VWFC vs Risborough Rangers Res'
22/09/2018 Virginia Water Dev 2-1 Risborough Rangers Reserves
Hellenic Division Two East
Report by Pete Stevens
Midfielder Sam Devoil in action for Waters
A rainy wet day in Virginia Water and a wet pitch meant for perhaps a different type of game, with good first touch a must and allowances for the ball’s movement across the skiddy grass. Looking to bounce back from last week's defeat, Waters’ Development definitely seemed to handle the conditions better than the visitors Risborough Rangers, and took the game by the scruff of the neck creating many early chances with Scott Ancell, Harry Brooks and Luke van Spall all going close and testing the goalkeeper early on, forcing him into making some good saves.
Unfortunately, a mistake in the waters defence led to Rangers scoring first against the run of play, which came as a shock to the confident-starting home team after 12 minutes to be 0-1 down. This did give the away team an edge for the next 15 minutes and Rangers could easily have gone 0-2 up. However, the young, steely Waters side did not give up, to their credit, and got back into the game creating chance after chance.
Alex Robins went close with a run and a one on one chance but the goalkeeper made a fine save yet again. It seemed he was not going to be beaten in the first half until Sam Devoil got on the ball outside the penalty box and let fly with an outstanding shot, which left the keeper rooted to the spot to level the score in the 44th minute. It was a just reward for Devoil having had a great first half and a good influence on the younger players.
The second half started lie the first, with Waters setting the standard and, at times, playing some very good flowing football. Sensing a good time to win the game Harrison Duff came off the bench to replace Robins, himself having a solid first half and starting to find his feet in the team. Duff strode on and got into the game straight away making an immediate impact with good touches and driving the team forward at every opportunity, linking well with players down the right hand side.
A free kick on the edge of the Rangers box was taken early by Ancell and almost caught the goalkeeper out. It seemed like it would only be a matter of time until Waters scored again, and they did just that when Duff found himself just inside the box and slotted the ball home with his left foot. It was an excellent finish and well deserved from young player to put Waters in front.
Gent Shilova, another raw 17 year old, came on in the 65th minute for Ancell and showed why he should be part of this squad, putting himself about and showing good touches and confidence for a young lad. Harry Brooks came off on the 75th minute and Rob Greenwood came on, proving his worth with his pace and attitude and played his part and making sure Waters deservedly won the match.
Line Up:
Dan Roach
Dan Stevens
Tom Poulter
Ross Miller
Luke van Spall
Alex Robins
Liam Hill
Sam Devoil
Harry Brooks
Scott Ancell
Ben Jones
Subs:
Gent Shilova
Harrison Duff
Robbie Greenwood