Here is the Vets report from their game on 15 November: After the game we found out this was their first appearance in the AFA Vets Cup as it was only this year that they had enough players who met the 40+ age limit whilst our average age was in the region of 49, a big difference at our age. With only Sean Jackson as a recognized striker we opted to play a 4-5-1 formation which managed to keep the opposition at bay & we started to frustrate them as they could not get their passing game going. Unfortunately we could not really support Sean so the ball was coming constantly back towards us but the defence of Hands, Robinson, Dulley & Stevenson were working overtime to stem the flow. The midfield of Davies, Cormack, Sweeney, Murphy & McComb were also putting in a shift as the opposition passed the ball around probing for a weakness before trying to launch their front runners. Having held out well for over half an hour we then conceded twice from corners after about 35 & 40 minutes as the Lions pressed for the opening goal. Our best effort game just before half time when Sean twisting & turning got his shot away but it was deflected just wide. Knowing we had to push on to get back in the game John Sweeney joined Sean up top but unfortunately try as we might the goals kept coming for the opposition. Their third came from a tired clearance as their player hit a screamer in to the top corner & I cant remember their fourth. We managed to salvage some pride when Andy Cadogan took advantage of a rare defensive slip up to stroke the ball home which was scant consolation for all the hard work the team had put in. Insult was added to injury when Plum made a superb save but the opposition scored from the resulting corner, then with minutes left they scored a sixth which to be fair was a superb team move as they passed the ball around before going for the jugular. A real footballing lesson but as Charlie said afterwards he hasnt played against a team that good in his last couple of seasons playing second team football. London Lions will be difficult to stop winning this cup provided they dont have availability or injury worries, although their opponents in the next round Globe Rangers won 9-0 in their game. We need to bounce back from this setback & have the ideal game in the Jack Perry Vets Cup. Thanks to Jamie McNally for making the long trek north to give his support.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Nov 2014 16:16:15 +0000