Match Report

Venue: Metrogas Playing Fields, New Eltham, SE9.

Supporters: Senior Mr Murphy, Barry Grainger and son for second half.

Squad: Gary Rosslee, Mark Friend, Joe Champ, Jon Gasson (Capt), Mark Harrington, Jon Redman, Simon Davies, Dean Murphy, Jason Miller, Alan Fines, Steve Shippey, Damien Preston, Robin Moody.

So it was a rather warm return to action for the young Vets in this season’s opener. A new manager, new signings and one of the old guard returning. Surely things would be different this year and the trend of three away defeats to Metrogas in three years, all by the same score line of 3-1, would not be repeated ? Unfortunately the scoreline was not as kind as the weather as our hosts had strengthened in the summer with a couple of younger recruits.

We arrived with plenty of time before kick off, the sauna sorry changing room was hotter inside than out as the radiator had been left on, windows closed and it felt like we had played a half already. A few were sweating and they were only lacing their boots. There was no talk of skullduggery as their manager Steve is a fair and welcoming host. He also ran the line with the utmost fairness.

Pre-match chat turned to Jason Miller’s upcoming visit to Kilimanjaro, which one under-educated squad member thought this was what happened when someone stole a Scouser's benefit cheque! Gary’s usual one man stand up routine ensured most left the changing room rapidly. Taking revenge on Gary, the warm up again consisted of blasting the ball goalwards although the early season rust showed in the build-up as more time was spent retrieving the ball from behind the goal. This was not realised at the time but would be a feature throughout the game.

So we gathered for the new manager's first speech, would Damo be a Fergie with the hairdryer or a cultured Wenger? Probably more Mike Bassett as he kept the instructions short and to the point so no one was in any doubt of what was expected. Afterwards the usual messages were relayed by senior players about keeping it tight, passing the ball and not chasing lost causes. It was a great surface but the heat would ensure that both teams would not be playing a high pressing game.

The majority of the first half saw us playing the better football; however our final pass was just not accurate enough to find the killer finish. Our midfield of Jason, Simon, Dean and the returning Jon Redman had control and were supported by full backs Joe Champ and Mark Friend. We were not being stretched until and against the run of play in the 20^th minute, a through ball was then squared to one of their gifted youngsters and he finished under the body of Gary. This was hard on us as we had looked the better side at this point and perhaps if we were a few more games in then Al and Shipps would have been sharper and finished some of the half chances that we created. If I am honest, their goal deflated us as we knew it is always a tough game against Metrogas as they do keep the ball well and can open you up with their style of play so the task just got harder. Just before the break we were again stretched and Gary did well to hold up the striker on a one on one, which allowed yours truly enough time to block the goalbound shot. 2-0 at the halfway mark would have been an injustice and the feeling was that we had done more than enough to be on terms and we could get the one goal deficit back.

Simon had made way for Robin in the first half so he would re-enter the contest at centre forward with Alan taking a rest, well sort of, with the linesman’s flag. He would return in due course. Damo had come on for his first player-manager appearance on the left. Two good chances came and went and Jason was putting some great balls into the box from the right but whilst we tried to chase the game we were caught out with a counter attack. We managed to clear the initial threat for a throw; however, a marvellous bit of skill saw their midfielder pull off a great drag back which sent a number of us the wrong way and he side footed past Gary. We were rocking at this point and a great save by Gary pushed a header onto the bar and Jon Gasson followed up with a brave block to prevent further damage.

A bouncing ball in the area fell between their midfielder and myself and in the race to head clear my leg tripped him and the ref gave a penalty. I was too tired to complain but in the fairness he probably gave it for the loud sound of the boots colliding. Anyway, Gary added penalty save number five to his total with a great dive to his right. He even called it in the moments leading up to the taking of the kick. Unfortunately, as we tired it was not long before Gary was soon to see his net bulge again as a cross from the right was tapped in at the far post by the unmarked forward. He is far too experienced not to let this chance be missed. A shame as we had looked after him quite well until that point.

Legs were tired as lots of effort had been put into this match, we probably put too much into the first half, so shape was lost for a bit but it did not stop Alan spectacularly overhead kicking into the net for a well deserved consolation goal. We withstood any attempts by our opposition to increase their margin and last ditch tackles and good covering by all players ensured the score remained at 3-1. We never like to lose but we have to give credit to Metrogas as they play good football, always seem in control and the game was played in a good spirit. They were fine hosts and the sausages and chips in the bar was greatly received and dismantled at rapid pace. A shame we could not dismantle their team in the same fashion!

Despite losing, we can be proud of our efforts and no one gave up, the spirit was good and we played some excellent football despite the rustiness. If we play like this over the coming season we will overpower more teams and obtain more wins than losses. Everyman gave their all and with a bit of luck and better fitness things could have been different. The re-match will be looked forward to by both teams I am sure.

Jon Redman and Jason Miller both received four votes each and rightly shared the MOM award. Gary was not far behind with three and captain Jon Gasson the other two. There were many good performances and this was a great run out and I am sure we are much fitter and slimmer for it. We might even fit into the kit next time out!

No game next week so aching limbs should be well rested by the time we host Old Colfeians on the 15th.

A good week all.