UNLUCKY VICKERS HAVE TO SETTLE FOR A POINT

On the night the Vickers enjoyed the better of the play, certainly in terms of possession, and created enough chances to take all the points but some resolute defending from the Wasps saw them take home a point in a quality game. The prolific Louie Theophanous was kept quiet by the outstanding Jack Barry alongside Kiki Oshilaja and was restricted to just one shot on target all evening, and keeper Nick Blue had a relatively quiet night in the home goal. Sitting deep, East Grinstead invited us on and we attacked from the start with Ashley Probets finding Marcus Elliott whose deft touch released Anthony Adesite, but he fired narrowly wide of a post. Then a great piece of skill from Malachi Hudson out wide on the left saw him ease past Sean Clohessy before driving the ball low across the 6 yard box, but Chris Edwards arriving at the far post was unable to get his foot round the ball to knock it home. The game was played at a good pace with both teams passing the ball well and was an entertaining spectacle for the supporters around the ground. Charles Etumnu won the ball on the half way line and ran deep into the Town half, but his shot was too close to keeper Jacob Adams who saved comfortably. We were having the larger share of the game as the half wore on and Chris Edwards’ free kick was not cleared properly and when the ball was returned Jay Gasson’s header reached Mili Hysi on the edge of the area, but his left foot effort flashed just wide. Shortly after came a wonderful save from keeper Adams who had begun the game looking shaky with some poor kicking, but he made amends when Malachi cut inside two defenders into a more central position before sending in a superb shot that was matched by Adams with a flying leap to fingertip the ball over the bar. We were largely untroubled as we kept pressing with Town still playing deeply in defence, and Ashley’s quick throw sent Mili through but his shot was deflected behind. Then, in time added on at the end of the half came a strange passage of play that put us on our heels and gave the visitors a massive boost just before the turn-round. A deep free kick was caught by Nick Blue who, seeing a break on, kicked quickly upfield to Charles Etumnu who was caught unawares, and East Grinstead stole the ball before breaking down the right to where Michael Uwezo made ground along the bye line before beating Nick from a tight angle to put the Wasps one up.

The setback seemed to affect us and we began the second half rather sluggishly as Town grew more into the game and they injected more pace and adventure as they looked to add to their lead. We were off the pace for a bit, trying to sort ourselves out, but gradually we got back to where we were and on the hour reduced the arrears. A fine passing move cut through the Town defence with the ball finally being played between two defenders sending Marcus Elliott free, and he tucked the ball into the corner with Adams stranded for his third goal in the last two games. However, we nearly came unstuck shortly after when a hopeful punt up-field reached Theophanous who made ground into the area before firing across Nick Blue, but he got a strong hand on the ball to turn it behind. This was the last real threat from the visitors as we again began passing the ball well and kept them deep once more. A succession of passes saw Mili get forward to set up Malachi but his curling effort went just over, then another slick move allowed Marcus to get free, but his low drive hit the side netting. Mili then tested Adams before Malachi broke into the box before being bundled over but the referee waved away the penalty appeals, and Mili latched on to the half clearance but fired just over the angle. The game then became cat and mouse with neither side wanting to make a mistake, but the last chance of the game fell to East Grinstead when a throw reached Clohessy who sent the ball onto the middle, but substitute Dan Thompson headed high over the bar when well placed. A high quality game that was a good advert for the league, and although necessary, it’s disappointing that non-league football has to close down once again due to the virus. Hopefully we will be back soon.

VCD Athletic: Blue, Edwards (Fray 59) Probets, Barry, Oshilaja, Dawson, Hysi, Hudson, Etumnu, Elliott, Adesite

Subs not used: El-Mogharbel, Vines, Okonkwo, Griffiths

Attendance: 211