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VICS MARCH INTO SEMI FINALS |
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Wednesday, 14 February 2007 |
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Saturday 24th February 2007
FA Trophy Quarter Final
Vics 3 v 0 Gravesend
Yet another resolute and accomplished display earned Vics an FA Trophy semi final place and further underlined their dramatic improvement in fortunes since the beginning of 2007.
Any disappointment from the unfortunate set back experienced late last Tuesday evening against Altrincham was quickly dispelled by a bright and brisk opening. And their early dominance came close to being rewarded when a weak clearance by keeper Lance Cronin fell to Carr but his return shot was just scrambled away by the fortuitous Gravesend keeper. Slatter replied for the visitors with a well-struck shot that flew marginally wide. Stuart Elliott, one of Vics' recent stars that have been influential in their change of fortunes, was forced to limp from play after barely 28 minutes to be replaced by Andrew Smart. Yet the setback immediately proved to be minimal and, after a probing Vics attack had resulted in a corner, GRIFFITHS arrived in the box to score with a meticulously placed header into the bottom corner of the net.
A continuation of spirit, work rate and profuse ability proved sufficient to ensure a half time lead that was only threatened on the one occasion when Slatter cleared the bar from an edge of the box pile driver.
Directly from the restart Gravesend set out to get back on level terms but a resolute Vics rearguard looked unlikely to capitulate. And with Griffiths, Charnock, Battersby and the equally impressive substitute Andrew Smart all outstanding, Vics had an effective launch pad to move forward and win the game. To that aim they quickly set another foundation when the sometimes under appreciated Danny Mayman dragged a corner kick back for BATTERSBY to drill his shot into the corner of the net. Gravesend were now rattled and three minutes later another Vics raid down the right led to a cross that debutant Matthew SHAW proved himself sufficiently determined to get on the end of and bundle over the goal line.
Given the level of superiority Vics had shown in the previous hour it was now fair to assume that the result was beyond reasonable doubt. And so, for the most part, that proved to be the reality. The ubiquitous Michael Carr won the ball on the right to set up Mayman whose resulting shot cleared the bar by inches before Gravesend conjured a forlorn but spirited revival. Varney guided a Ledgister cross wide of a gaping goal before Roberts was adjudged to have handled inside the penalty area. Connett saved the spot kick and then palmed away a late Varney strike to ensure a score line that was in keeping with the quality of performance displayed by the whole of the squad used.
Attendance: 810
Man of The Match: Mark Roberts.
Pete Wilson
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 29 June 2008 )
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