Goal; Tripp
The result – unjustified. The performance – massive improvement.
Following last weeks 6-2 defeat in which we were outclassed at times, the 6s lined up against an older Vamps team in a 4-4-2 formation which had brought us some success in last week’s second half. AP dominated the first 15 minutes, with good chances being spurned by Dawkins, Pitfield and West-Hunter. Crouch End were struggling to create anything coming up the hill and their full backs were clearly struggling with the pace and trickery of the AP flanks.
0-0 at half time was not what we deserved and our lacklustre finishing proved to be costly. The second half saw AP again pushing for a goal early on but a lucky break for Vamps saw their forward get goal side on a miss-hit cross and bundle in. We continued to press and scored a well-earned equaliser through MOM Adam Tripp, whose energy and drive in the middle pushed us on. A lovely strike after a mazy run saw him pick his spot and finish from 25 yards. Game on again.
Unfortunately, Crouch End responded and following a series of long-ball raids they managed to get a runner into the box and Myers was perhaps unlucky to be penalised for a foul. The resulting penalty tucked in by Vamps. Again AP continued to push and with a change to 4-3-3 we were caught on the break; an unlucky deflection off a great tackle from Rae saw Noakes lobbed and the ball finding the back of the net for Vamps third.
The performance was worthy of a better result and if we continue to play as we did in this game then the results will come.
Team: Chris Noakes, Mike Myers, Chirac Shah, James Rae, Anthony Mills, Reece West-Hunter (Matt Piner 60), Gareth Banton, Adam Tripp, Anthony Shaw, Archie Pitfield, Craig Dawkins.
Sub: Matt Piner
