Garth O'Mara
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.
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.
That said there were many highlights all over the pitch. Raff and Cody show excellent poise and control on the ball, Archie has developed into the team well. Charlie actually showed some lovely footwork as he worked around the Dorking midfield. William was hugely influential in defence and was moved there in a tactical change to shore it up. Cam, Harry and Oscar were industrious as they tried to break down the Dorking back line.
Nothing could be done about the 4th goal for Dorking. It really was a worldie and fitting to win any match at this level to be honest.
In summary the score line didn’t reflect the overall balance of play and when coupled with the performance of last week a marked improvement in form is evident. The missing jigsaw piece is within our grasp.
Post match Coach Paul commented “Firstly well done to all players today. We dominated for 55 minutes and to be 0-0 at half time flattered them. We played as a team and fought for every ball and you should all be proud of yourselves today. Thanks for your support on a very cold pitch side”
Player of the game was nominated as Raff!
Comments from the supporter base included “Another great performance, we really deserved a couple of goals. Keep believing!” and “Well played everyone 😊, They played so well 👍”
Also noted was the contribution from Marco Vettese who was awarded “linesman of the match”. Don’t think anyone had any arguments on that score :-)
Nothing could be done about the 4th goal for Dorking. It really was a worldie and fitting to win any match at this level to be honest.
In summary the score line didn’t reflect the overall balance of play and when coupled with the performance of last week a marked improvement in form is evident. The missing jigsaw piece is within our grasp.
Post match Coach Paul commented “Firstly well done to all players today. We dominated for 55 minutes and to be 0-0 at half time flattered them. We played as a team and fought for every ball and you should all be proud of yourselves today. Thanks for your support on a very cold pitch side”
Player of the game was nominated as Raff!
Comments from the supporter base included “Another great performance, we really deserved a couple of goals. Keep believing!” and “Well played everyone 😊, They played so well 👍”
Also noted was the contribution from Marco Vettese who was awarded “linesman of the match”. Don’t think anyone had any arguments on that score :-)
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