Report

Last match of the season today, but no last day tensions for the Metros this year with Division 2 status assured by the points gained from last weeks home walkover.  No so for today’s opponents however who need to win to maintain their challenge for the title.  With both previous games this season having been close affairs it was hoped that this would be another entertaining game.

The Metros started well, with the benefit of a gusting wind more or less behind them.  They came close to opening the scoring early on as a free-kick on the right was flicked on into the path of Mark whose firm strike was tipped onto the bar to safety by the Vics keeper.  The remainder of the half was as expected, closely contested, with both teams at times playing some excellent football.  Vics perhaps provide the greater consistent goal threat but for the most part were restricted to shots from distance or headers from their towering centre half from free-kicks and corners.  The Metros were similarly frustrated however and the thought was that not taking advantage of the best of the conditions might prove costly (0-0 HT).

Into the second half and Vics scored early, a nice passing move opening up the Metros defence – Luke did brilliantly to deny the strikers initial shot but was unable to keep out the follow up (1-0).  A second soon followed as Luke spilled a shot that possibly he could have left, the loose ball being knocked across goal for a close range finish (2-0).  Further misfortune followed as the wind caught a goal kick allowing Vics to gain possession and finish the game as a contest (3-0).  To their credit Metros kept going and continued to play some nice football but were unable to find the right final ball in order to really create many clear cut chances (3-0 FT).

Another decent performance today – 3-0 is a somewhat harsh score-line although Vics overall were worth their win and will be happy that results elsewhere (Wilmslow taking a point off Merseybank!) leaves the title in their own hands. 

This has been a strange division this season, with all teams seemingly capable of taking points off each other and the Metros can look at the fact that they have beaten all the teams above them excluding Merseybank and Vics as a source of some pride mixed perhaps with a little measure of frustration that their own inconsistency cost them a chance to challenge.  What has been encouraging however is the spirit that they have maintained in the second half of the season when results weren’t going their way – hopefully as many of them as possible will put themselves forward for a place in the team in the Youth division next season.

Man of the match:  All the back four were excellent today and it would be hard to choose between them. Colleen however nominated Jonny for the award today and on her final day as Metros coach it would be churlish to dispute her choice. 

On that note, I will take this opportunity to offer a big thank-you on behalf of the players and parents (and Rob and myself) to Colleen for her time and effort as coach over the past three seasons, which have seen two promotions, two cup finals and a season of consolidation in Division 2.  She will be much missed.

And finally, good luck to all the players in their forthcoming exams!