Icarus Vets 0 – 6 Windsor & Eton Vets

The time had finally arrived – the start of 25/26 Hellenic Vets Premier Division league campaign. With Icarus’ last 2 games being in March and May 25, and the cancellation of two September fixtures due to a lack of availability, it has been almost 6 months since the team had played regular competitive football. It was always going to be a tough start to the season, especially being newly promoted to the Premier Division and to make matters more difficult, Icarus arrived with a squad of 13 but with no recognised GK, a number of new players to integrate, and a number of key players from last season missing from the starting line-up.

Despite this and with some players out of position, Icarus started off well enough and the opening 10 minutes saw the teams working each other out. However, this was not to last and Windsor & Eton got their opener with a neat finish into the corner. From this point on, the opposition always looked dangerous and added another 2 goals before HT. 3-0 at the break and Windsor & Eton deserved their lead, but it must be said that Icarus also put together some very nice, flowing passages of play and got into some good positions, including hitting the bar.

To Icarus’ credit, the start of the 2nd half was a different affair. Be it due to the opposition possibly resting on their lead or Icarus just playing well, Icarus dominated for 20 minutes, creating 4 excellent opportunities from open play and corners. Icarus really were unlucky not to score at least one and possibly change the game dynamic, but it wasn’t to be and Windsor & Eton once again got a foothold after being clearly under the cosh. From there, the opposition countered Icarus on a number of occasions and added another 3, the game finishing 0-6. Worthy winners but the scoreline perhaps a little harsh on Icarus.

Despite the score and result, the team came into the dressing room relatively positive, and rightly so. The circumstances on the day were difficult and we came up against good opposition but Icarus still had some excellent spells, passages of play, and chances. A big-up to Arnie who volunteered for GK and made some good saves; whilst he wont be changing positions just yet, none of the goals were from GK blunders.

We now turn to next week to build on the positives.