I hadn’t planned to do a ‘Side View’ so didn’t take notes or too much notice of who was who, well I sort of did as I tend to watch all football games fairly analytically, but I had no intention of scribing a report.

This is the first time I’ve been to a V’s game in a long while, what with no crowds at professional level I was very much looking forward to a match under lights in the first autumnal chill of the season. I wasn’t to be disappointed as fine game was served up with plenty of action, goals, spills, cards and ultimately a comprehensive victory for the V’s.

This comprehensive victory was hard won and hard fought, particularly in the first half where Mile Oak stood their ground threatening in short bursts without really controlling the game. Early exchanges were pretty even Mile Oaks nippy (7) Aneso Sisimaya (spelling) looking dangerous, his link play with (11) Matt Thompson a couple of times almost caused problems, V’s solid defence held firm. What was noticeable was the energy of the V’s tempo, the midfield hunting in pack’s of 2’s and 3’s surrounding the player with the ball pressing relentlessly, I did wonder if they would be able to keep this up, the thing is with this press is that whilst it is physically draining it is mentally draining for the opposition. Later on in the game Mile Oak had suffered mentally from this, not given up but just worn down by being denied space.

So the press and the hunt in the middle was led by (4) Loz Edwards and timber carrying (8) Joe Keehan, those around joined the fray to win possession, feed the channels and force Mile Oaks keeper into a series of saves. One cleared off the line, then the keeper tipping it onto the bar back to a V where the stab was cleared off the line again. Surely just a matter of time? Strange that the first goal should come from such a basic error, a short throw in back to the keeper (9) Matt Waterman cleverly anticipates nips in and lobs the keeper. That goal gave the V’s the first taste the first whiff of blood and the impetus to ‘go again’, to continue the choke hold on the midfield. Another ball into the left channel, a deep cross from (3) Alfie Gates is headed goal bound, the keeper tips onto the post (10) Josh Jones follows up with a cool finish.

The second half Mile Oak not surprising come out with intent and certainly have the better of the opening combat, their attempts on goal by (9) Biggs flash wide, Matt Gotel (mad as a box of frogs) in goal doesn’t have a save to make. With Mile Oak pushing the game opens up a bit, a break away starts with a lovely pass from (8) ‘sweet feet’ Joe stretches all the way to the left where (7) Ryan Storrie rasping shot is parried to (9) Matt his tap is off side. Again Mile Oak are opened up, this time (7) Ryan providing the through ball to (10) Josh, keeper comes out of his area and takes him out. Yellow card. Another through ball, (9) Matt gets taken out by a defender, yellow card, that’s the third in the space of a minutes, this is where that mental fatigue is impacting Mile Oak. Eventually (9) Matt and (10) Josh combine deep in the area and the third goal is the one that really kills any come back from Mile Oak. Finally with about 10 mins to go a cross finds (8) Joe, he uses all of his timber and his sweet feet to force the ball over the line on the second attempt, capping a good night for him.

I would say a very fine nights work for the V’s where it was a real team effort, a real collective, a game plan that looked from the side to be well executed, orchestrated by (8) Joe and (4) Loz in the middle. Of course the goal scores will want the lime light, without the engine of the middle of the park and the unyielding resolve of the defence the lads up top would have nothing.

Stand out players or Mile Oak, (1) goal keeper Aaron making lots of saves, (5) Michael Gould did very well, what I call a proper defender (7) Aneso gave endless running and tricks and Tom Biggs who's pace and shooting caused alarm in the V's defence.

Stand out for the V’s, well a bit unfair as everyone did their bit, (2) Dom I haven’t mentioned is not only solid but a quality player, (4) Loz busy all night, however Man of the Match has to go to Joe Keehan.

Well done to both teams putting on an excellent game of football, and a mention for Dave Bridges who has worked tirelessly to get this game on.