League: Over 50s
Nailsea Vets 50s vs Re-Union
Our games vs ReUion are so often closely fought contests and the score line might suggest it was the same again. The reality is ReUnion controlled much of the game and had a hat full of chances. Nailsea managed to keep the score at 0 – 0 until 20 minutes from the end largely thanks to an outstanding performance from our keeper Lee McGreevy. Notable saves included a superb first half tip over the bar from a close range ReUnion header and a low diving save in the second half to paw the ball away round the post.
The irony is ReUnions goal came from a miss kick from Lee to let ReUnion in for a scrappy but well deserved goal. Nailsea failed to cause ReUnion many problems in their box and their very well organised defence kept any Nailsea chances to speculative efforts from range.
Always good fun playing these guys. Looking forward to the away fixture next year when we hope to reverse the result.
Easton Monday 95 vs Cardiff Accies 50s
Walkover due to Welsh Vets fixture backlog.
Red Star 50s vs Decliners FC
A lovely morning at Saltford for a really enjoyable game where the final score was harsh on Redstar. A keenly contested first half was short on chances. A good move down the left for Decliners saw Toby net from close range and then Gaffers hit a once in a century wonder goal from the centre circle, but there wasn’t a lot to choose between the two teams despite the 2-0 HT scoreline. Redstar came out strong after the break and missed a couple of presentable chances, before a great move down the right ended wth Lee driving a finish into the bottom corner for the crucial third goal. It was an uphill battle for Redstar for the last 20, and the large Decliners squad meant there were plenty of fresh legs for the final period of the game. Toby completed the perfect left foot/right foot/header hat trick and Russ finished things off with a great first time finish from just inside the box. Redstar battled till the end and ought to have scored at least one, but the final finish eluded them. Top game, great pitch and nice to have a few beers after in the clubhouse after. A great advert for vets football.
Red Star Report:
A great stride forward in the emergence of a Red Star 50s side, but conceding 6 is never fun (unless we’d scored 7). I’m still seeing that second ‘once a century wonder goal’ coming out of the sky at me like a dinosaur killing asteroid (though it would obviously have been better if it it had actually hit me, rather than the back of the net). Thanks for everyone that turned out and to the 45s that responded to the call and thanks to Decliners for their part in our historic first ever home game. Things can only go up from here.
Nailsea Vets 50s vs Russell Athletic 50s
Our ref cried off at short notice so thanks to our injured striker Lee Cogan for standing in to officiate.
The early Sunday morning deluge had blown away by kick off and although blustery the conditions remained dry for the match. The first half lacked much action in either penalty box although Nailsea controlled the majority of possession. Russell went closest when a short defensive header back to the keeper allowed their striker in only to see his shot hit the left post.
The second half mirrored the first but as Nailsea started chasing the game for a win, gaps started opening up at the back to give Russell more chances. A mix up in the Nailsea defense 30 minutes into the second half gifted Russell the opener with a tap in. Another mistake in midfield let Russell in for a well taken second and the result was in the bag. Nailsea scored a late conciliation goal but it was too little too late.
3 points lost but we hope to be on better form in front of goal against Russell in a couple of weeks for our cup match.
Easton Monday 95 vs Chew Magna 50s
Match report to follow
Cardiff Accies 50s vs Decliners FC
It was beautiful morning for a game of footy and our first trip to Cardiff for some time. The game was fairly even for most of the first half with both sides getting plenty of possession but Decliners defence, superbly marshaled by Ken, looking very solid. Both Decliners goals came from speculative shots parried by the keeper with first Kenty and then Toby following up to score. After the break Accies looked to step things up but a third goal within five minutes effectively settled the contest, a great break down the right by Mike who cut back for Kenty to score with a first time shot. Toby scored a peach from outside the area and then Gaffers rounded the keeper after running on to a through ball to make it 5. Accies continued to work hard but their injury count also began to grow and in the end we blew up a couple of minutes early to save old bones. A great game played in good spirit, look forward to seeing you in Bristol in the new year.
Decliners FC vs Easton Monday 95
Congratulations to Monday 95 who strolled to the over 50’s title after a difficult first half hour against Decliners, who went into a two goal lead after Ross and then Russ, with a sumptuous lob, scored. Monday were in some disarray but already looked dangerous from set pieces, with Timmy P clearing off the line. A well worked goal was followed by a penalty before the break and the teams went in level 2-2 at HT. Monday were now full of confidence and took the lead with a superb header off a corner at the back stick. The 4th had some good fortune with a lucky ricochet but the 5th was a goal of the highest quality, volleyed in by the striker from a perfectly delivered free kick. A disappointing result for us but without a doubt the better team won and Monday are worthy champions.