Match Report by Russ Chapman
Photos Courtesy of Broonpics Sports Photography

Vics welcomed Whitchurch to Beatrice Avenue for their penultimate game of 2023. With Newport waiting in the wings on Boxing Day a good performance today would solidify Alex Smith's challenge to beat their rivals for the first time for many a season.

Vics came out of the blocks quickly and peppered the Whitchurch goal for a full 20 minutes, three chances for Jez Conway were not taken before JOSH NEALE tucked away beautifully in the 16th minute from an Aedan Coode cross. 1-0

The Vic’s forward line continued to terrorise the Whitchurch defence and chances for Neale, twice and Conway were not good enough to beat Whitchurch’s number 1. Vics did increase their lead on 26 minutes though, a great ball into the box from Jordan Chapman found JI NASH who slotted home nicely 2-0.

On 31 minutes, Chapman's inch perfect ball found the head of Harrison Berry who’s header went just over the bar. Further chances for Coode, Nash and Brad Young weren’t taken, then totally against the run of play, Whitchurch’s first real attempt on goal in the 40th minute was a goal of the season contender, SAM FREEMAN gathered the ball on the angle of the box and curled an unstoppable gem into the Vics net leaving Alex Ram absolutely no chance.2-1

Whitchurch tails were up and right on half time could have equalised, Brett Denham missing by inches.

HALF TIME 2-1

The second half started tentatively, both sides not offering a lot but on 56 minutes Ash Neal hit a beauty for Whitchurch , but Alex Ram was equal to the effort and made a fingertip save to deny the visitors an equaliser.

Further chances for Nash and Young were just off the mark and Whitchurch youngster Ethan Abrehart was unlucky after an exquisite effort just went over the bar after a cheeky chipped effort from fully 25 yards. Vics extended their lead on 83 minutes though, great work from lively substitute CHARLIE MARSEK took him clear from defenders around him and he smashed an unstoppable shot it the bottom corner of the Whitchurch net, 3-1.

Vics should have extended their lead in the 90th Minute, a miss hit shot found Jordan Chapman alone 6 yards out, but his effort cleared the crossbar, Vics had another great opportunity a minute later, Josh Neal’s mazy run into the box saw the Vics striker upended, the referee pointing straight to the spot and sin binning Whitchurch number 5 Jake Impiazzi for something he said. Jacob Reynolds stepped up to take the spot kick but his effort sailed high and wide.

Whitchurch pulled one back in the 94th minute, a penalty after a hand ball from Harry Taylor was dispatched by BRETT DENHAM 3-2.

Vics still had an opportunity in the 96th minute, Harry Taylor with the ball at the corner flag turned 3 Whitchurch defenders inside out and hit a wonderstrike that the keeper palmed onto the crossbar, football action, alone , worth every penny of the entrance fee.

FULL TIME 3-2

Writers comment
A dominant performance , but we allowed our opponents to make it nerve wracking at the end. Keep it going lads, a matter of pride and glory Boxing Day, we are fully capable of beating our rivals for the first time in many a season.UTV