Another early start for Vedra as they travelled to Washington AFC Pumas for a 9am Kick-off. Some late comers and non -arrivals forced a reshuffle of the team from the original plans as Vedra started in a 3-3-2 formation for the first time with James and Logan starting up front together.
Vedra had the better of the early exchanges with Joey making some good runs and Sam very busy in the midfield. The 2 combined in the 5th minute for the first real chance of the game when Sam played a lovely pass from the right-hand side into the path of Joey on the left. Joey controlled the ball and attacked goal but was unfortunately stopped when 1 on 1 against the Washington keeper.
Both teams were playing some nice football with good passing from Washington keeping Corah, Ollie and Jacob in the Vedra defence on their toes and Vedra themselves looking good especially when finding James' feet for him to hold the ball up and play his team-mates in which he did excellently throughout the game. With Logan and Joey looking to help James at all times things were looking good for Vedra. The next real chance came to Vedra after Logan touched on a Frankie throw to Joey whose shot went wide in the 12th minute. Washington tried to go short from the resulting goal-kick and good pressure from Frankie, James and Logan saw the ball fall to Joey again who hit his shot well but unfortunately over the bar.
Despite the good play by both teams clear cut chances were in relatively short supply. Washington had a few corners that were well dealt with by Sam and Ollie and at the other end potential breaks from Logan and Oscar were stopped just as they were looking promising. It wasn't until the 22nd minute when the next chance came about. This time it was for Washington who broke and were 1 on 1 with Callum. Callum closed down brilliantly and his hand stopped the shot originally though it was still bouncing goalwards with 2 Washington players closing in. Just as it looked like Washington would break the deadlock, Corah arrived to snuff out the danger and clear. This being just one of many occasions where the now fabled Vedra teamwork and never give up attitude would be shown in today's game. When one is in trouble or is beaten there will usually be a teammate their to clear up behind them. The final chance of the half saw Ollie, playing in a more advanced midfield role at this point, take on a couple of players and hit a shot that slammed against the post. 0-0 at Half-time.
Straight from the kick off for the second half a great move and run from Washington saw them bearing down on goal. Fortunately on this occasion it was Jacob who was most alert to make a good block. Washington were having a little spell on top at this point and Vedra had to be alert and look to hit them on the break. Corah and Frankie made a couple of good blocks each and Callum dealt confidently with anything that got through. Little knocks and injuries were forcing some fairy rapid changes but these didn't seem to bother Vedra who gradually forced Washington back to have spell of dominance themselves. Sam played a lovely pass through in the 39th minute which Oscar ran onto and shot just wide under pressure from the Washington defence before the same 2 combined from the goal-kick. This time Oscar got a foot in whilst pressuring the Washington defence and forced the ball to Sam who shot again just wide in almost the exact same spot as Oscar had seconds before.
Though it was by no means clear Vedra were having the better of the game at this point. James sent Logan through against the keeper who made a superb flying save to deny him before a succession of corners were forced by Vedra. The last of these in the 45th minute saw Sam's drilled corner touched home by Logan much to the delight of the travelling fans! 0-1 with 15 minutes left.
Washington were pushing hard for an equaliser for the latter part of the game but great defending from the whole team but particularly Corah, Sam and Ollie was not just keeping them at bay but also finding the forward players James, Logan, Oscar and Joey who were all looking to extend the lead with minutes left. Unfortunately the long over due win that Vedra's performances have deserved was not to come and Washington managed to battle their way to a crossing position on the Vedra left. Vedra's attempts to clear had seen the payers drift over to that side leaving a Washington player free to hit an equaliser in the last minute. 1-1 at full -time.
Both teams had played their part in a great game of junior football and so a draw was possibly just about a fair result. To lose the lead in the last minute though was harsh on a Vedra team that had given their all throughout the game.
Sam was awarded Star Player by the opposition coach for his passing and tireless running throughout. This allowed Kev to give the Star Player trophy for Vedra to Corah whose tenacity and covering throughout the game was excellent but is starting to be combined with a confidence on the ball that is great to see. All the players though deserve credit for their performance and teamwork throughout the game. Callum was calm and confident in goal and dominated his box again. Frankie and Jacob tackled everything and covered well. Ollie was confident on the ball and looked quite dangerous when playing further forward. Joey and Oscar both had some excellent runs and showed flashes of real skill to set Vedra up going forward. Logan was dangerous throughout making it hard for the Washington defenders to clear and James continued his rapid development over recent weeks in looking after the ball and playing careful and considered passes forward to his teammates.
A really enjoyable game for all the parents and the coach today. The teamwork they show is a real pleasure to watch if their attitudes continue as they are they will have a long and enjoyable time in the game.