Men's 3rd XI vs Burnt Ash (Bexley) 7 Development

After a long travel up the line towards the big smoke, Ville were looking to continue their brilliant run of form. The travel didn't help with the preparation, neither did a surface which was not common to the travelling side. With a shortened warm up and a minute's silence, Ville felt a bit out-of-sorts getting the game going. 

That's all the excuses out of the way, let's play hockey. A cagey, unsettled start, and the away team were finding it difficult to get into their groove. The first twenty minutes were about learning the pitch and Ville needed to get this sloppy play out of their system. Ville's captain showed a change of confidence, driving forward to the edge of the ‘D’, Aron then played a peach of a pass to find Dylan at the backpost, who tapped it home for 1-0. A goal out of nothing, which is generous for their stodgy play. Quickly after a series of attacking threats, Burnt Ash quickly responded with a goal. A frustrating goal to concede was not what the visitors needed. Despite this, there were still minutes left in the first half to get back on top. Ville utilised these minutes well as a chance fell for Dylan who found himself 1 on 1 with the keeper, dribbled past the padded player and placed it in the net. Ville led once again.

With some tactical changes after an unsettled first-half, Ville were ready to put it beyond the home side. A quick start for the visitors gave many of the Cliftonville players chances early in the half. Alex found a pocket of space right of the ‘D’s centre and took a reverse slice shot into the bottom right corner. A brilliant goal, and a brilliant start of the second half. Some great midfield pressing from Ollie, Elliot and Alex spelled danger for the home team. Not long after the goal, Ville were getting into their stride and looking for more. Aron drilled a sweet pass to Noah inside the left of the ‘D’ who pushed it first time, through the keeper's legs. Ville were now 4 goals to1 up. Burnt Ash got their heads together and created a series of chances. Some strong tracking from Ville’s wingbacks and defence made it difficult for the home team to cross the line. A bunch of good saves from Ville's keeper Martin, kept Burnt Ash from getting back into the match. Ville's midfield held the ball well and pressed again. The chances came but The travelling side couldn’t squeeze any more to add to the tally. Ville eventually managed to see out the game with their heads held high. A tough ground to play at but they got the job done and took home another 3 points. ‘Up The Ville’.