It proved to be a bad day at the office for MVP and some defensive errors proved very costly at a very boggy FC Elmstead…..
Both teams started well on a slippery pitch and the game look pretty set as the sides were really nullifying the other defensively.
No good chances were created in this period. However, the deadlock was broken when following a misplaced from Ward fell to an advanced Elmstead midfielder. Who then fed the pacy striker Okinsaye who finished neatly to Kidmans left for 1-0. MVP responded well to the set back and forced Elmstead back and two half chances fell to Jason Ward and Adrian Brown of which both were fired wide of the mark.
Kidman then made the save of the game pushing a Jeffrey half volley on to the post from about 10 yards out.
Both teams scrapped out the remainder of the half and the ref blew for half time.
Elmstead came out the better team and were playing the better football. It was utilising the pace of Okinsaye that they were to increase their lead. He latched onto a good through ball and showed terrific speed to beat the MVP defence before slotting home no 2. 2-0 MVP had the proverbial mountain to climb. Elmsteads third goal came as a result of a poor clearance. MVP couldn’t clear a high ball into the box. Following a melee in the box Ryan fired home from close range.
Elmstead were now in control of the game and were to add a decent fourth goal when the tricky left winger Lockett cut inside Nathineal Ward to drive home.
MVP looked dead and buried but showed some good fighting spirit to claw some pride back from the game. We managed to get a couple of goals back when firstly Jason Ward finished really well from 20 yards following a decent move instigated by secondly half sub James Hawkins. Then Keenan Hante-Bobb got a second from a rebound of an excellent Grant Brown shot that came off the post. To further reduce the arrears to 4-2. Unfortunately., our mini revival was cut short as time ran out and Elmstead ran out winners.
Worth noting that the second half introduction of Hawkins put some much needed energy into the MVP engine. This also ignited Brown who got better as the game progressed. Hard working performances by Chris McDermott who chased all day and Dominic Elmes in midfield who contested every ball. But my MOM was Stephen Munn. Who remained tenacious throughout and tried to get forward as often as possible.
Next up is a home game this Wednesday 23/2/16 v Crockenhill at MVP stadium with a 745 kick off.
Crockenhill sit just above us at present but we do have 2 games in hand and victory should put us above them.
Get down there to support the lads in this must win encounter.