Match Report by Russ Chapman
Photos Courtesy of Broonpics Sports Photography

Vics welcomed second place Downton to Beatrice Avenue for their last game of 2023 and after the Boxing day defeat to Newport, things had to improve.
Manager Alex Smith changed things slightly, bringing back Raff Boyd- Kerr after suspension and Charlie Marsek after injury.

Vics started very brightly and were in front in the first minute, JI NASH set up on 25 yards and his shot , left the keeper flat Footed. 1-0

Downton could have equalised 5 minutes later, Alex Ram saving well from Joe Smith who was in on goal.

Vics should have doubled their lead on 17 minutes, Ji Nash cut the ball back for Charlie Marsek , his effort from 6 yards out somehow hit the post when the goal looked a formality. 3 minutes later Jacob Reynolds fine low drive smashed the post and went to safety.

At this point Downton offered nothing really and after an injury to Brad Young , who had to go off and was replaced by Toby snow, Vic’s scored again, a fine move in the 39th minute, Jordan Chapman's pinpoint cross found Jez Conway, who’s shot was saved by Ollie Bull in the Downton goal but he could only divert the ball to the onrushing JACOB REYNOLDS who smashed the ball home in style. 2-0

Ji Nash’s super effort on 43 minutes was well saved again by Bull . Downton's only effort of note in the first half was a great effort from Freddie Ingram , but Alex Ram in Vic’s goal made a wonder save to divert the ball over the bar.

HALF TIME 2-0

With the wind and driving rain now favouring Downton, it took only 7 minutes to pull a goal back, a lovely side footed finish from WILL MACKIE into the corner gave Ram no chance.

A minute later and Joe Smith could have equalized, his header going over. Chances for Ji Nash and Josh Neale weren’t taken and with the game end to end and meaty challenges going in the game was really open.

Downton got their equaliser on 81 minutes, a ball into the box was controlled like Velcro and smashed home from 6 yards by JOE SMITH. 2-2

Josh Neale's effort on 86 minutes was cleared off the line. It was all on the line for both sides now and with the ref playing an extra 7 minutes both dugouts were biting their nails, but a draw was probably a fair result.

FULL TIME 2-2

Writers comment:
After a disappointing Boxing day, today was the chance for redemption and a performance of the highest quality had the 182 fans in the crowd buzzing in the first half. Great effort lads. We can, on this performance make the play offs. UTV