Report

Metrogas blow out Vets cup hopes

Sporting Hackney’s hopes of extending their LFA Vets Cup run beyond Christmas were snuffed out in south east London on Saturday (12 November) by 2010 runners-up Metrogas, a New Eltham side powered by a number of ex-pros and former non-league players.

After an encouraging 3-0 home win against EDF Energy a month ago, Danny Lonergan’s veterans were ill-prepared for the step up in class presented by the 2010 runners-up, a team who play weekly in the Southern Vets league and simply had more spark and quality than Sporting’s first round opponents.

Despite fielding a virtually unchanged starting line-up – surely the first-time ever – Hackney’s vets were slow to ignite, too often second to the ball and surrendered possession with alarming frequency, a sin they soon paid for when second team stalwart Pat Greene was robbed on the edge of his own area leaving keeper Mark Chamberlain stranded.

Hackney responded well initially and Greene quickly made amends with a powerful header from a swinging Ben Watson free kick to bring the scores level. The visitor’s celebrations were shortlived, however, as Metrogas re-asserted their supremacy profiting from two more Hackney mistakes to lead 3-1 at half-time, their third a delicate lob over Chamberlain’s head.

Lonergan rang the changes for the second period, using all five allowable substitutes as Hackney fought back well, matching Metrogas for energy and effort for much of the second half before the home side’s striker broke clear to put the tie beyond doubt. Watson spurned a late chance to reduce the deficit when his spot kick was easily saved after Lonergan had been upended in the box.

It was a disappointing result for the Vets, largely down to a shaky start, but by the end Metrogas knew they’d had been in a tough match.

The cup run may be over for this season, but Lonergan’s side will continue to build on the excellent turn-outs and team spirit with a series of friendly fixtures over the coming months.