MAX FIRES US INTO NEXT ROUND OF VASE

After our disappointing exit from the FA Cup last Saturday, we bounced back with Max Hercules leading the way against our nearest neighbours, from just up the A41, to take us into the next round of the FA Vase.

Max was handed the Captain’s arm band and certainly rose to the occasion with a brace of goals and after just 3 games he has now scored 5 goals with 2 assists. He could have grabbed a hat-trick from this game but was denied by Vale’s custodian Dan Turner who saved his first half penalty. Our third goal was scored by the versatile Harry Jones who produced a super finish.

We opened the scoring in the 52nd minute following a throw in down the right from Eli to Blake whose cross was not cleared by our opponent’s defence with the ball falling to Harry Jones who fired home a sumptuous volley past the opposition’s keeper for his 2nd goal of the season so far. Score 1-0.

Before this goal we went close with 16-year-old Lewis Dixon producing a superb shot in the 11th minute which was tipped over by Turner. Later in the 35th minute Lewis saw his header hit the bar. A few minutes prior to that Josh Chambelain went close with a header that went just over.

Our opponents struck back in the 42nd minute, probably against the run of play, to level the score with a fine goal from Flinn Filler who worked his way down their right and along the bye line and then rifled a shot high into the net. It was just the boost our opponents needed and the half-ended level pegging at 1-1 with everything still to play for. HT Score 1-1.

We retook the lead again in the 52nd minute with a cracker from Max. The move stemmed from a super long cross field pass from Harry Beaumont to pick out Max out wide on the left wing. Max first effort was blocked by a defender but he got the ball back from Mason Clarke and produced a moment of magic as he cut inside and then curled a shot into the top right corner of the net. It was a magnificent shot and put us in the lead again. Score 2-1.

The game was far from over and Jake Alley was called upon to make a couple of great saves. As the game entered the final stages Vale pushed forward in the hope of grabbing an equaliser and they did find the net through Tai Palmer but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Deep into time added on Vale won 2 corners and Dan Turner joined his colleagues in our area. We managed to clear the danger through Michael Olulode and inevitably it was Max who collected the loose ball and sprinted the length of the pitch to score into an empty net to finally seal the victory and our place in the next round of The Vase. FT Score 3-1

The game was closer than it should have been as we had chances to increase our lead but full marks to our guests who pushed us right to the end. A satisfying win especially as we were missing some key players.

The FA Vase is this writers favourite Cup as we have enjoyed moments of success and we get to play clubs from other Leagues and from other parts of the country. In the next round we will travel 41 miles to Northamptonshire to play Wellingborough Whitworth who convincingly beat Langley from Berkshire 5-2 at home on the same day.

WW are known as the Flourmen because of a connection to a local flour milling business. They play in Division 1 of the Spartan South Midlands League and currently sit at the top of the table with 6 points from 2 games. An interesting fact is that they once signed former England international Neil “Razor” Ruddock who was 46 at the time but he didn’t make any appearances for the club.

The fixture will take place on Saturday 12 September and a coach will probably be provided.

One sad moment from the game was the sight of Josh Chamberlain being carried off on a stretcher. We wish him all the best and hope he makes a speedy recovery.

Our next outing sees us entertain Harpenden Town at home on Tuesday 18 August for a Premier Division fixture. So why not come along and give the lads plenty of support.

TEAM
Jake Alley, Caden Barber, Josh Chamberlain, Frankie Hercules, Max Hercules (Capt), Harry Jones, Harry Beaumont, Eli Hearn, Mason Clarke, Lewis Dixon, Blake Argent. Subs Played: Luke Peerless (74), Jack Harvey (74), Josh Cross (68), Michael, Olulode (80), Jack Stone (68)

Scorers:

TA: H Jones (27), M Hercules (52, 101)

AVD: Flinn Filler (42)

Crowd: 235