What could be better than watching a pre season friendly between the Village seconds (combined with Bennett’s thirds) against Downs League Old Elizabethians? As it turned out, almost anything.
The expected balmy evening failed to materialise and instead we were subjected to driving rain at the waterlogged Stoke Lane playing fields.
Midfield maestro Ian Semple opened the scoring with a cleverly flighted free kick (or a total miskick as we football folk call it) only for the visitors to equalise.
Gorgeous redhead Guy Long restored the village lead with an angled chip which beat the opposition keeper (for angled chip read cross – ed) and Liam made it 3-1 with not long left.
Fraser Moran showed his slipping standards by being replaced by Ben Bennett.
With Big Nige at the back turning slower than an oil tanker, the village were always under pressure but red-faced supremo Longy seemed confident that the village would hang on.
Some hope and within a couple of minutes, the visitors scored twice and it was 3-3. Only some horrendous finishing and the crossbar saved the village from a worse fate.
Man of the match – Ben Bennett
The firsts, meanwhile, won 4-3 at Hallen thanks to an inspired goalkeeping display by veteran net minder Moaty.
Our on the spot reporter said that the village conceded their usual own goal and that the legend that is Dennis Cox was on the scoresheet again.
Tonight’s real winner though was Ember Inns with the Beaufort Arms rammed with players celebrating in the accustomed manner.
