Quite a journey to Woking was in no way dampened as a beautiful sunny morning greeted the lads and a very excited Vipers team (bolsted considerable by the generous Cobras) saw our long awaited return to competitive football as we met Goldsworth Sea Lions in a league game.
 
There was much pre-match nervousness and apprehension as the Smiths arrived on time (following the hire of O’Mara Cabs) and concerns were raised that their unusual punctuality may be a jinx. Just as concerning was the absence of our trusty goalkeeper George during the warm up however after a search party was sent out he was located prior to kick-off.
 
Warm-ups completed, detailed tactical words of wisdom delivered, jumpers removed and football was back in the bright sunshine!!!!
 
The lads started well. In particular Raff on the right with some trickery and wizardry that created early pressure and trouble for Goldsworth who seemed organised at the back in decent numbers. During this period a lot of confusion reigned as their goalkeeper fumbled a shot through his legs to for him to then dive back over the line and retrieve. The ref ruled “no goal” which in the spirit of the game and considering the error may have been fair – no VAR required.
 
The Vipers were creating the majority of the chances. Notable were Cody winning the ball in midfield, turning a phase in play, pushing the ball to Raff who knocked it to Jody in a 1:1 situation. Their goalkeeper was resolute to the challenge though and looked assured. Charlie looped in a long cross. That fooled everyone and just looped over the Goldsworth defence, Loxwood attack and their keeper sailing just over the bar.  Raff remained a menace on the right. and William was industrious as ever over on the left creating a nice balance to our attacking line.
 
Goldsworth came back into the game and were certainly quicker to the ball and retaining possession better in midfield. However, George looking assured in goal and in particular Harry J mopping up a lot of balls with simple clearances it all looked quite manageable. Harry Smith came on for Willem – it was warm out there and after such a long lockdown break this would be a game that would require multiple changes to allow for some rest bite.
 
A Goldsworth free kick was awarded from quite some distance (mid-way to the halfway line) and with the guys probably not set-up as well as Coach Paul would have wanted the Goldsworth lad chanced his arm and looped a long free kick straight over the entire defence, over George and into the top right-hand corner. There really was nothing that could be done about this beautiful shot (I think it was a shot) and you just need to pick yourself up and move on - well that. was the rallying cry anyway! 20 mins gone, 1-0 Goldsworth.
 
The lads were in no way out of this and to be honest on the balance of play you would have expected that the Vipers would be able to play themselves back into it. However, just a minute later and some extremely uncharacteristic play from two of our most reliable players over the years handed a 2-0 lead to Goldsworth. Harry J hit a hard pass back to George who at that speed couldn’t control it properly and blasted it directly into the path of a Goldsworth player pressing. There was still work to do but with George off his line now the Goldsworth player hit it first time chipping George who was stranded. A very nice piece of skill. Deflation. Two goals needed.
 
With their tails up Goldsworth came back into the game and in a crazy 5-minute period it truly was end to end. Jody had a further two 1:1s clear with the keeper who was was just doing enough to keep him out while George redeemed himself with some very brave keeping at the other end. Harry Smith and Willem were was causing trouble everywhere and won multiple corners but the Vipers just couldn’t seem to get someone on the end of anything with that vital touch. The 1st half ended quite flat with the scoreline at 2-0 and Paul had some work to do.

The 2nd half started, and a tactical change was made with Oscar on for William. Harry Smith moved into Williams left. wing position and started the half very bright – continually twisting and turning in the left corner and getting the ball across the face of goal.
 
The midfield continued to struggle to stamp their authority on the game and most chances were being created on the break. A good example of interplay as Charlie won a header, picked up by Harry and Jody just bobbling the ball wide. What did the boys need to do to score?
 
Charlie came off for a rest break, replaced by William and Raff was also rested. Chances continued at both ends and it did start to feel “like one of those days” – as the game was stretched Goldsworth were getting more clear chances and to be fair 3-0 did seem to be on the cards.
 
Notable chances for Loxwood included a stinging shot from Jody, a Jody shot flashing just wide of the post as the keeper was beaten and Harry S not being composed enough and blasting over the bar. That said, the Goldsworth keeper was having a blinder, well positioned and brave with a little bit of luck it was starting to look like his day.
 
The game stretched and it seemed that a 2-0 deficit was going to be a bridge too far however a consolation goal probably was deserved and after another string of chances William came closest after rounding the keeper who was ably supported by a last defender as the ball was cleared off the line. George continued to play well keeping the score to just the two goals – a strong save from their #5 in a 1:1 most noticeable. The final piece of play came from a Charlie attempt that was followed up by William and blasted over.
 
The game was played in a great spirit, officiated excellently by the ref who communicated throughout and gave encouragement to both sides. Well done to all involved.
 
The boys should be proud that they picked themselves back up and worked so hard to the final whistle. This really was a lesson on being decisive in front of goal and taking your chances.
 
Raffety was awarded a well-deserved man of the match on the Loxwood side. Personally, I would say certainly the most improved player in both training and practice matches pre- and post-lockdown restrictions. Well done Raff!
 
Last word goes to Jody and Harry J
​

​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.
 

19 Mins: Charlie finally listens to the advice that he has been given for weeks from Coach Paul and Dad (in the car repeatedly) and rather than trying to play FIFA20 live he intelligently knocks it into space from midfield. Jody runs into the space and although he has quite a lot of time to think he keeps his calm and beautifully slots in past the Woking keeping just inside the left-hand post. 0-1 to Loxwood

15 Mins+6 (so 21 Mins but still in the 1st quarter): Woking Goal 1-1

29 Mins: Woking Goal 2-1

Half-time: Woking 2 Loxwood 1

31 Mins: Woking Goal 3-1

37 Mins: Woking Goal 4-1

38 Mins: Straight from going 4-1 down the boys kick-off and show that their heads are not down and real intent to get back in this game. The score is flattering at this point. William gets his foot on top of the ball in midfield and delicately controls it through to Jody, a lovely pass! Jody again keeps his composure and provides their keeper no chance as he slots it home for 4-2. Is the comeback on?

42 Mins: Woking Goal 5-2

53 Mins: Woking Goal 6-2

59 Mins: Woking Goal 7-2

Full-time: Woking 7 Loxwood 2
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​The Vipers returned back to the hallowed ground of Great Common on a warm but extremely damp and wet late November morning. New paint was delivered and what needs calling out was the team effort from all around us. Marco re-painted the pitch with assistance, goals were moved, Steve was meticulous in unwrapping rope at pains (it took almost as long as it takes to build a new stadium in Tottenham High Road) and then the marking out our respect line. Marco took linesman role and Vinny “the enforcer” Jenkinson took up the referee position.
 
The scribe of this report had lost his pen in goal movement activity. But have no fear, Brian Smith had a pen. This was a lucky pen! This was our day!!!!
 
1st Half
The game kicked off against Onslow on time after a thorough talking to to both captains by the Enforcer. William started very lively with a decent interception and Raff was composed and strong at left back (something he showed throughout). Onslow won a corner very quickly and this was expertly delivered and deflected towards goal, it bounced off a Loxwood head and 0-1 it was with only 2 mins gone.
 
Loxwood remained unfazed and Sam and Oscar showed some sensible containing defensive play. The first Loxwood chance came to Jody who industrious effort led to the ball flashing across the goal.
 
The game ebbed and flowed. Harry J was clearing solidly from defence however Onslow maintained pressure and a second corner hit the post. Sam sprinted up the left-hand side and it was surmised that the accuracy of the touchline straightness had provided him another 6 feet in width from halfway line to the corner post!!
 
Onslow won a 3rd corner and at this point George tipped it onto the post, it bounced around like a pinball and the Vipers got lucky. Onslow were shooting on sight (watch and learn Vipers) and a ball recovered by George was slippery and he couldn’t hold, the rebound resulted in a second goal (0-2) at 13 mins. These corners and the obvious practice that Onslow have put into them was showing.
 
At the other end of the pitch Charlie went through the middle and although it looked like he was upended it was a fair challenge by the Onslow central defender. He picked himself up and continued to press. Cody was now on in a left back position, there was an outcry from the crowd as he used his right foot – this wasn’t thought possible. Raff played to Jody and he was through but his knock-on ball was a touch too heavy.

The 19th minute may have been pivatol. Our linesman was caught 17 Gatwick runways away down in the bottom corner by the post as Onslow broke. They were only 16 feet offside as they took advantage to make it 0-3. The “Enforcer” wasn’t having it as the crowd protested. Marco had not raised his flag over in Croydon (or wherever he was) and therefore the goal stood!
 
At this point confidence was down. Onslow onslaught, we couldn’t clear lines, lost shape and their number 10 had nice, neat touches everywhere. A rare break saw Jody unsupported although as he managed a long attempt in from the right. Then a disastrous 2 mins….. A mishandled long shot was a lesson to all. Two players from Onslow followed up. 0-4 in the 26th min (watch and learn Vipers). Shortly after the kick-off Onslow charged again and Sam didn’t put his foot in, a shot over the keeper makes it 0-5, 27th min.

Jody finished the half with good endeavor.  A simple ball from Charlie allowed Jody and he beat the keeper but was a little wide and it flashed past the post. End of half…. A mountain to climb….. hairdryer from Coach Paul inbound in what was a sloppy half.
 
2nd Half
So 0-5 down after 30 mins, how is this going to end? Why would you even go back out on the field? Because we are Loxwood, because we are Vipers! Because we have pride….
 
The 2nd half started brilliantly. Charlie actually decided he wasn’t playing FIFA19 live on the field and started knocking the ball past players rather than dribbling. As Coach Paul pointed out “guess what? That is easier….” The balls were being played into channels and shots were being unleashed from distance. Guess what? That causes confusion! Especially when the ball/ground is slippery, and you follow it up. Using this tactic a long shot went in and Harry Smith converted. Joy all around. Hang about…….. Hang about…… Hang about…….. 17 minutes later a decision comes from Stockley Park, their linesman flags it offside and Enforcer goes with the decision. Argh!
 
Undeterred the Smith brothers were strong on the right, Charlie crunched their keeper, George made a good save from the right, William was stella in defence stopping Onslow having another very dangerous corner.  Jody was back on for Charlie who was getting frustrated and Sam came on for Oscar who was losing his way.
 
Sam made an immediate difference and carried on his good hard work from the 1st half by driving the ball forward and causing issues between midfield and attack. The boys continued to play the ball rather than running with and were finding success – in particular Raff through to Jody a few times.
 
Cody found his positioning and had a couple of strong tackles. Dads advice of trusting his central defenders to do their job and hold position was sound advice.  13 minutes into the half and no advancement on the score and Loxwood had probably had the better of the play. Onslow then show their ruthlessness again. A Loxwood defender is drifted past who backs off and a thundering shot that hits the post and an Onslow player follows it in to score the rebound (Vipers take note again). 0-6, 43 mins.
 
What we can never be beaten on is spirit. I would welcome comment on this piece, but I believe that last 10 mins passage of play was probably the best and most sublime I have seen from the Vipers in a long time. A passion for switching play, one to one passing, understanding where others were on the field, knocking balls into space and chasing it. As Steve Smith stated after the game “you can’t run faster than a well passed ball”. The voices are missing but the talent is there, the effort cannot be doubted.
 
Special mention for William for the Vipers goal. A long looping chip from the right-hand side of the pitch (think Matthew Le Tissier-esque) which chipped the keeper who was left in no mans land. It was a contender for man of the match (I wouldn’t take anything away from Onslow). this made it 1-6. The final score.
 
It wasn’t without danger; George continued to be a mountain in goal and his enthusiasm and effort was an example to all. Rightly so, he won Player of the Day from coach Paul - for the 2nd week running!
 
A tough result in the end, sure Onslow deserved the win on that first half performance. Loxwood dominated the 2nd half for a while and it was joy to behold. The vision is there. No need to call Poch yet!
 
Quote of the day from Charlie at full-time “I wanted to throw my shirt to someone in the crowd at the end of the game but they all went home at half-time” 
 
Oh, and f**k that lucky pen, what was the point in that?
 
A brilliant interview from Cody below……

​
A crisp sunny morning met the 8 Vipers who made the Baku-esque journey to the remote outskirts of Gatwick. The ground was very underfoot was heavy and the players started to work out in the grass that on Harry S and William was almost waist height. Both of these items would influence the game but not as much as the Vipers being a man down against a physically strong and well-equipped Charlwood side who played with their full compliment.
 
The Loxwood army, all 5.5 of us if you include Coach Paul and Emily Smith, lined up along the side in expectation. At this point John was pulled aside for linesman duty which seemed a sensible decision for a sensible chap until Paul started to explain to him what side and half of the pitch he needed to run and also how the offside rule works!!
 
The game started strongly and brightly for the Vipers. Raff was assured in the middle of defence, Williams work rate was good and he looked like his old self again.  Both Charlie and Harry were troubling the Charlwood defence and goalkeeper with long range attempts as well as very decent pressing. In amongst all of this a warning shot was fired (literally) as George in goal repelled their dangerous #99 from the left wing.
 
A Charlwood corner bought a wicked shot which George bravely repelled with his face, Harry continued to be a menace and Sebby cleared a corner intelligently. From that corner Oscar head the ball clear and although it was obvious the numbers were making this an uphill battle the boys were holding their own.
 
A good cross from Charlie who continued to work industriously was just missed by an inbound Harry in the middle. Harry had a 1:1 and William supporting from midfield also had an effort denied. Oscar had another chance and Sam just missed the deflection. At this point Loxwood had definitely had the better of the chances. It was however at this point that the tide changed.
 
Charlwood found new life and had a multitude of chances in quick sucession. #15 went 1:1 and George saved with his feet, #21 had a shot just over, #99 again was 1:1 against George who very bravely dived at his feet.
 
Finally, it was a corner which undid the lads. Viciously flicked in and using the pace it was simply deflected into the corner in the 18th minute. A neat goal. Could the boys (now getting tired after all the effort) get to at least half-time at just 1-0 to re-group?
 
Unfortunately not… and was has become a feature some quick fire goals were conceded. Only two minutes later the useful #99 score from close range – there had however already been two chances between the two goals.
 
The Vipers continued to try and face the deficit. The sun had gone in and it had turned cold. The cold breeze reflecting the mood. At 23 mins #99 pushed it across the goal for the #14 to skillfully backheel into the net.
 
The dispirited Vipers did muster another chance as their keeper nearly made a crucial error as the ball bobbed between his legs and Harry hunted it down to win a corner. Unfortunately William had turned into Christian Erikson and was unable to deliver with his normal quality as the ball hit the first defender.
 
Two more chances right at the end of the half very quickly together and the last kick of the half enabled the #14 to score another after rounding George who really did not deserve to be 4-0 down at this point.
 
Paul was incredibly sympathetic in his half-time talk. The boys had worked hard and the conditions and outnumbering was not helping them at all. 

​The second half started as the first half ended. Dominant pressure from Charlwood. A goal was scored right at the start of the half by number #17 to make it 5-0 and put the game out of reach for certain. The question now was “how many will this be?”. They hit the post two further times before Loxwood had their first attack however with tiring legs Sebby and Oscar were struggling with positioning and being caught offside was a consistent theme of the half. Sam and William were now struggling with the pace and shape and positioning was started to become disjointed in multiple areas.
 
The boys became guilty of not knocking the ball into space but instead trying to dribble around everyone. This had their tired legs caught no matter what flashes of skill they demonstrated. “Triangles and Knocking the ball into space” was the cry from the coach and supporters.
 
At some point in the half their keeper resorted to wearing a jumper. Which was indicative of how this game was going.
 
At 38 mins a planned goalkeeping change occurred which had been pre-agreed on Georges instruction once he had decided he had enough. And quite frankly, I don’t blame him. Although William put his hand up with the physical power of this side through the middle it seemed more sensible to put Charlie in goal who hadn’t played this position for some time. What a revelation.! I could write another 3 pages on the number of one to one saves, diving saves and tips around the post that he made – my book actually says “I have lost count”. The opposing fans applauded and shouted their approval. I couldn’t be prouder!!!
 
This really had turned into shooting practice and in the end he was only undone by a deflection in the 55th minute off a defenders head. 6-0.

​Everything was against us now. Our own linesman (to the hilarity of the Charlwood fans) missed an offside against us and even the Vulture looking birds in the trees were ominous. Throughout the boys toiled. They had multiple attempts in spots, George adapted to midfield well and Raff remained composed. The final 5-minutes were a flurry. A Loxwood corner! A free kick the other way. Two more Charlwood chances denied!! The Smiths offside.
​

George and Charlie jointly won the player of the day. It’s almost perverse for the two keepers to pick up this award in a 6-0 defeat but their heroics at times kept the score down to what could have easily been doubled. Video interview below..
 
I am in danger of repeating myself, but everything was against the boys today. 9vs8, the heavy pitch with long grass, jet lag from the journey.
 
Personally I am very proud of the attitude. This will turn around. BELIEVE!!!!!!
​

​Great training session today which for some reason we ran at the early time of 8-8.50. Although a quick session we packed in some pass and move drills and quick press then a match. Some cheeky football was on show but my player of the day goes to Sylvester for some great positional play and last man defensive tackling.
Then we all legged it.........