Icarus Vets Squad v Army Crusaders Vets

Venue, Sandhurst. Opposition, the old Crusader enemy.  Pitch, S**G-pile with a hint of rug.
 
Icarus Masters, the Rolls Royce of Vets’ Football, arrived in town to take on the pride of the British Army in their own back-yard.   Buoyed by some encouraging early season results, The Masters were feeling some unaccustomed sense of confidence going into this one and were suitably overwhelmed when Kit-man Gaulty pulled out the new kit.  Never, in the field of human conflict, have The Masters owed so much, to so few – the first ‘New’ kit the Vets have received in living memory, much to the chagrin of Hetherington.  Not only a new kit, but some new clobber for the Gaffer looking suitably ‘Atkinson-esque’ in his winter get-up.  We looked the part, but could we deliver?
The match started well enough with some very early Crusader pressure countered by solid defending from the back through to midfield.  Merritt and Schofield were pulling the strings in defence with Rutherford and Knott soaking up the pressure in the centre of midfield.  Blago on the left and Scotty H on the right provided useful outlets when the free-flowing Icarus-style took shape but it became apparent, early on, that Blago had been picked out for some early Crusader punishment as the niggly tackles toted up.  It was an evenly contested first 20 mins until the rapier-like precision we’ve come to expect from the Masters carved open the Crusader midfield and defence.  Some good work by Hetherington and Scotty H on the right gained possession back to Icarus, short pass into Bradley surging from the back and a lovely through-ball to Rutherford darting from central mid.  Seeing the keeper marginally off his line, a cheeky lob from over 20 yards saw the crowd in raptures.  1-0 to the visitors and just about deserved on the balance of play. 
Icarus continued in this vain creating several good chances that should have seen us further our lead.  Scotty and Hetherington in particular were continually causing problems down their right and the ‘wasp’ that is Mark Gilligan, ensured their back line was always on their toes.  The Gaffer then decided to rotate the Team, such is the depth of quality on the bench.  Stafford on for his traditional cameo as he recovers from yet another injury and Keeley on in the centre of midfield to give the ever-willing Rutherford a breather (and some sort of hairdryer treatment from the Manager for scoring too soon)!   The Crusader pressure continued to build as they fought to get back on terms, swamping the midfield and progressively attacking down their right where Constable and Blago awaited.  This left their back-line open to counter-attack and with the speed of Scott and Johnny H, it was always a threat we tried to impose.  Tackles were getting sillier and sillier, predominantly from Percy Pongo, with Merritt scythed down on our right touchline and needing Nursie Gault’s loving touch.  Unfortunately, that was his match run with Mr Bionic, Rob Swinney, having to replace him in central defence with Schofield.  However, the equaliser just on half-time came out of nothing.  Schofield had been taking most of Jonah’s goal kicks to effect a more worthwhile distance rather than just to the edge of the 18yd line (!), however, with a rush of blood to the head, the Keeper decides to take one of his own whilst, it needs to be said, Schofield is walking back to do this for him.  Outcome…..straight to a Crusader attacker (20 yds out so at least the keeper made it past the edge of the penalty area) who returns it with interest into the back of the net.  Sucker-punch and a deflated Icarus trudge off on level-terms at half-time.
 
The second half saw the Army jump out of the traps and try and get under our skin.  This clearly worked as Hetherington’s pressure-cooker blew as an Icarus free-kick was booted at a Crusader player only 3 yds away from the ball and play was allowed to carry on.  This was clearly too much for Johnny H who began tearing around the pitch like a demented Road-Runner in search of justice.  This played into the Army’s hands as they continued to ‘leave the boot in’, further infuriating our players.  Rutherford, in particular, was the subject of at least 4 yellow card offences but the referee gave nothing but a ticking off.  Icarus were losing discipline and the tide was beginning to turn against the men in blue.  Butting was now on up front to add some weight to the attack and try and cause confusion in the Army back line.  However, the Crusader attacks continued and they eventually took the lead with a well-met corner that Stafford had covered (or so his shouting intimated).  Unfortunately, the Crusader header met a Pongo unmarked in the 6-yard box and an easy shot put the Army 2-1 up.  It was clear from the jubilation across the Army contingent that this game really meant something.  It was backs-to-the-wall now as the Army smelt blood and we had to really dig in to stem the tide and take more chances at the back to try and get back on terms.  Jonah pulled off an excellent save to his bottom right, redeeming some of his faux-par of the first half.  It was at this time that Gaffer-Hays, that tactical genius of football managers, earnt his match fee for the day.  Three at the back (Constable, Bradley and Swinney - combined age of 150), Schofield up front, Scotty H in a fluid role covering every position across the park.  The effort Icarus put in to equalise couldn’t be faulted and it was a hopeful long-ball from the back that was adroitly fought for and flicked-on by Gilly to hit Schofield.  Schofield cross to Hetherington, one bounce inside the penalty area and a half-volley saw the ball thunder past the hapless Crusader keeper.  It was exactly what we deserved but the best was yet to come.  Sensing the tide was turning yet-again, Icarus piled on the pressure and took even more chances at the back as the midfield battle continued to ebb and flow.  The re-introduction of Stafford on the left and Keeley on the right added some extra legs to the war of attrition as the scuffles and bad language continued apace. 
           
And then what turned out to be the final act of this bruising encounter; the winner.  We were into the last 5 mins and by this time I was really too knackered covering for Andy C and Rob Swinney to see in detail, what happened up front.  What I can say, however, is that the midfield scrap jettisoned the ball out to the right wing where Johhny H picked it up.  A beautiful cross behind the Army back-line picked out Schofield who nonchalantly slotted in a volley to the bottom left-hand corner.  Poetry in motion and the Army were shell-shocked if you’ll excuse the pun.  The fact that Johnny H missed a sitter 2 mins later is beside the point; the final whistle went and a simply outstanding performance from The Masters saw the spoils go to the RAF.   
 
On a serious note from someone who has seen the rise in Vets performances these last two years, the fact that we are now able to field some much-needed youth from the First Team (yes, if you’re over-35 you are still youthful in the majority of the Vets’ eyes) really is paying dividends for success and enjoyment.  For those reaching these illustrious years, you are very much needed in our ranks and very much welcomed – please keep throwing your lot in!