Virginia Water 4 (2) v (0) 0 Godalming Town – League

A short and sweet report on Tuesday’s trip to Chertsey, where Virginia Water play their fixtures. I have memories of going there when we were in the same League as Chertsey many moons ago and remember the congested on site parking. So, was prepared for the search to find somewhere on the neighbouring streets and search to find your car again on the way back. What I was not prepared for was the carpet like appearance of the pitch. Incredible. Not what I remember, but I am told that Chertsey are now in the lofty heights of step 3 football. Certainly some money spent on that pitch.

Anyway, the Gs lined up with with Stephen Douglas back between the posts and Alex Afful, Rob Parrott, Elliott Creely and Evan Kelly as the back four with Cameron Edwin (c) in front, alongside Deji Adeosun and Deji Alabi. Upfront Shane Johnson in the centre forward position with wide players Mal Thomas and Mark Soares.

A very impressive bench included Jonny Miller, Ethan Fifield, Jav Waugh, Dan Boyden, and Sam Thomas.

Anyway the Gs started the brighter of the two sides and Shane almost capitalised by nicking a ball away from the home keeper, but in doing so he was driven a bit wider than he wanted and his powerful shot hit the side netting the wrong side of the upright. We saw some good runs into the box from Deji Alabi and a shot from Mark Soares that was turned around for a corner, all within the first ten minutes. A good start from the lads my notes say, after the first ten minutes.

Then around 13 minutes into the game VW made an attack down the middle that was put out of play for their first corner, on their right flank. The ball came over in towards the near post, where it was knocked on to the far post for the easiest of close range headers for the home side to go 1-0 up.

The Gs returned to pressing their host and had more attempts on goal from Mark and won more corners on both sides. Evan Kelly was getting forward and into the action up front.

Shane got his head to several crosses, but could either not get them on target, or they were too close to the home keeper.

Then around  half hour into the game VW again broke through the middle, when one of their two diminutive players found great pace and ball skills to get through the Gs defenders and then slotted the ball past Dougie and inside the far post from an angle. For me, well against the run of play. But goals, as we know, are the only thing that counts. So 2-0 down now, but certainly still in the game.

Mark and Deji had shots and supplied more great crosses from the right and Shane got to them, without being able to convert.

So, at the break it was 2-0 to the home side. But we had had far more attempts on goal, but just could not convert them.

There were no changes to personnel at the break. Maybe a Mo half time talk would do the trick.

We saw a long range shot from the home side clear the bar after a few minutes, but my notes say it is hard to remember many other attempts from them in the first half and up to that point, other than their goals.

VW made some changes first.

Mark again delivered some great crosses in and Shane did well to get his head to them under the attention of defenders, but could not hit the target.

At around 60 minutes into the game Gs changes came, in the shape of Jonny for Cam, Sam Thomas for Nana and Dan Boyden for Shane, with Deji Alabi moving into the centre and Dan playing wide.

We saw some terrific build up play with Sam getting his legs going down the right and linking with Mark for some lovely touches, but the home defence were able to snuff out the attacks.

 Deji Adeosun made some superb interceptions and drove through the middle a couple of times as only he can.

GS talisman Rob went down and was replaced by Jav. Hope Rob is ok.

More attacks came from the Gs down both flanks, Dan showing some fine footwork, but we struggled to produce the final shot. Mal had a couple of chances blocked.

The Gs kept coming with some great one touch stuff in the build up, but although we were getting behind their defence at times we could not manufacture effective shots, or they were blocked by defenders.

Then the straw that broke the Gs back came when the home side broke quickly and produced some lovely quick passes down their right side before scoring their third. Cannot deny that was a great goal. But, after so much pressure from the Gs they were always going to be a bit open to a counter attack. Hard to take, but football is not fair.

Mal was moved a bit more central and although he found space on a couple of occasions he could not find a shot to challenge the home keeper.

Jonny was playing some lovely balls out to the wings with his cultured left foot and the Gs kept going trying to get at least a consolation goal. But in the end, literally seconds before the final whistle, it appeared that Dougie had thwarted an attempt and while on the ground he tried to kick the ball clear, but his powerful clearance unfortunately hit an opponent and the ball spun high in the air and landed behind Dougie and into the net. So 4-0 to Virginia Water was the score in the end, but on possession and attempts the Gs were well ahead.

They barely walked to the half way line and the ref decided it was all over.

VW were absolutely clinical finishers on the day and absorbed everything we could throw at them.

In summary, far more attempts created than against Knaphill on Saturday. So that is great news.  Tiny margins they talk about, but certainly despite the impressive score line the Gs were in the game for much of it. We also have some very gifted players in this squad, and I am sure things will start to bear fruit soon, as they continue to gel as a team. That’s what it is all about, team work.

Saturday would be a good time. Great to be in the FA cup albeit qualifying rounds.

 COYGs