On September 19th, VGC hosted a charity football match at Northwood Cricket Club to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. VGC Buyer, Alex Dalton, gives a full match report below.
The game started with a fast tempo from both sides, which soon slowed down due to a lack of fitness all round.
A.Dalton picked up the first yellow card within three minutes after a mistimed tackle on his opposing Captain, but the resulting free kick didn’t come to much. The game continued with both C.Hoyle and W.Pleasant making great saves between the posts, until C.Cronin’s 20th minute strike opened the scoring to make it 1-0 to Team Dalton. Questions were asked on whether Hoyle could have done better to keep it out.
Team Watson appeared to feel the pressure moments later, as a mistake in defence, left Cronin one on one with Hoyle, who took his shot superbly as M.Davies rushed back to try and clear the line, but unfortunately aided in slotting the ball into the net.
The half time whistle was blown, and Team Dalton went into half time with their heads held high. Team Watson discussed their second half tactics on the pitch, whilst Team Dalton had a rest with a couple of players having time to enjoy a beer and a slice of pizza.
Team Watson came out attacking in the first half but were unable to break the defensive line of A.Fender, P.Alexander and S.Wilson. The high pressure left Team Watson vulnerable on the counterattack, however Dalton was unable to convert two one-on-one chances.
As the game concluded, Dalton picked up a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on T.Surey late in the second half and was therefore sent to the side lines.
Team Watson tried to claim a controversial goal in the last minute, after the goalframe had blown over, even if the shot from Davies was on target, Pleasant had the near post covered, and Wilson was well placed at the back. It is still constested as to whether this goal is allowed, despite VAR ruling it out after, leaving a perfect excuse for VGC to organise a rematch.
In a post-match interview, Dalton suggested the victory came from Team Watson being too focused on the occassion and not being able to cope with the pressure, to which Cronin followed, “we played the game, they played the occasion.” J. Philip (retired), commented, “they must not have been watching the same game I was.”
A big thanks to everyone who took part in the game, came to watch and donated.
