Home to Old Parmiterians

The first of two huge games that could determine the season for the Vets, we welcomed our neighbours Old Parmiterians to Britannia. We had a point to prove after Parms inflicted the first dropped points for the Vets back in December.

Barry kept faith with same side that won all their games in 2012 save for one enforced change with Steve Hunter wearing the gloves in Gary Doodes absence. Having won the toss we opted to take early advantage playing with the strong wind. The game started at a frantic pace. We were set up in our usual

4-4-2 formation but had to adapt quickly as Parms were effectively playing an attacking 4-2-4. This meant some more defensive duties than usual for our wide players Tony Graves and Darren Foss. Both sides had early chances. A sweeping move from left to right for the visitors resulting in a deep cross to the back post. A certain defender just managed to out jump the Parms striker with a header that actually came off the bar. We began for grow in confidence and were looking threatening going forward. A great cross from the right was missed by the Parms centre half with Martin Treadway having to react quickly he just steered it wide. But five minutes later more pressure resulted in a corner taken by 'H', flicked on by Martin allowing Kevin Whitworth to score his first goal of the season finishing from inside the six yard box. It was no more than we deserved. The defence was holding firm supported well by the hard working midfield. Just before half time a move this time down the left hand side found Taju in the box, his shot was blocked by the 'keeper only to rebound and allow him to square the ball to Martin Treadway to make it 2-0. It was a great way to end the first half.

The team talk was focused on working hard as a team in the second half. However we suffered an early setback inside the first five minutes. Some interchange down the left hand side ended with the Parms striker hitting speculative shot form the corner of the box that skidded of the greasy surface and into the net 2-1. Now it was going to be a real test of character. Parms started to up the pace but at the same time were beginning to annoy the referee as their tackles become too aggressive. They were fortunate to keep eleven players on the pitch after one of their midfielders elbowed Suhail in the chest. The player was allowed to leave the field and be substituted instead. We maintained our discipline throughout as Parms continued to loose their heads. Even their skipper was guilty of an ugly late challenge in the middle of the park. Eventually they gave away one to many free kicks as a quality delivery into the box from 'H' caused all sorts of confusion in the Parms box with their full back heading the ball past his own 'keeper and Taju applying the finishing touch on the line....a great poacher goal! 3-1. Barry freshened up the midfield during the game, they had to work hard. It is always difficult to come on in a game like this and but the whole squad played their part. Trevor Burton took over from the hard working Tony and played a selfless role cancelling out the threat of the advancing full back as Parms pushed players forward in hope of saving the game. The team held firm for a great 3-1 victory.

This was a tough but well deserved 3 points. After our wobble at the end of last year we continued our unbeaten start to 2012. I think everyone would agree we haven't been playing as well as we were at the start of the season but this performance proved we are back on track....but....a word of warning this great result will count for nothing if we don’t deliver more of the same next week as we look to complete the double over the league leaders Met Police. More of the same from everyone and we will be fine!

Report Sean Windeatt

Team

Steve Hunter, Sean Windeatt, Martin Tribe, Halil Hassan, Kevin Whitworth, Paul Obinkwo, Hilary Francis,, Darren Foss, Martin Treadway, Tony Graves, Taju Oyedeji, Subs Bill Howard, Shall Butt, Trevor Burton, Barry Smith, Bill Howard