Match Report
The long walk to the furthest outpost of Waterloo is a desperate trek, especially in mid-December when the rain is coming down sideways. So we did it twice.
As usual, despite the recent downpours the pitch was very playable, the groundsman helpfully also marked out a running track in the 18 yard box so Nigel could practice his staggered 400m starts to keep warm in the 1st half. It’s lucky he had it because he didn’t even have the joy of going to fetch a wayward shot, much less a shot on target. The conditions were very much in our favour in the 1st half and we used them well, racing into an early lead when a Mornington howitzer was followed in by Lewis after a fine save from the keeper. Clay despatched the second with an excellent shot with the outside of his right boot to make it 2-0 in no time. As usual SMOB were neat and tidy in possession, unfortunately for them that’s only half the game. Lewis was ripping them a new one on the left wing, and Gendall was running amok in midfield, Thomas was metronomic as ever, and the defence repelled whatever was thrown at them with the minimum of fuss.
Jordan scored the third, can’t remember it to be honest. After running into Lewis last week I’m just happy that I can remember anything…
The Vets were completely on top and hit the woodwork a number of times, all of which gave us an air of concern knowing that we would be into the elements in the second half. Nerves were calmed when Killen slotted the fourth shortly before the half with a finish that had a match report if its own written all over it if he had got it wrong; he didn’t, which is a bit of a pisser now I have to write about it.
Half time 0-4
The onslaught was discussed at half time, we were ready for it, ready to go into battle, we needn’t have worried. An excellent header from Mornington put us five up soon after the re start and SMOB shoulders sank. Highlight of the game personally was being called a fat old c**t who doesn’t want the ball by Jason, just before dropping a shoulder to lose the forward and play a simple pass into midfield. Its the little things that please me!
Jordan added a sixth and Nigel ran around a lot in his goalmouth trying to keep warm.
2020 has been a strange year for so many reasons, not least the fact that the Vets are now a winning machine, with just one defeat and one draw so far this season. I didn’t write a report on those two games, but they’ve had a mention now so job done.
It’s been great to get so many out and effectively fulfil two fixtures most weekends. Hopefully it is something we can carry in into 2021 and ensure everyone gets lots of minutes playing.
Thanks for all your support so far and for saying the nasty things about me to discrete people who don’t tell me. I don’t really care as I’m sure you all know, but it’s nice to pretend in my head that I’m universally loved, except by Jason.
Merry Christmas, Gents, and a happy and prosperous New Year. Up the Ramblers!
P.S. Thanks to all who donated to the food bank appeal, it is something we will hopefully look to do more regularly as a club in the New Year.