Ten-man Vale FC back to winning ways in challenging league encounter versus Bexley Pumas

Bexley League Under 16 A Division League Game

27th March 2011

Vale FC 3 vs. Bexley Pumas 1

Vale FC Under 16s did themselves and the club proud today… playing in only their second game of 2011 against a very physical Bexley Pumas FC who were seemingly intent on pressing home their one-man numerical advantage. Much to Vale’s credit, to a man, though clearly rusty, they began to display a modicum of their technical superiority to make a match of it… even though they were playing with only ten men.

Shorn of Jake Bernard (school activities weekend), Keanu Legal-Miller (family commitments) and Shaquile Fakolujo (long-term injury/fitness problems), Vale were luckily able to call on the services of recently departed Chris Richards and the return of midfield enforcer Kyle Haynes-Robertson to provide viable manpower. In view of these pre-match circumstances, fatigue, knocks and injuries were always likely to have an impact on the outcome.

Settling admirably quickly and efficiently into their stride, Vale proved there’s a lot of truth in the old adage “form is temporary… class is permanent”. Watching the early exchanges it would have been excusable to think Vale had the numerical advantage… battling for every ball and keeping possession well, Vale went two up in the first fifteen minutes.

Devante Walters showed great strength and determination to finish off a well-worked move inspired by skipper Nwanokwu and helped on by Austinho Otchere for Walters to finish at the near post. Conscious of the need to maintain their shape and discipline, Vale continued to take the game to Pumas, with every man making outstanding contributions in every area of the pitch.

Pumas competed for every ball and clearly enjoyed more possession than their quality actually deserved, but Vale’s quality in possession and playing a high line meant that defenders de Weever, Bonsu and Borg were rarely seriously threatened. On the occasions the defensive line was breeched, keeper Jamie McLeod was on-point with every demand… excellent starting position, fantastic communication, safe handling and impressive kicking…. arguably his best game of the season.

Bonsu was immense at the heart of the defence, winning everything on the floor and in the air, before going on to set up others to play in front of him. Indeed, it was immediately after yet another one of his decisive interventions that Vale scored their second, with Paul Sewell profiting from great personal desire and effort to force the ball past the advancing keeper to put Vale 2-0 up after fifteen minutes.

De Weever and Borg concentrated on their defensive duties, but also distributed well to the midfield and forward line to keep the Pumas defence turning and feed Chris Richards and Austinho up top. Battle raged for the remainder of the first half, with Haynes-Robertson outstanding with his presence and effort in shutting the Pumas down. Walters and Sewell were a constant threat down each flank going forward in the 3-4-2 formation, with Nwanokwu (creative when on the ball) often being by-passed in the middle. Otchere ran and ran between departments, and Richards played the target-man role to perfection… showing great strength in holding the ball up before playing the midfield and Otchere in…

In short… a superb contribution was made by all to ensure Vale went into the half-time break 2-0 up.

With very little fault to focus on during the half-time team talk, Vale were encouraged to continue in the same vein for the second half and to shoot-on-sight and at every opportunity. However, the inevitable was to happen as fatigue eventually started to play a major role in the second half exchanges. This was exacerbated by the Pumas management team complaining and whingeing. Their players started to do the same, and also started to escalate the physical nature of their game. Not to be mugged out of their stride, Vale maintained their composure and, in patches (similar to the first half), when quality football was being played… it was being played by Vale.

Twenty minutes into the half saw Vale in general, and Austinho in particular, capitalise on their superior quality, discipline and commitment. Otchere’s game is characterised by his irrepressible will and desire to chase down seemingly lost causes and, after another lung-busting shutting down of the keeper, Austinho benefited from the ball being blasted at him by the keeper trying to clear his lines. The ball rebounded off Austinho’s body and ricocheted into the back of the net to put Vale 3-0 up, and by this stage, quite comfortably in control.

This seemed to spur Pumas into a sustained bout of almost frenzied whingeing and complaining… and late tackles. Vale were men enough to ride the onslaught but, as fatigue-related knocks and injuries started to impact on the game, Vale’s concentration lapsed momentarily. This led to a defensive mix-up that finished with McLeod being beaten by an unstoppable shot from twenty yards after a period of sustained Pumas pressure.

With five minutes left and Vale running down the clock, skipper Nwanokwu went on a surging run at the heart of the Pumas defence. After having slipped the ball through to Otchere on the edge of the area, Nwanokwu was late tackled from behind by the Pumas skipper by what can only be described as a reckless and potentially leg-breaking tackle. Unable to continue, Nwanokwu was assisted off the field of play before Borg shot the free kick lamely into the arms of the Pumas keeper.

All in all… considering Vale started with only ten men, and at times throughout the game they were reduced to nine with Otchere suffering cramp and Nwanokwu unable to continue, Vale did exceptionally well. Though understandably rusty at times, Vale showed immense character, commitment, graft and craft, skill, quality and ability... all great qualities in their build-up to the April 10th Bexley League Under 16 Cup Final… a fully deserved day out for the boys in recognition of and reward for their superb efforts in what has been a very challenging season.

Sadly, the final will probably be missed by the skipper… hospital x-ray reports show a badly sprained ankle and ligament damage… typical of the type of injuries sustained when players haven’t been playing regularly, are rusty, have slightly lost their edge and sharpness, and playing a full game against a physical side in hot conditions on a hard surface…

However… to keep it on a positive note… well done lads… you did us proud!

Vale: McLeod; de Weever; Bonsu; Borg; Sewell (1); Haynes-Robertson; Nwanokwu; Walters (1); Richards; Otchere (1)

Goal Scoring Chart:
1. Obi Nwanokwu - 30
2. Austin Otchere – 13
3. Chris Richards – 12
4. Scott Borg - 12
5. Jake Bernard - 7
6. Tevon Webster - 3
7. Shaquile Fakolujo - 2
8. Paul Sewell - 3
9. Devante Walters - 2
10. Kyle Haynes-Robertson - 1
11. David Bonsu - 1

Quade Signs 2.5 year deal with CPFC

Great News - We would like to announce that Quade Taylor from the under 16's championship winning squad last season, has last friday signed a 2 and a half year contract with Crystal Palace F.C we would like to wish him all the best in what I am sure will be a glittering career. Well done Quade. - Coach Francis

Vale FC lose ground in the Bexley League Under 16 title race as they flop in forlornly fanciful 4-3-3 double-banker fiasco

Dulwich Hamlet FC 2 vs. Vale FC 0

Vale FC 1 vs. Dulwich Hamlet FC 3

Almost totally devoid of desire and the will to win, the thus-far unbeatable Vale Under 16s crumbled to abject defeat against their first real opponents of any stature this season in this crucial double-banker fixture against a well organised and highly motivated Dulwich Hamlet outfit.

Taking to the field in a wholly unfamiliar 4-3-3 formation for the first match, it was immediately obvious Vale were uncomfortable with this previously untried set-up against previously unseen, though strong, opponents… a huge gamble considering the fact this was a double-banker.

Vale were totally overwhelmed in midfield where they were light on numbers and unable to take any meaningful control of the game. Outnumbered and outfought, it wasn’t long before Vale were conceding needless free kicks in midfield and the inevitable transpired when they went 1-0 down after five minutes when a direct free kick from thirty yards drifted straight into the net unchallenged.

With no response or sense of urgency, things didn’t get any better. Under sustained midfield pressure, the Vale defence were left dangerously exposed to leave Jamie McLeod vulnerable and unable to stop a clinically incisive Hamlet move that culminated in Vale going two down after ten minutes.

Any semblance of fight or resistance visibly drained out of the Vale ranks… it was almost as if they were ready to capitulate as a credible team… yet they still managed to fashion a few chances, with Obi Nwanokwu, crashing two shots against the woodwork, coming closest to redressing the balance.

However, a comeback was not to be… Vale appeared unable to galvanise themselves after the early setback from which they never recovered. More worryingly, psychologically, the boys appeared deflated, lacking in self belief, spirit and confidence. Needless to say, the flowing football to feet which Vale are renowned for was virtually non-existent until they reverted to their more familiar 4-4-2 formation, which proved too little too late in the first 50-minute match. The first fifteen minute 4-3-3 formation effectively killed off Vale’s chances against a well organised and game (though, with respect, not particularly gifted) Hamlet outfit.

The second game saw little, if any, real improvement on the first. Vale attempted to rally, and at times played some excellent football on the floor, but overall they were unconvincing, uninspired and dispirited… they were psychologically beaten and never looked like mounting a serious threat.

Despite the valiant efforts of Zach Rhoden, David Bonsu and Keanu Legal-Miller in defence, and the tireless and unselfish running of Austin Otchere up front, collectively Vale never stepped up to the plate and, by the second half, were 3-0 down and a spent force… there was only ever going to be one winner in this six-pointer contest on the day.

Scott Borg finished off a wonderful Vale move to score a consolation goal as he flashed an unstoppable left-footed effort across the keeper into the net on the final whistle for his twelfth of the season. But, in truth, Hamlet were already in celebration mode by this time and had cigars on, having taken their foot off the pedal and, at times, mocking and treating Vale with derisive contempt.

‘Crisis’ MAY be too strong a word at this stage of the season, but the destiny of the league title is now out of Vale’s hands. Vale are now dependent on other results going in their favour for the rest of the season if they are to go on to win the title.

Today was a massively embarrassing setback… languishing in seventh place and eleven points behind Hamlet with only two games in-hand over the new league leaders, the question now is whether or not Vale have the character and resolve to win every remaining game this season. Whilst this won’t in itself be enough to win the title, it will at least keep Vale in the frame to hope others around them, including Hamlet, drop points.

All in all… two very disappointing performances and potentially devastating results as far as Vale’s pretensions for the league title are concerned. It’s now down to the boys to re-find their form, cohesion, confidence and unity in order to stay in the race.

Vale Squad: McLeod; Rhoden; Bonsu; Legal-Miller; Borg (1); Bernard; Walters; Mataka; Nwanokwu; Otchere; Fakolujo; Sewell; Webster

Goal Scoring Chart:
1. Obi Nwanokwu - 30
2. Chris Richards - 12
3. Austin Otchere - 12
4. Scott Borg - 12
5. Jake Bernard - 7
6. Tevon Webster - 3
7. Shaquile Fakolujo - 2
8. Paul Sewell - 2
9. Devante Walters - 1
10. Kyle Haynes-Robertson - 1
11. David Bonsu - 1

“Austinho” Otchere nets four as Vale U16s cruise into the Bexley League Cup Final with an 8-1 victory against Blackheath Wanderers FC

Blackheath Wanderers 1 vs. Vale FC 8

Vale FC U16s did themselves and the club proud today as they marched through to the Bexley League Under 16 Cup Final with a great result and, considering the very poor bobbly surface and heavy playing conditions, a fine performance.

Blackheath set their stall out to compete physically and shut Vale down in possession, but never really mounted an attack of any real note throughout the first half. However, they did try to take the game to Vale who had a few half-chances that were spurned until Obi Nwanokwu broke the deadlock on the fifteen-minute mark. Latching on to a precision slide-rule pass from Zach Rhoden, the skipper used his strength and pace to advance on goal before crashing a low shot across the face of the goal into the far corner of the net.

It was Nwanokwu again who was fouled from behind to be awarded a penalty five minutes later when bearing down on goal. Left back Scott Borg assumed responsibility to despatch the place kick with great aplomb, low and accurate to the keeper’s left to bring the score to 2-0… and Vale now went into overdrive.

With nerves settled and confidence on the up, Vale started to move the ball around admirably to feet on a very uneven surface that wasn’t really conducive to their typically characteristic flowing football. But… and credit to them… they continued to do exactly that, demonstrating confidence and comfort on the ball in every department.

The back four of Daniel de Weever, David Bonsu, Keanu Legal-Miller and Scott Borg, though never really examined, stood firm and quelled every sniff of an attack before it was allowed to develop. De Weever excelled with a succession of timely interceptions and outstanding distribution from the right back berth.

The midfield quartet of Jake Bernard, Zachary Rhoden, Devante Walters and Paul Sewell battled in the quagmire to great effect. Rhoden was dogged and tireless with his work-rate, where Walters provided the quality, class and creativity to keep the forwards busy. On an exceptionally narrow pitch, wingers Sewell and Bernard struggled to find any useful space, but stuck to their tasks and eventually began to influence the game… both defending well when required, and supporting the attack going forward.

Skipper Nwanokwu scored his second and Vale’s third after strike partner Austin Otchere refused to let the Wanderers defence settle on the ball, chasing and harrying them into conceding possession to him. Otchere crossed for Nwanokwu to bury the chance with a cushioned instep volley and effectively end the game as a contest. Nwanokwu went on to score his third first-half hat-trick of the season five minutes before the break, again benefiting from industrious effort from Bernard and Otchere.

The second half, however, was all about Austinho Otchere, when he turned from goal provider to goal scorer. Vale continued to dominate possession and create chances… and Otchere maintained his first half endeavour to bag all four goals in the second half. Profiting from two identical long-range efforts by Nwanokwu and Borg that cannoned off the Wanderers post, Otchere was first to react to smash the ball home on the rebound on both occasions. He served up the goal of the game in between these two efforts when he sent a looping headed effort into the back of the net from Bernard’s pinpoint whipped cross to register his hat-trick. Bernard must be applauded for his surging runs down the right wing… which became a feature of the second half that terrorised the Blackheath defenders into panic. More consistency on the quality of the ball into the box from Bernard would surely have resulted in a double figure score sheet.

Unfortunately, at 7-0 up and apparently running the clock down, Vale conceded a corner and, much to their consternation, keeper Jamie McLeod lost the flight of the ball and allowed it to drift over his outstretched arm into the net for them to score directly from the corner kick.

However, this was not to be the last action of the day as Austinho scored his fourth to end the game on a high and Vale to celebrate their progression to the cup final.

This was a very well deserved victory and a great all-round performance from Vale, who have now earned the opportunity to win the Bexley League Cup and turn around the result that eluded them in last season’s cup final.

Well done lads… you’ve earned it!

Vale: McLeod; de Weever; Bonsu; Legal-Miller; Borg (1 – pen); Bernard; Rhoden; Walters; Sewell; Nwanokwu (3); Otchere (4)

Sub: Fakolujo (not used)

Goal Scoring Chart:

1. Obi Nwanokwu - 30
2. Chris Richards - 12
3. Austin Otchere - 12
4. Scott Borg - 11
5. Jake Bernard - 7
6. Tevon Webster - 3
7. Shaquile Fakolujo - 2
8. Paul Sewell - 2
9. Devante Walters - 1
10. Kyle Haynes-Robertson - 1
11. David Bonsu - 1

Vale U16s salvage 4 out of 6 league points from tense double-banker encounter

Vale FC 0 vs. Hayden Youth FC 0

Hayden Youth FC 1 vs. Vale FC 3
In the absence of Jamie McLeod in goal and midfield enforcer Kyle Hanynes-Robertson in front of the back four, Vale started this double-banker in an uncharacteristically subdued and hesitant mood, featuring only one substitute on the bench. This meant by necessity Vale had to approach the game in a slightly more defensive formation and mind-set. So… this important double-banker was always going to be a real challenge against previously unknown opponents.
After a few minutes it became clear Hayden Youth are a decent outfit who, given the opportunity to play, were more than capable of doing so to good effect. Hayden competed for every ball and proved to be very spirited opponents. They were very direct and purposeful and, to their credit, showed no shortage of ability and creativity on the ball.
Whilst stand-in keeper Paul Sewell didn’t have a lot to do in the first game, he did have to parry a direct free kick onto his crossbar to save one of a constant succession of free kicks conceded by Vale in dangerous areas in and around their last third. It was also evident that the Vale central defensive partnership of David Bonsu and Keanu Legal-Miller were constantly under pressure and forced to command proceedings in the air and on the floor. Both were up to the task and admirably never buckled. Full backs Scott Borg and Daniel de Weever played significant supportive roles, and all the back four tried to play their way out of trouble through the midfield rather than, at times, using the long-pass option that would have released the pressure to put the forwards in with more opportunities on goal.
It appeared that midfield was where this game would be won or lost and midfielders Jake Bernard, Zach Rhoden, Ridge Mataka and Devante Walters all saw a lot of action, though not always positive. With all the team in hesitant mode and wanting too much time and too many touches on the ball, things became scrappy, particularly in midfield where things got bogged down and too many free kicks were conceded due to lack of confidence and being second to too many balls. However, Vale remained dogged and resolute without ever really unlocking the Hayden back four to feed strikers Nwanokwu and Richards. Austin Otchere came on to replace Richards up front and provide fresh legs and endeavour, but goal scoring chances were few and far between and, in all honesty, over 50 minutes 0-0 and a share of the points was probably a fair result.
Double-bankers are played over 25 minutes per half… losing 30 minutes per game in total. This proved to be a real disadvantage for Vale who started to gain the ascendancy towards the end of the first 50 minute game. Indeed, starting with Otchere in the second game and with instructions to get the Hayden defence turning with earlier and more consistent diagonal balls behind their back four, Vale started to create more scoring chances. The second such pass was helped on by Obi Nwanokwu into the path of Otchere who pounced on his chance to smash home a rising shot into the roof of the net with his left foot.
This was a very important goal as it seemed to serve two purposes. Firstly, to settle Vale’s nerves and encourage them to play more positively, and secondly, to dampen the spirit of the opposition. Further defence-turning passes saw Nwanokwu put through on goal, only to see two rocket shots hitting the angle of post and crossbar in quick succession. Thankfully for Vale, Nwanokwu buried his third such chance with an unstoppable drive across the face of the goal that nestled into the bottom corner of the net. Whilst there was still a lot of football to be played, this proved to be the winning goal at the final whistle.
2-0 up and with Daniel de Weever taking over from Sewell in goal, Vale continued to try to play football, but were visibly tiring. Hayden scored a much-deserved goal to bring the game to 2-1 after a defensive lapse of concentration and fatigue enabled their forward to capitalise upon a rare opportunity in front of goal with de Weever out of position. It looked like a tense last 15 minutes was to follow until Vale were awarded a penalty for handball in the box. Nwanokwu took captain’s responsibility as he strode up to place the ball on the penalty spot. He had a penalty saved against FC Sutton Dynamo in the Bexley Cup the previous week, so he showed a lot of character and belief in his ability to take this crucial spot kick. He despatched it low to the keeper’s right, putting the result beyond any doubt and securing all three points for Vale.
While every player stuck to their task in what was Chris Richards’ last outing for the club, there were several notable stand-out performances: Bonsu and Legal-Miller in central defence; Rhoden and Mataka in centre midfield; and for taking the chances that mattered, Otchere and Nwanokwu up front.
All in all, 4 points out of 6 available on the day was a creditable outcome given the circumstances: double-banker; no goal keeper; players playing out of position; short 25 minute halves; 12-man squad.
However, due to fixture congestion Vale MUST wake up to a very real probability… this won’t be the last double-banker we play this season so, due to the very short halves, Vale must impose their dominance early and take their goal scoring chances when they come, and finish the game as a contest as early as possible.

Vale: Sewell; de Weever; Bonsu; Legal-Miller; Borg; Bernard; Mataka; Rhoden; Walters; Nwanokwu (2); Richards
Sub: Otchere (1)

Goal Scoring Chart:

1. Obi Nwanokwu - 27
2. Chris Richards - 12
3. Scott Borg - 10
4. Austin Otchere – 8
5. Jake Bernard - 7
6. Tevon Webster - 3
7. Shaquile Fakolujo - 2
8. Paul Sewell - 2
9. Devante Walters - 1
10. Kyle Haynes-Robertson - 1
11. David Bonsu - 1

Vale U16s surge through to next round of Bexley League Cup

FC Sutton Dynamo 0 vs Vale FC 6
After seven weeks without a game the Vale U16s were champing at the bit for some sorely-missed competitive football, which came for them in this Bexley League Under 16 Cup. In very blustery conditions and on an uneven surface, Vale defended against the wind in the first half.

However, despite their excitement and enthusiasm, the first 10-15 minutes saw Vale forced to soak up intense pressure, with Dynamo using the wind to force the play and keep Vale pinned in their own half, who were seemingly unable to settle on the ball and retain possession. Apart from one chance that fell to Obi Nwanokwu that was foiled by the Dynamo keeper in the opening exchanges, it was evident Vale would need to be at the races if they were to get anything out of this game.

Slowly but surely, Vale confidence grew, especially in response to the sterling and resilient performances of the Vale back three. Zach Rhoden, David Bonsu and Keanu Legal-Miller were all in dogged yet imperious form, comfortably dealing with the early Dynamo onslaught in the air and on the floor to feed the midfield.

Playing a 3-5-2 formation, debut player Ridge Mataka slotted in the middle to wonderful effect, showing excellent technical ability and tactical awareness. With Kyle Haynes-Robertson in outstanding form, winning everything in front of the back three and breaking up play with exceptional commitment and work-rate, Mataka provided the creative impetus with an almost continual stream of short and long-range passes that invariably hit the intended target. In deed it was one of Mataka's through-balls that proved to be the key to unlock the Dynamo door after 20 minutes. Devante Walters fed Mataka who slipped Nwanokwu through on goal and, with the ball setting up nicely for him, Nwanokwu crashed an unstoppable volley past the keeper from 12 yards to settle Vale nerves.

With the luxury of a 1-0 lead, admittedly against the run of play at this stage, Vale seemed to begin to express themselves more competently. Walters was neat and tidy, though at times got sucked out of position. Scott Borg grew into the match and started to pose a serious threat down the left flank, as did Jake Bernard on the right. Keeping better possession of the ball meant that Vale were able to control the flow of the game and dictate proceedings. Bernard began to roast the left back and deliver a string of dangerous crosses from the right, and Borg showed increasing strength added to his outrageous ability on the ball from the left to keep the Dynamo defence on constant alert.

Regardless of Vale's 1-0 lead Dynamo still presented a very real threat. Keeper Jamie McLeod was kept busy fielding Dynamo forays into the Vale penalty area. McLeod's starting position was spot-on as he, at times, played like a sweeper to nullify Dynamo's mainly long-ball tactics. Nwanokwu scored his second with another thunderous shot which he thrashed past the Dynamo keeper on the 30 minute mark. After creating space for himself on the edge of the area to take the ball in his stride, he clinically despatched his shot past the advancing keeper.

Vale's anxieties, like the tie, were finally settled five minutes before the half time whistle when Nwanokwu completed his first-half hat-trick with a looping header from Borg's in-swining cross from the left after great approach work from centre forward Chris Richards. Richards led the line exceptionally well as a reliable target-man but, unfortunately, was unable to convert two or three chances that fell to him in the first half.

With the wind behind them for the second half, Vale increased the tempo with fresh legs with the introduction of Paul Sewell for Walters, Austin "goal-a-game" Otchere for Richards, and Daniel de Weever for Mataka in midfield. Whilst this tactical switch slightly disrupted the pattern of play, Vale stayed in the ascendancy, being stronger and more committed in midfield and playing triangles around Dynamo to keep them fully occupied in their own half. Bernard was up-ended in the box to win a penalty at the end of an inspirational Vale move. Nwanokwu stepped up to crash the spot-kick to the keeper's right. Unbelievably, the keeper managed to get a strong hand on it to push it over the bar for a corner... an outstanding save.

Inevitably, Otchere got his just reward for his tireless running and chasing down seemingly lost causes when he guided de Weever's through-ball with a deft touch around the on-rushing Dynamo keeper to roll it into the back of the net from the edge of the area.

Nwanokwu brought his goals tally for the season so far to 25 when he scored a two-yard tap-in after latching on to the tireless Otchere's cross from the bye-line. 

Twenty five minutes were left on the clock when central defender David Bonsu scored his first of the season with an immaculate near-post flicked header from another Scott Borg corner, much to the delight of his Vale team-mates. Chris Richards, Devante Walters and Ridge Mataka were then re-introduced to see out the rest of the tie, in place of the injured Zach Rhoden, skipper Obi Nwanokwu, and winger Scott Borg... and they did so with admirable effect. Again, Walters put his foot on the ball and was neat and tidy, concentrating on hitting feet with his passes; Mataka picked up where he left off in the first half, becoming the central midfield creator to crown an excellent debut performance. Chris Richards fought hard for every ball but was unlucky not to be presented with any further goal scoring opportunities.

Even more unfortunately, Chris announced after the game that, due to domestic circumstances, it was his last game for Vale. So it's only appropriate to put it on record that Chris will be sorely missed by us all at Vale FC. He's been a fantastic servant of the club since his arrival this time last year, added great strength to the squad, superb endeavour to lead the line... and many very important goals. Many thanks Chris, and good luck for the future!

All in all this was a good performance and result for a "rusty" but keen return to competitive football for Vale... and great to see David Bonsu get on the score sheet!

The referee and Dynamo officials were very complimentary in their post-match remarks and comments, as were their supporters who commended Vale on their attitude, approach, ability and playing style. In deed, every Vale player deserved the plaudits offered at the end... proving themselves to be sporting and gracious in victor... well done lads!

Vale: McLeod; Rhoden; Bonsu (1); Legal-Miller; Bernard; Mataka; Haynes-Robertson; Walters; Borg; Nwanokwu (4); Richards
Subs: Sewell; de Weever; Otchere (1)

Goal Scoring Chart:

1. Obi Nwanokwu - 25
2. Chris Richards - 12
3. Scott Borg - 10
4. Jake Benard - 7
5. Austin Otchere - 7
6. Tevon Webster - 3
7. Shaquile Fakolujo - 2
8. Paul Sewell - 2
9. Devante Walters - 1
10. Kyle Haynes-Robertson - 1
11. David Bonsu - 1

Uninspired… and uninspiring… Vale’s bubble bursts in turgid 5-4 league victory.

Vale FC Under 16 Match Report 7Uninspired… and uninspiring… Vale’s bubble bursts in turgid 5-4 league victory.

Vale FC 5 vs. Fleetdown United FC 4

Bexley League U 16 Division A League Match 21st November 2010

On the basis of this performance it would appear complacency has set into the Vale U16 squad after enjoying field-days and goal-sprees against previous but, with resp...ect, sub-standard opposition over the past few weeks. It’s probably fair to say that, without exception, none of the boys covered themselves with glory today.

Having been warned about the dangers of complacency prior to kick-off, it seemed the message didn’t get through. Despite taking an early lead through skipper Obi Nwanokwu who was persistent in the box to eventually thrash the ball into the roof of the net, swiftly followed by goals from Jake Bernard and Paul Sewell who showed good composure to finish off a well-worked move across the keeper, spectators would have been forgiven in thinking another cricket score was imminent.

However, this was not to materialise.

Fleetdown fought their way back into the game with a never-say-die attitude, showing superior hunger, and desire and forcing Vale into uncharacteristic individual and team errors. Vale were way below par and very few showed the strength of character and commitment to battle their way back to dominate the proceedings. Inevitably they came unstuck with a ball through the middle that the lone Fleetdown forward latched on to and lobbed McLeod in goal to bring the score to 3-1.

Without ever really getting into their usual flow, Vale scored another two before half-time through Austin Otchere and Scott Borg’s goal of the game which he swept into the roof of the net from just outside the area.

5-1 up at half-time, you would have been excused for thinking the game was over as a contest… but nothing was further from the truth. Vale failed to build and improve on their first half performance and allowed the opposition back into game. Other than the occasional sweet passages of play, Vale were mainly dispirited and disjointed, failing to dominate in any area of the pitch, inviting Fleetdown almost to attack at will.

Fleetdown won a succession of corners and, with increasing confidence, started to dominate play, overrunning the Vale midfield and pressurising the back four. Their commitment, work rate and effort were duly rewarded with three goals in the second half, to which Vale had no response and, in all honesty, by the end of the game Vale were hanging on to their one-goal advantage.

As indicated earlier, Vale were way below the standards they’ve set themselves this season. But, probably more worrying, almost as a team they failed to rise to the occasion against what must be considered to be, at least (and with respect) mediocre opposition.

All in all, this was a disappointing performance.

However, to take the positives out of the game…… the boys didn’t surrender their lead, they remain unbeaten in the league, and another three points on the table is not to be sniffed at in the long-term quest for the league title.

Vale:    McLeod; Rhoden; Bonsu; Walters; Borg (1); Bernard (1); Fakolujo; De Weever; Sewell (1); Nwanokwu (1); Otchere (1)

Goal Scoring Chart:

1. Obi Nwanokwu – 21
2. Chris Richards – 12
3. Scott Borg – 10
4. Jake Bernard – 7
5. Austin Otchere – 6
6. Tevon Webster – 3
7. Shaquile Fakolujo – 2
8. Paul Sewell - 2
9. Devante Walters – 1
10. Kyle Haynes-Robertson – 1