JAMIE’S THE GUY FOR THE VICKERS

JAMIE’S THE GUY FOR THE VICKERS

VCD ATHLETIC 4 KINGSTONIAN 1

A well deserved hat-trick from Jamie Guy was the highlight of an impressive performance from the Vickers, who thoroughly deserved their victory in this FA Cup clash against higher placed opponents. Despite having four players unavailable, this was an impressive display from the side in which Nicky Symons and Mitch Hahn, both making their debuts, slotted in seamlessly and contributed greatly to the win. Most people thought this would be a straight forward win for the visitors but VCD never let them get fully into the game, with their work-rate throughout the afternoon outstanding. Kingstonian had the first chance of the match when the ball was worked down the left before being squared to Danny Gallagher in space, but he sent his effort straight at Nik Freund in the home goal. Mitch Hahn then tried his luck with a 30 yard effort that had Rob Tolfrey scrambling as the ball flashed inches wide. The game was evenly matched in the early stages but VCD suffered a setback when skipper Farai Hallam dislocated his shoulder after 15 minutes, having to leave the field to be replaced by Joe Bruce. The Vickers began to get on top having the major share of possession and went close when Jeff Imudia broke down the right, but his teasing ball across the 6 yard box eluded the VCD forwards, but minutes later came the breakthrough from a long throw. Mitch Hahn sent the ball into the area where Joe Bruce got in front of his marker to flick a deft header over the stranded Tolfrey into the net. Things got better for the home side minutes later when the lead was doubled with some great work by Imudia and Tom Youngs down the right flank, and when it was delivered into the box Jamie Guy got in front of his man to fire low into the corner. It was no more than the Vickers deserved as they took the game to the K’s and some neat play by Robbie Rees saw him go past two defenders, but his shot lacked the pace to trouble Tolfrey. The visitors had a chance to reduce matters just before the break when George Wells made a great run down the left before sending a deep ball towards the far post, but Ryan Moss sent his header high over the bar when well placed.
Kingstonian began the second half on the attack looking much livelier, with the Vickers looking somewhat sluggish and they pressed deep into the home half as they searched for the all important goal, and it came just four minutes into the half. Aaron Lamount picked up a loose ball some way out before sending a stunning drive into the top corner out of Freund’s reach. Substitute Sean Bonnett-Johnson then did well, twisting and turning his way into the area where he played in Moss, but he was denied by an excellent block tackle by Joe Bruce to divert the ball away. Kingstonian at this point looked certain to get an equaliser but VCD dug deep to weather the storm with Hahn and Symons standing firm under the attacks, and the energy of Robbie Rees in midfield was an inspiration to all as his persistent running was causing problems for the K’s defence. A wonderful run down the left saw him go past players with ease before he set up Jamie Guy whose shot was blocked, then a repeat run saw him play in Connor Hogan who fired straight at Tolfrey. Gradually the impetus from the visitors began to wane as they could find no way through a resolute Vickers side who gradually made their mark on the game again. Tom Youngs’ free kick was blocked into the path of Rees who collected the ball before going past three defenders, only to have his shot deflected behind. Kingstonian then had their last meaningful chance of a goal when a long ball forward from the visitors’ defence was chased by Moss and Frantz Tchonanag, and as Freund rushed from goal his clearance crashed against Moss leaving him with an open goal at his mercy, but he inexplicably stroked the ball into the side netting. The Vickers made the K’s pay with two late goals, the first coming when Youngs sent Jamie Guy clear before he cut inside his marker and sent a low left footer past Tolfrey into the corner, and then with the half ending a long diagonal ball was chased down by Youngs who squared to Guy, where he slotted home for an excellent hat-trick. Kingstonian had a couple of corners just after which came to nothing leaving the Vickers to deservedly take their place in the next round.

VCD Athletic: Freund, Imudia (Nathaniel 77), Joseph, Symons, Hallam (Bruce 15), Tchonang, Hogan,
Hahn (Brickwood 56), Guy, Youngs, Rees

Subs not used: Casey, Pearce

Attendance: 98
Report by Brian Norris