Veterans Team
Billingshurst 0 Plaistow 1
Eric masterminded yet another vet victory to ensure the 'Stow silver foxes' carry their form into 2007. He even managed to get the sunshine into the bargain! From early in the game it was obvious that the players had lost none of their fitness levels, poise or agility over the Christmas break, of course you can't lose what you don't have!
The first half had few chances for Plaistow to score; the best of the bunch going to Gibbo, firstly with a slightly over-hit lob and then placing a header across goal, the ball beat the keeper but was cleared off the line by a yellow shirt marking the post. Despite Stevie Bakers breaking runs down the right wing Billingshurst managed to enjoy probably the majority of the possession in midfield and kept Plaistow pinned in their own half with some decent passing. However, keeper Pierre Hazelwood had little to bother him as the back four made important interceptions and Pete (le Tissier), Phil, Gary G and Gibbo worked tirelessly to ensure the honours remained even at half time. True grit!
The second half showed improvement in the Plaistow side (despite Steve Baker's departure for 'more important things') and the game was taken to Billingshurst, with better passing and movement goal scoring chances looked more likely. Nigel came close to scoring to edge us ahead but things looked to be heading for a stalemate with tired legs on both sides. The sucker-punch came in the 80th minute with Gary C putting the last defender under enough pressure to force a back pass to the keeper. The keeper ran wide to clear the ball but was dispossessed by Nat who duly slotted the ball back into the net.
With ten minutes to go Billingshurst stepped up the pressure to get back into the game and Eric made an appearance in a flawed attempt to steady the ship. However 'Hurst were matched in every area of the field by an invigorated Plaistow determined to guarantee the victory. Special mention goes to Steve McQueen's tenacious tackling (showing that Canadians can play football!) also thanks to whoever installed the under-floor heating in the changing rooms, to Rod for his appearance and all the support on the sidelines.
Speculation mounts as to whether we will see Andy Teversham pull on a shirt again for the club; his agent cited complications over appearance fees but said not to rule out a return 'if the conditions were right!'
Plaistow Man of the Match - Gibbo
Horsham Swindon Road 0 - Plaistow 1
Plaistow Vets continued their unbeaten run with a solid away performance at Holbrook.
One or two late injuries meant that a reduced squad of 13 turned out for the match with the team boosted by the signing of three key players from the Crawley league who were making their debuts.
In the first 20 minutes it was Swindon Road who were in charge of the game. Classy defending from Nigel and Trevor got the team out of trouble and when needed Andy D, the newly signed keeper, was there to keep Swindon Road out. As the game unfolded the Plaistow midfield began to assume authority - Phil L, Gary G, Gibbo and Chris C - and started to create chances for Natty, Gary or Phil. At halftime it remained 0-0 and in the balance.
In the second half a controversial penalty appeal and mandatory dismissal was turned down by - the otherwise flawless - Rodney the Referee. However justice was restored when Gibbo put Natt through to score the winner in the 63rd minute. Heavy pressure on the Plaistow goal failed to bring an equaliser thanks to the efforts of Andy D in goal and Steve S at centre back.
In the last few minutes Ernie was set-up by Natt only to see his shot-come-cross cleared on its was to an unmarked Gary 4 yards out. Extra shooting practice needed here.
Plaistow Man of the Match - Andy D
Swindon Road Man of the Match - Ginger
The Veterans team played their 1st match on October 29th 2006.
It was an even contest. Plaistow opened the scoring with a fizzing header from Gibbo from a corner by Poser Pete. Horsham Swindon Road Vets replied when a volley from the edge of the box which beat an unsightened John Boy.
In the second half Natty neatly beat the keeper from a through ball from Dave only for Horsham to reply in the last 15 minutes with low angled shot to leave the match at 2-2
Talking points from the fans were the memorable first half (60 second) appearance from Chris Hodgson, the mobility and pace of the two right flank players in the second half (Big Al and Sharpy), the calm centre back performances of Trevor and Steve (drugs) and the authoriative performance of the referee Rodders.
Once the page has loaded, click on a thumbnail below to view an enlarged image.
|
|
|
|
