AFC Varndeanians 2 -1 Midhurst & Easebourne

I should never leave a match report until 4 days after a game. I struggle to remember what I've had for breakfast , so looking back to last Saturday is like peering through the curtains of time.
 
We predicted in the programme that Midhurst & Easebourne would be a tough fixture, particularly after the lucky escape we had at their place gaining all three points. Since then the management team has changed, with Andy Ewen in charge supported by Dan Trussler and Dean Inman along with a new look squad.
 
Midhurst did seem quite nonchalant in their pre match preparations, so while our coach Bryan O'Toole had been laying out enough cones to service Gatwick airport, and our players had been warming up, the Midhurst players were relaxing in our club house watching Tottenham v Arsenal. Eventually they emerged and did a few keepy uppies. When the match started I realised what had been happening, they had been conserving their energy as I've not seen a team in a long time play with such high intensity and work rate.
 
We started the match well moving the ball around the pitch confidently despite being hounded down and after a couple of attacks, a through ball to Matt Waterman saw him cleverly flick the ball, which wrong footed the keeper, into the corner of the goal, in the 9th minute. At this point I'm sure a lot of the V's felt that this would transpire into an easy afternoon but far from it. Midhurst with energy levels at fever pitch closed us down, trying to break up our passing game, with the Midhurst right winger in particular causing us problems as they created a few chances of their own.
 
Matt Waterman had a couple of opportunities, which on another day he maybe would have converted but nevertheless he continues to get in good goal scoring positions which is why he has 29 under his belt this season. Our midfield became a bit disjointed the more they were harassed with Arnie misplacing a few passes, Joe was having no time on the ball and Tom was finding it difficult to get in the game. Luke Manley on the left seemed to be our best outlet causing their full back a few problems and creating chances.
 
Midhurst persistence paid off as they equalised in the 36th minute after a cracking shot from 20 yards was pushed onto the bar by Tom Bradford, only for the alert Callum Coker to follow up and nod in. Our defence claimed off side but the assistant was spot on as Coker had timed his run perfectly. Midhurst continued, like a pack of well organised huskies on a mission to the north pole, but we had our very own own little terrier Arnie doing his best to snap back and upset the pack and a reliable St Bernard in Joe Keehan. This is all getting very much White Fang or for the more literate 'Call of the Wild' an excellent book by Jack London. I digress.
 
Basically it was 1-1 at half time and been competitive but almost in the spirit of a rugby match with hardly any moaning and a 'get on with it spirit' from both teams.
 
The second half saw us increase our tempo and accuracy of passing but a well organised and hard working Midhurst would not be broken down and I was beginning to think a draw was on the cards, when we won a free kick on the edge of their area. Scott Packer confidently stepped up and curled the ball round the wall, past the despairing dive of Joshua Bird, into the bottom corner. Our midfield was more cohesive second half and the introduction of Luke Usherwood on the right gave us decent penetration. That doesn't sound right but you know what I mean. There was one moment of aggravation when Pearlo, who to everyones surprise was still on the pitch at this stage of the match as he is usually having his calf muscles massaged by Joanna due to cramp, went into a tackle, slipped and went crashing into the Midhurst midfielder. It was a genuine slip and after a few exchanges of conversation the players calmed down and the match carried on until it's conclusion at 2-1.
 
Midhurst after all their efforts were disappointed not to get a point but their management team must be please with the team shape and organisation shown throughout the match. Our possession proved just too much in the end and we always had the potential for that extra little bit of finishing ability.

Breakfast today... coffee and a crumpet or was it sugar puffs?
 
team selection
Tom Bradford
Scott Packer
Luke Akehurst
Ryan Storrie
Andrew Pearson
Charles Farmer
Christopher Pearson
Joe Keehan
Matt Waterman
Thomas Gannon
Luke Manley
 
Subs used
Dan Barden
Luke Usherwood