VWFC  3 - 3  Reading City

(VW win 3-1 on pens)

 

30th October 2021

 Premier Challenge Cup - 1st Round

 

VW rose from the dead to sneak into the next round after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over close friends and rivals – Reading City.

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The away side started the brighter and should have been 2-0 up within 15 minutes, had it not been for two good saves by Matt in goal.

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Deservedly, RC took the lead on 18 minutes, when we left a player unmarked at the back post, to square the ball for a tap in from two yards out.

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It got worse when we conceded again on 31 minutes, when some slow sloppy defending allowed their striker to ghost through and smash the ball home from close range.

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At the other end, we offered little and had no attempts on target in an inept first half.

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The second half saw a much wanted turnaround, with some 11 shots, six on target, and three goals.

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We pulled one back on 57 minutes, when Adam Mills headed in from one of many long throws.

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VW pushed for the equaliser, and were rewarded with a penalty on 80 minutes, which Casey Bocarro slotted home.

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On 86 minutes RC went ahead, with what looked like the match winner, when a free-kick floated in after Matt has lost his footing in goal – we all thought that was it.!

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But a long ball from Leo Pedro found Harry Brooks in full flight, his cross fell to young Saaim Shabbeer making his debut, to calmly drag the ball back for Turnell Sinclair to tap in going in to stoppage time.

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Then on to dreaded penalties, which saw VW convert most comfortably, and Matt save three of the first four, to send the home side through into the next round.

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Good luck to RC for the rest of the season, and a word of praise for the three U18 lads (Eric Mafuta, Elijah Oladunjoye and Saaim Shabbeer) who made a terrific impression, the latter two making their senior debuts!

 

Ceri Jones

First Team Manager

VWFC