Away to Maidonians

So,on April 6,the second half of the VETS season began with an away

fixture against Maidonians.Co-incidentally,the Headbangers,that's

their official nickname,honest guv,were our opponents on the opening

day when we swaggered into division 2 and began our campaign with a

6-1 victory.And although they started the season poorly their results

have improved significantly recently(for some reason).. and this

wasn't a fixture we could afford to take lightly.

Maiden are currently playing home games on the 3g pitch at the Score

centre in Leyton,in the shadow of Leyton Orient.In my young days this

place was the site of a huge cinder pitch,where on Sunday afternoons

in the 70's two impromptu matches involving teams of anywhere between

20-30 players of varying abilities,ages,sizes,race,creeds and colours

regularly took place,without anyone seeming to be in charge,all we

needed was a ball.These games probably did more for community

relations in the Leyton area in those days than any official

legislation,testament to the power of football.So as that memory fades

in a Spangles tinted haze,and I put my scuffed adidas sambas away,we

come to the harsh realities of 2013 and Saturday's game.With GD

unavailable our most pressing problem was a lack of a goalkeeper,so

hats off to Roger for stepping up to don the gloves.The returning

Bazza emphasised in the pre-match that we train on a similar surface

so the pitch,although in slightly poor condition for a 3g,should not

be any hindrance to our passing game.We lined up 5-4-1,with Martin T

in the lone striker..(and captain)..role.Grand National day, and from

the whistle its clear we are definitely NOT at the races.On a spacious

pitch we seem unable to find either space or each other.

Maidonians on the other hand settled from the off and put us under

plenty of early pressure,playing as a unit from defence to

attack.Despite this,we defended valiantly and Roger was always

comfortable with any efforts on his goal.To everyone's surprise it was

us who eventually broke the deadlock.Anthony skillfully working

himself space on the right and feeding the ball inside to Darren whose

raking crossfield pass found MARTIN TREADWAY racing into the box to

put us ahead with an unstoppable low drive...0-1.With around fifteen

minutes to half time it was all about defending the advantage to the

break.Unfortunately our hosts had other plans and by the time the

whistle blew we had conceded two disappointingly soft goals.We had to

re-group and start all over again.

H-T : MAIDONIANS 2

HALE END ATHLETIC 1

At least we had the opportunity to display our talents at the aspect

of Saturday afternoon in which we excell.The half-time moanathon.So

once all the concerned parties had put their two penn'orth in,just

enough time remained for a bit of tinkering. Martyn Saggers,after a

long lay off through injury,entered the fray joining the other

Martin..(now no longer captain)..up front,and in the early stages it

seemed we had found our mojo,forcing a series of corners and going

close from a couple of these.But yet again a lapse in concentration

allowed Maiden in for 1-3.We were reeling as Maidonians settled back

into their first half groove,and it was no surprise when they picked

us apart for 1-4.With nothing to lose we pushed on again,and it was

great to see MARTYN SAGGERS mark his return with a smart strike from

the edge of the box..2-4 With only two goals in it and around 25

minutes to play there was a glimmer of hope,but Maidonians held firm

and as we tired in the final quarter they rubbed salt into the wounds

with another four goals,some sublime some ridiculous and on the final

whistle that opening day of the season seemed a long time ago.

Final Score : MAIDONIANS 8

HALE END ATHLETIC 2

Man of the match: ROGER GAYLE Team: ROGER GAYLE,HALIL HASSAN SEAN WINDEATT,HILARY FRANCIS, KEVIN WHITWORTH, BARRY SMITH, DARREN FOSS,SUHAIL BUTT,TAJU OYEDEJI,ANTHONY FURLONGE MARTIN TREADWAY,PAUL LAUGHEY PAUL OBINKWO,MARTYN SAGGERS BILLY HOWARD.

An afternoon to forget,and hopefully never repeat.As we enter the

second half of the season we cannot afford any more of these.Only

three teams this division can accrue enough points to reach the total

that has been enough in the last few seasons.We are still in the hunt

but performances like this against our nearest rivals will put an end

to that.Ominously,Collier Row moved above us into third place on

Saturday.On a brighter note it was great to see Sags back, doubling

his predicted playing time,and bagging a goal into the bargain.Well

done also to Roger for going in goal.There!Got through the whole

report without mentioning Teddy Sheringham......Doh!!!