Old Lats H

Match Report 2004/5

Meadhurst Vets Home vs Old Lats lost 2-1

Always a tough fixture and this was no exception. Martin Atkins playing his last game before leaving for China complained that they looked too young. – but he says that about most people these days. In fact Old Lats fielded the usual suspects and they were, as usual, firm in the defensive tackle and irritatingly quick upfront.

However with Andy Keywood back and Rob Sage and Andy Lee combative in midfield Meadhurst held their own without looking very likely to score. In fact Old Lats took the lead as good pressure left them with a free man on the edge of the box and a well-struck goal.

Jack’s amusing run as ref continues as he changed his mind about awarding Meadhurst a penalty after blowing for handball and allowed Dene’s equaliser for Meadhurst despite Dene being in an offside position. Actually both decisions were correct (it wasn’t handball and the ball was played backwards to Dene) but everyone one was relieved to get to half time and a change of ref (even though it turned out to be Martin).

While Old Lats probably edged the first half the second belonged to Meadhurst. Moving Rob Sage to full back nullified the Old Lats pace and Meadhurst controlled the first 30 mins with new boy Steve Petridis holding the ball up front and the Meadhurst midfield getting on top of a tiring Old Lats.

Sadly Cuzzy chose that moment to be the only person on the field not to realise that Colin had come out of his goal to pick up the ball and under no pressure proceeded to stroke the ball sweetly into his own goal. Old Lats were understandably encouraged and come back into the game with Rob Sage making a difficult clearance in front of his own goal. Actually it involved kicking the ball over the bar from 3 yards – so quite easy for Rob.

Meadhurst rallied and finished strongly but found the Old Lats keeper up the task as good efforts from Dick and Brian Smith were saved well and Cuzzy and Dick could have scored with headers as Meadhurst forced a succession of corners. But they didn’t and Old Lats were slightly fortunate to win a competitive game enjoyed by both sides.

With Rob celebrating the birth of a new child, Martin celebrating a year in China and Cuzzy atoning for the og the post match fixture in the bar went well and was also enjoyed by both teams.

2003/4 Season

Meadhurst vs Old Lats, at Meadhurst a 1:1 draw

A good result all in all. The rain would have led to a cancellation if we had not been able to swap to the old rugby pitch and indeed the weather was miserable throughout the first half.

Old Lats were clearly up for this, no doubt stung by our famous 4-1 win at Old Lats last season. For 30 minutes they ran the game. Two useful forwards moved the back four around and it needed all of Cuzzy, Dick and Keys experience to keep it organised. Taking advantage of our 4-4-2 formation and the effectiveness of the Old Lats forwards they also pushed a defender into the midfield, effectively playing 3-5-2. This was uncalled for really as our midfield has struggled a little this year with Mike Petch carrying an injury. We weathered the early pressure (but not before Colin was called upon to make a couple of good saves) and were beginning to get into the game when Old Lats got their reward by winning the ball in midfield and slotting a good ball to the forward that had had pulled off Cuzzy's shoulder. 1-0 to Old Lats.

A competitive game got more so as firm tackles led to firmer words and a few complaints to the ref but the ref stood by his decisions and everyone got back to trying to control the ball in difficult conditions. Dick Brockwell and Andy Keywood were the most successful in this respect and sure enough Keys found Dogga with a long ball just outside the box. With not much else on Paul came inside his man and hit a fine shot from 25 yards hitting the underside of the bar and into the net. 1-1 at half time.

The second half was a bit ragged as both sides made it hard for the other to settle. Old Lats excellent forwards were cancelled out by our excellent back 4 (including Martin Atkins). Neither midfield got on top and the forwards on both sides lacked much service. Both sides had chances to win it but in truth 1:1 was fair result in the end.

The competitive behaviour on the field dissolved into an amiable chat in the bar over beer and roast potatoes and both sides are looking forward to the return game in March.

2002/3 Game cancelled - Old Lats couldn't raise a team

Madhurst Vets vs Old Lats

We knew this would be a tough one. A moment of wild enthusiasm at the 7’s last year and Cuzzy had signed up for home and away’s against a team that we dropped because the size of the defeats was becoming embarrassing.

A rash of injuries and holidays meant that team selection was easy but to be honest this was a game that should have seen Ferguson, Barber and Parratt on the pitch. The tactics went out the window very quickly too. Playing 3-4-3 with our 3 available recognised forwards (ie someone we recognise who stands up front) was a gamble that looked like working until the pace of the game took its toll. John Lovegrove pulled a hamstring after 5 mins and had to come off and Don aggravated his old calf injury but limped on. Old Lats had their problems too as one of their midfielders limped off and one of their very quick forwards picked up a thigh injury (Cuzzy said sorry I believe) that slowed him considerably. A fairly even first half was drawing to a fair 0-0 half time when a Gary Neville sort of cross (albeit from the right) had the pace and dip to beat Glen in the far top corner of the goal. 1-0 at half time.

Switching as planned to 4-4-2 at half time with Dogga up front with Dene and Ian Bolter playing right midfield worked surprisingly well and the Old Lats forwards started to look a little isolated. Persistence from Roy down the left gave us the equaliser and we looked like we could improve from there. However we lost concentration and work rate and conceded too rather sloppy goals. A cross that should never have been allowed was met by a forward who had got goal side of Cuzzy giving Glen no chance. Poor defensive positioning let them in for a third as we tried to push forward and at 3-1 down with 12 mins to play a neutral would have said the game was all over. But it was Old Lats turn to lose concentration and a good piece of play down the right wing gave a simple tap in for Dene to make it 3-2. Even so it looked too little too late. Still one of the reasons we switch to 4-4-2 is to allow Dick to come forward which he did to good effect 2 mins from time with a shot that the goal keeper probably should have saved … but didn’t.

A draw was probably fair and both teams enjoyed a game that was at the competitive end of the Vets football spectrum.

Memorable moments: Dogga’s first game for the Vets, Dogga not thumping his man after being up ended. Dick connecting with a corner cross with a shot from 9 yards that everyone was very pleased not to get in the way off. Gary shooting from distance with a shot along the ground … the pigeons and squirrels were very grateful.

Match Report 2004/5

Meadhurst Vets Home vs Old Lats lost 2-1

Send mail to jack.frost@DELETETHISBIThemscott.net with questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: October 31, 2004

Send mail to jack.frost@DELETETHISBIThemscott.net with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: October 31, 2004