Icarus start 2024 with a win!

Icarus FC Vets 4 - 1 Crowmarsh Vets

Icarus were back in league action for the first time since 29 Nov following the Christmas break and a few postponements. Allocation to the 4G pitch meant that the game went ahead despite the freezing conditions, and Icarus were keen to keep pressure on Rotherfield in 2nd place with 5 games to go.

After a bright opening few minutes from Icarus, Crowmarsh (whom we had previously drawn with 1-1) took control and started to create some good opportunities, their 3 in central midfield overrunning Icarus' 2. To be frank, Icarus were fortunate not to go behind and had VJ in goal to thank for at least 2 world class saves which were made to look even better as he spectacularly parried them on to the woodwork.

With the flow of the game going against them, JH played a blinder and sacrificed himself in order to put on an extra CM to go 3 vs 3 in the middle of the park. What made the difference - a change of formation or JH coming off - will never be known but without doubt that master stroke made a difference.

On the 20th minute, Scott Cater employed in his favourite CF position made the break through with a neat slotted finish from the edge of the box following a Scotty H pass. This goal seemed to deflate Crowmarsh who were performing better than their league position suggests, and Icarus grew stronger, dominating in all areas. 2-0 came on the 30th minute when Arnie broke down the left wing and dove in to the box, cutting back a pin-point ball to Howie. Arriving Lampardesque, Howie took a touch and curled it in to the net despite a late challenge from a defender.

Roll-on, roll-off subs were made and Icarus went in to HT 2-0 up but knowing that another goal was required. Scott Cater grabbed his 2nd on the 50th minute but how this happened will remain a mystery as the author was collecting a ball. On 65 Crowmarsh got one back, probably deserved after their start to the game, after Arnie was sent for a hot dog by tripping over his own feet. Whilst his excuse was that he was still cold having just come back on the pitch, insult was added to almost injury as the winger unleashed a powerful swerving shot that Vinny could only push in to top bins.

Not to be deterred, Icarus grabbed their 4th and final goal on 75 after a few chances went begging; a beautiful cushioned header by JH directly to Jim Schofield who had time and space from 6yds out to slot home.

In sum, a good result for Icarus after 6 or so weeks without a game. With 4 league games left, Icarus have a good change of finishing 2nd in the league - that would be a great achievement in their 1st season.

A big shout out to Proctor, Molson and Cooper who made their season debuts and to Howie for a MOTM performance with a goal and an assist.