Icarus Masters/Vets Squad
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Thu 07 Dec 2017
Icarus FC
Icarus Masters/Vets Squad
S Rutherford (0'), (0'), J Hetherington (0'), J Schofield (0')
4
2
Prison Service Vets
Icarus Vets Squad v Prison Service Vets

Icarus Vets Squad v Prison Service Vets

Icarus FC7 Dec 2017 - 15:30
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Match report

Thu 7 Dec, and the last game of 2017 for the Masters.  Stitched/nominated by Schoey to write this report, I’ll start with the finish; a fantastic 4-2 win against our toughest annual opposition. 
 
The reason I started here is to recognise John Hetherington.  The Masters squad for this game, would give most first teams a run for their money.  My first thought, as I looked around our dressing room and learned of the detail behind a huge week for the club, was of the incredible achievements of John Hetherington and Rob Swinney.  It is the honour, respect and dynasty that JH and Rob Swinney began, before I played first team football, which has led to such an outstanding club that consists of three great teams.
 
Icarus legend Rob Swinney is so committed he played in goal for this game, and he was excellent, making 2 or 3 game saving contributions and leading the communication from the back.  The back 4, even through rotation, were solid.  Led by captain Paul Merritt, Dan Sammut, Teo Bradley and Rich Lowe, they controlled a difficult front 2, set the tempo and tone by comfortably retaining possession at the back, and being difficult to beat.  Teo and Rich Lowe continually provided outlets through joining the attack and pin point passes respectively.  It was one pin point pass from Rich Lowe that unlocked the Prison Service for our first goal, setting JH loose down the left.  Outstanding team play and unselfishness from JH as he squared the ball across for Schoey to beat a defender and put the team deservedly ahead.  The midfield 4, rolling between Andy C, Tony, Ruthers, Kev, Hodge and Scotty passed the ball with control and measure, regularly recycling the ball as Si Hays asks for. It was this factor that led to the second team goal, as 6 quick and cute passes unlocked JH down the right this time.  Totally unselfish again, JH pulled the ball back for Ruthers to slot the ball away into the top corner, restoring a one goal lead that had been relinquished not long beforehand. Half-Time score – 2:1
 
Our forward play was excellent, with Schoey holding the ball up and allowing the midfield to join in.  JH was beyond the defensive line time and time again.  To highlight the strength of the squad, for our third goal, Gilly, Hodge, Pip and Rich Pratley, easily starting players, were all on the pitch.  From another team move and great running from JH, he was through on goal and casually put the masters 3-1 up.
 
Some strong challenges and direct play brought the prison service back into it at 3-2 with ten mins remaining.  Rich Lowe, now running the bench, made some changes intended to help the team keep the ball.  Icarus controlled the final ten mins as they had the majority of the game, and as the ball broke down from a great cross from Kev on the right, Ruthers on the half volley put the game beyond doubt.
 
The best team performance I have seen for some time, it is the shame the gaffer missed it.  Man of the match could’ve gone to any one of the masters. But, special mention must go to Dan, who made 1 or 2 game saving tackles, Paul, who is always outstanding, Teo and Rich Lowe who offered great balance, Tony, who it was a pleasure to play in the middle with, JH who ran all day, and Ruthers, who took the man of the match accolade for the last time in 2017.
 
An absolute pleasure gents - happy Christmas 
 
Ruthers

Match details

Match date

Thu 07 Dec 2017

Kickoff

13:30

Meet time

11:15
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

MS Teams - MS Teams Site
Financial Support - RAF Sports Lottery
Teamwear - Nike
Join the RAF - RAF Recruitment
Governance - RAF FA