman simply turned his back and didn’t celebrate – although after being interviewed afterwards it turned out he didn’t know that he had scored – “and if I had known I would have celebrated like mad”. J
 
This was literally the last action of the game, the ref blew the whistle and we were at 2-2. Rumours of a penalty shootout circulated however it turned out that it was a “cup league” game and the final result was 2-2. With 2 wins and 1 draw the Vipers are top of league. With “virus stopped play” however will we ever see this competition resolved?
 
Harry J was awarded man of the match.
 
Last word goes to “superfan Marco”……..

Great Common welcomed Dorking for the Cobras second cup game of the season. Looking to secure their second win on the bounce, and the top spot in the group, the Loxwood boys appeared focused and determined to see off their opponents.
 
The boys in white asserted their control over the game early with 2 great goals from Sam, via some brilliant through balls from Ben in the centre. Chris then made it 3 with a contender for goal of the season, after a great series of passes brought the ball forward for the Cobras. A rare mistake at the back allowed Dorking a lifeline, and the teams went in at the break 3-1.
 
A rousing team talk saw the travelling side come out guns blazing at the restart. Both teams pressed hard in attack and an exciting period of end-to-end play brought Dorking back within 1. 3-2

​Milford continued their endeavor however “George Barthez” was now in goal and showed some very comprehensive defensive skills outside the area which nearly ended in Jo having a heart attack. William was having a strong game in midfield alongside Cam – they were a good combination of speed and brawn and worked well with the tenacious Oscar who had entered the game, hitting a long shot to create confusion. The numbers of shots being attempted from range was a feature.
 
Once again the Milford keeper did well to repel the Vipers attacks and at the other end George performed a tactical save that had all the grown men (and Steve) wincing and holding their pair of “Georges” in sympathy with him as Coach Paul pondered how to apply first aid to this situation.
 
The pressing and attacking continued and a perfect example was demonstrated by Harry S as he was first onto a Milford goal kick and returned the ball straight back into the bottom corner. Although 3-0 Milford were still dangerous but in the next waves of attack Sebby showed how to put his foot in and excellent positional management by Raff pushed Milford wide to snuff out any sort of chance.
 
Raff ventured forward and caused issues. The crowd screamed at the boys that they should ensure you are not offside at the throw-in that had been won. Until that is, it was pointed out that you actually can’t be offside from a throw-in – oops! J Raff had two chances that stung the keeper’s gloves and rebounded into Charlies path but he couldn’t quite get the ball from out from under his feet to convert.
 
The 4th goal right at half-time will long be remembered as “toe-punt of the season”. From the halfway line Cody expertly, toe punted the ball that whipped goalwards, span off the now getting slippery surface and beyond the unlucky Milford keeper to hit the post and go in. Messi could try that 1,000 times and not execute it so flawlessly! 4-0 at Half-time.

So, the 2nd half started and although the lead was comfortable you just never know – you have to be patience, hold your nerve and concentrate without panic – the kids on the pitch also have to think about these things, not just the parents J
 
The game started with a surging run from Charlie from the half-way line. With Raff in a nice position by his side he charged past one (pass Charlie), he went around another (pass Charlie!), he went through a 3rd (please pass Charlie), he thumped it past the keeper (good goal Charlie I told you take them all on!).
 
Nerves settled the boys really started to enjoy the game. Cody continued an assured defensive performance and Charlie fed by a nice cross by Sam flashed the ball just wide. Milford continued to toil and hit the post and George was called into action once more. He went walkabout again and great support from William assured the defence remained intact.
 
As the 46th minute passed a corner bought a lovely cleared header from Sebby and the ball swiftly was moved upfield by a mobile midfield that left Charlie running up the left wing to cut inside and cross the ball for Jody (who was as always was in the right place) to volley the ball in for his hat-trick and the 6th goal. Goal of the game for sure.
 
This started a crazy 3 minutes as Milford won a corner 60 seconds later and then turn in a well-placed delivery to get the goal that their efforts had deserved. The 6-goal advantage was quickly restored however as George who had finally got his wish to come outfield made an impact with a shot that was rebounded to Jody who looped the ball over the keeper for a 7th.
 
With the game won Coach Paul tried some different formations with Jody moving into defence. The Milford keeper again was valiant by repelling further attacks but Georges general all round all round enthusiasm created a situation with Raff running in from the right to get his goal.
Sebby remained resolute in defence with a second header (someone call the FA!) and although the game finished with a bit of pinball wizard in the Milford error their keeper kept us out.
 
The game finished 8-1 which was a marvelous result for the boys. Credit has ot be given to Milford who never let their heads drop. Their continued enthusiasm and effort was a credit to their club – we all know how it feels to be on the end of a result like this. Special mention to their keeper who was fantastic throughout and didn’t really deserve his goal to be breached on that many occasions – the Vipers were simply on fire.
 
Player of the match was nominated as Harry Smith.
 
The final word goes to Coach Paul…….

The Vipers played Ewhurst Tigers and ran out the 3-2 losers is what was a very tight game. The report from Coach Paul was "An amazing game, a really tricky pitch but we dominated for large parts and played some great football. George was truly immense sweeping up at the back and as always kept us in the game when they had a few clear cut opportunities. Talk at half time though was was Cams shot from the halfway line? Some said it was from West Sussex but whatever it was a sweet strike and William also added it was with the outside of the boot, classy. All scrapped hard and the watching Ewhurst Tigers team will be having sleepless nights knowing we are back next week to play them."

​

​The Cobras were in training taken by Simon. He reported that "​The boys had a good session looking at passing and movement off the ball."

​

First up for the Cobras in their trophy hunt found them matched up away at the Brockham Badgers. A tricky pitch awaited both teams with several Cobras players missing through injury and illness. 

Sylvester filling in at right back after impressing the previous week and the returning Angus playing the lone striker role.

The game started at a frantic pace with it clear from the off that Brockham no '7' would be a handful with an impressive turn of pace. Twice in the first five minutes he was allowed too much room to run at the Cobras backline, and the Cobras quickly found themselves 2-0 down.  

This was the wake up call needed and the Cobras upped their game with the ever improving Dan providing some excellent link up play to relieve the pressure on the Cobras back line. A break down the right from Sam and a cross into the box found Angus unmarked and he found the far corner with an excellent finish to make it 1-2.

The game continued at a frenetic pace with the Cobras confidence growing, Ben found himself within range outside the box and finding the top corner with a lovely strike 2-2. Soon after the always dangerous Sam rifled in a third to complete a fantastic comeback 3-2 Cobras. Another lapse in the Cobras back line allowed the Badgers danger man too much time and space and he calmly made it 3-3. 

Thankfully the half time whistle came and time for the traveling supporters to catch their breaths - what a game we had on our hands. More goals were expected after the restart. 

The satnavs were working hard as the various mums and dads of the Vipers cruised - at a very early hour - into the Charlwood car park. A tough & long journey – it made the Lord of the Rings look like a stroll....but all players were present and correct as ‘Fergie’ Fielden led them into an intensive Vipers warm up. Could THIS be the day?....
 
1H: Great opening 10 minutes – Vipers playing mostly in CW half. Vipers keeping their shape and passing to each other. Sam V. playing a blinder with a vice like grip on the right back position – not only crunching tackles but great vision too in stepping in & stopping attack after attack.

CW had their first foray forward after 12 minutes but Harry J. in goal snuffed it out smoothly. Vipers turned the screw – William battling and winning in midfield, Cam striding around like a giant – cleverly putting off the opposition by falling down occasionally as he tackled...but it worked.

Harry S. buzzing brilliantly up and down the wing, Jody surging through the middle, Charlie tracking and tackling back really well but then whipping in crosses aplenty. CW grew more defensive...but they were good – last ditch tackles as we drove forward – it was compelling stuff.

In the last couple of minutes Sebby clearing it forward released Cody who then passed superbly to Jody who shot just wide again... the Vipers were on it. Halftime still 0-0 but the Vipers supporters singing hard....

The final words, however, go to the parents player of the match Sam W and coaches player Oscar.......
​

​Buoyant from the 2-2 home draw last week the Vipers traveled to the well-equipped facilities of Dorking Wanderers on a damp, misty Saturday morning.
 
The team were depleted of some of their most consistent players, but it was pleasing to see that we could still field a strong team. The team competed well throughout the game, with the right attitude (from both sets of players) and at times some very skillful play.
 
Missing from other weeks the boys showed improvement as they were prepared to get stuck in, face up to opposition and take on some strong tackling. There was also a nice variation of play as they were prepared to take players on and run onto loose balls. Flowing play was always going to be difficult on what was a heavy pitch.
 
There was nothing between the two teams at half-time as they went in at 0-0. Even when the defence were troubled George was very solid in goal as he improves every single week and has come a very, confident goalkeeper who commands his area and voices instruction. The defence were strong and forays into the opponent’s area were really only fraughted by our common enemy of being afraid to shoot on sight just to create that extra level of confusion.
 
The Cobras were un-done in a 5-minute period right at the start of the second half. Some changes were made in players position in an effort to improve the attacking threat but lots of the boys struggled to adapt quick to their new positions and were undone by 3 quick goals by a lack of pace in defence and not tracking properly as Dorking came forward with new found confidence and in considerable numbers. Cue George “Lets get back and win this like Spurs at Ajax the champs league last year…..”
 
From then on in there really was nothing between the two teams to be honest and the Vipers certainly had the better of the midfield play. As in other games, carving out clear 1:1 chances, and threatening from corner set pieces was probably the difference and the midfield struggled a little to cover ground as they were now 3-0 down.
 

​
Loxwood Cobras 2 Chiddingfold 4 (u11)

Despite the dull over overcast conditions, the Cobras and Chiddingfold served up a cracker at Great Common.

The Cobras had a point to prove going into this fixture after a heavy defeat in the away fixture a few weeks earlier. 

With a slightly tweaked formation and specific instructions given the game got underway and it was clear from the start that a much closer encounter was about to be served up.  Kelsey, Marco and Fin stoic in defence, Ben going toe to toe with their playmaker and Sam always a willing runner through the channels with his clever movement.

Both teams carving out some early half chances, Willem also making some fine saves in goal. A period of sustained opposition dominance resulted in an opening goal for the visitors, 0-1. Undeterred the Cobras fought back with some nice passing with young Barney impressing down the left. A quick pass from midfield found Sam through the middle with plenty to do, a fine burst pace, strength to hold of the retreating defender and a cool head meant the Cobras were back in the game 1-1. 

An even end to the half with both teams having chances but not taking advantage meant it was all square at the break.

Minors changes were made with Willem bolstering the midfield, the impressive Chris taking a breather.

The second half commenced with the Cobras heading up the slope. Strangely this worked in our favour as a period of sustained Cobras pressure resulted in Sam receiving a ball into him with his back to goal, a fine turn with a clever shot which agonisingly eventually rolled into the back of the net under the keeper sending the home fans into raptures!! 2-1 Cobras, time to believe ! 

Not used to being behind Chid made some changes immediately and their danger man returned to the fray. The Cobras delight was short lived with the visitors soon leveling the score. 2-2. 

Chris returned to the battle with Dan making way, forward came the Cobras again with Willem and Ben making things happen. The visitors post was rattled, goal line scrambles, flying saves meant that somehow the visitors were somehow still level.

With full-time approaching fatigue started to play a part and Barney was forced into action, on several occasions making excellent saves. 

With just a couple of minutes remaining the visitors found more success down the Cobras right flank and a fine finish from a tight angle from the edge the the box finally broke the Cobras resolve, 2-3 

With pretty much the last kick of the game the visitors made sure of their win adding a fine fourth. 2-4.

Despite the defeat, the Cobras can be proud of the way in which they acquitted themselves running a very strong Chid team close to the wire. Every single player gave it their all with one of the best performances so far this season.

Well done to Sam and Willem for their awards, so many others were also deserving in a fine team performance. 

​A rather dank but pleasant and warm morning saw the Vipers turn out in full numbers to Milford. Our opponents were presented in their regular attire and the game between Inter Milan and Fulham was on!
 
The game started with George in goal and Cameron was place in central defence. After the activities of last week all were relieved to see a properly marked pitch, respect rope, a good youth referee that we have met before and a very well-organised set-up. Nice work Milford!
 
Organise,. was not how the Vipers started. It seemed that either jet lag from the reasonable journey or 17 pints in the Tich the night previous were in evidence. The Vipers were very sluggish right from the start and a neatly passing Milford team took advantage shortly. Four minutes in and they were 1-0 up as a corner was whipped in and an unsighted George had no chance.
 
Loxwood endeavored but no passes were making connection and the ball was in the air far too much. Swipes at high balls had Milford pressing on the boys as they put themselves in unnecessarily pressure situations. The work was industrious, Cody tracked really well and at left back has become very assured and knows how to hold that position. His deft touch is a delight to watch.
 
George was challenged in goal on a number of occasions but is a safe pair of hands – its takes something decent to beat him. The pressure was telling – Harry Smith was running at their defence and Jody worked hard to cause trouble up front. However, after 14 minutes the Vipers were caught cold and a quick break resulted in a 1-on-1 for their #6 who coolly converted to make it 2-0 Milford.
 
The game continued in the same vein. The ball in the air and possession being lost far too easily. Milford were constantly winners on the first and second ball. To be honest, the Vipers did well to hold this at 2-0 in the first half. Raff is more assured week by week and the talent of Cody is clear. Their tough tackling and refusal to give up a lost cause was keeping the black and blue stripes out.
 
Chances were thin on the ground at the other end. Jody was working hard but Charlie was almost pedestrian as he tried to take extra touches and not release that Kane-esque thunder that we know that he has in his in locker. “Shoot on sight” was a common cry from the crowd but it was forthcoming. The 1st half ended 0-2 and other than the odd speculative long range shot we had not troubled Milford.