Icarus Vets 1 - 2 Abingdon Town Vets Exiles

For the 2nd week on the bounce, Icarus took to the pitch in terrible weather conditions - this time extremely strong wind blowing down the pitch. Skipper Arnie won the coin toss and chose to use the perceived wind advantage against Tom's protestations, a decision he came to regret.

It was a poor start from Icarus who struggled to adapt to their first game at Thame on grass; the pitch certainly wasn't a bowling green and search parties are still out for a number of first touches. Whilst Icarus were putting the effort in, unfortunately they just couldn't use the wind to their advantage - quite the opposite in fact - as they pumped balls up to the physical and dominant Abingdon back line, unable to get the ball down and play their usual style.

As the 1st half drew to a close, it was clear that Abingdon were a well organised and drilled team and Icarus knew they needed to up their own physicality to compete better. Not much to shout about in a scrappy first half, devoid of much quality; an outrageous wind assisted opportunistic long range shot from Taff went just wide and Bowds in goal made a few good saves to foil Abingdon counter attacks.

HT 0-0.

The 2nd half started much the same as the 1st with the wind playing a key role. Abingdon had a plan though and they pressed high to keep Icarus penned in with mixed success. Positively, Icarus were competing better in 50/50s and in the air but Abingdon shaded possession and chances but without troubling the goal too much. The breakthrough came mid-way through the half with a vicious shot going just inside the post; 1-0 Abingdon.

Icarus did pick up a little after this and were getting in some decent positions down the flanks, and it was from this area that John put in a superb cross for Tom to nod home from close range. 1-1. At this point Icarus, who had been getting in to the game more and more, thought they had the momentum but Abingdon equalised almost immediately; a mediocre strike from outside the box taking a deflection and slowly finding the bottom corner.

FT 1-2.

In sum, a frustrating and disappointing night for the lads. Definitely areas to improve upon which were debriefed after the game. We knew the league wasn't going to be a cake-walk and we joined the league for competitive football - that's what we got and with regular weekly games, we have the chance to put it right next week!

Congrats to Arnie for MOTM. Certainly not a flawless performance but some good moments and composure from left back.
Goal: Tom S.
Assist: John H.