Raynes Park Vale Football Club
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Ravnes Park Vale v Merrow

Combined Counties League cup 2°^Round

Tuesday 30th September 2003-09-30

At;- Grand Drive

Vale Team:- Cornwell, D.Morrow, Toulson, Femandez, Fyffe, Victor, Sendawula, G-Morrow, Wicks, Kendall, PJordan. SUBS -Kennedy, Perkins, Emptage

Merrow Team:- Goodall, Brooks, Dunkley, Rees, TMtchell, Darnell, Femandez, Stables, Backwell, R.Mitchell, Trevethan, SUBS - Hawkins, Hart, Carey

Vale were warm favourites for this League Cup tie against first division Merrow who progressed due to Chessington & Hook United playing an ineligible player in the first round. Vale had overcome a physical Farleigh Rovers in the previous round and were keen to make progress in the competition following some poor recent league form. Vale took the lead as early as the 4* minute when Doug MORROW, unmarked at the far post, skilfully headed home Paul Jordan's corner. On 7 minutes, a spell of good possession and pressure led to Wicks driving just wide. Merrow were pushing a lot of players forward giving Vale lots of space to play in. On 13 minutes it was 2-0 as KENDALL outpaced a static back three to score clinically past Goodall. Kendall was just over with a powerful drive soon after. Graham Morrow hooked the ball just wide on 16 minutes. Vale were hurrying Merrow into mistakes and some rash tackles. The match was hardly a sell out but the hardy souls in attendance were receiving some good entertainment. On 26 minutes, Victor appeared to be pulled back in the area but no penalty was forthcoming. Sendawula squandered a good chance after some good control while Femandez was terrier like in midfield as Vale continued to dominate. On 31 minutes it was 3-0 as Graham Morrow eluded Dunkley again and chipped to the front post where WICKS prodded the ball home. A long ball from Cornwell found Graham Morrow whose perfect cross should have been converted by Kendall from 6 yards. On 42 minutes it was 4-0 to a rampant Vale as Kendall dropped his shoulder on a defender before driving across Goodall into the far comer of the net.

 

HALF TIME 4-0. A hard working and tenacious performance and the scoreline fully merited

Hawkins and Carey replaced Dunkley and Trevethan. Once again, Vale opened brightly maintaining their first half momentum. A fine turn and pass from Femandez found Paul Jordan in space. He cut inside and unleashed a fine 25 yard drive which Goodall tipped over. The same player was just wide on 53 minutes and he was well wide after some nice skill from Toulson set him up. On 56 minutes a cross cum shot from Darnell was the visitors first attempt of sorts on goal! 2 minutes later however and Cornwell had to tip over a fine Darnell free kick as Vale allowed the visitors into the game, which in truth was already won. Goodall was alert to deny Wicks and then Kendall following a communication breakdown in Merrow's defence. Sendawula was lively on the right and Paul Jordan was not alert to his excellent cross. Vale were not the finished product of the first half but were still on top and capable of more goals. Emptage replaced Kendall on 68 minutes. Tony Mitchell received a head injury following a brave header while under pressure from Emptage. Vale began to ease off and Hart hit the post with a header and Tony Mitchell headed over from a corner. An excellent set play from a fine Wicks corner saw VICTOR head home on 77 minutes to make it 5-0. Kennedy replaced the excellent Fernandez a minute later. 2 minutes later and Wicks out-muscled Rees but saw his shot hit the post. On 85 minutes, Merrow scored a consolation goal. Cornwell saved a lob well but the ball popped up to HART to lob home from close range. Darnell put Stables in but he pulled his shot wide. At the death, Jordan's corner was headed goalwards by Kennedy but tipped over by the netminder.

A pretty solid performance against somewhat limited opposition and a fine morale boost ahead of a tough looking game against Ash on Saturday.

Man of the match was Mark Fernandez for a grafting all action midfield display followed by Graham Morrow who appears to be coming back to something like his past form.

Sandhurst F.C. V Raynes Park Vale F.C.

Saturday 27th September 2003.

On a hard dry and dusty pitch with mainly brown grass to be seen the Vale found it hard to get their passing game going, all to easy possession was lost, putting the Vale defence under constant pressure for the first period.

A rare advance into the opponents half saw Auvil fouled and Paul Jordans free-kick go for a corner. From the resulting corner, that was driven low, Joe headed on for Mathius to fire home.

It was not long before a free-kick on Sandhursts right-wing was played into the goal-area, was not cleanly cleared. The Sandhurst centre-forward slotted the ball home past Ed.

Rawle then had a good chance saved by the keeper but being caught too many times off-side restricted the vales chances for the remainder of the first-half.

H.T. 1-1.

The second-half started in similar vein to the first with Sandhurst getting on top and it was not surprising when a scramble in the Vale goal-mouth was fired home to put Sandhurst in front.

The Vale now started to get more into the game, Rawle was substituted, Wicks saw a free-kick headed wide, before another smartly taken free-kick found Arvil in space to fire home to level up the score.

From then on the game became even with end to end play, and as it looked like a draw was on the cards, untill the Vale allowed Sandhurst to play the ball back and forwards across the goal before scoring the winning goal

F.T. 3-2.

Vale M.o.M. Auvil Fyffe.

Raynes Park Vale v Vickers Crayford Dartford Athletic

FA VASE 2nd QUALIFYING ROUND

Saturday 20th September 2003

Played at Grand Drive

Vale Team :- Cornwell, D.Morrow, Perkins, Cox, Victor, Fyffe(C), Skinner, G.Morrow, Wicks, Kendall, P.Jordan. Subs:-Sendawula, Heard, Fernandez, Clinton.

V.C.D. Team :- Pike, Noads, Thomson, Roberts, Coatham, Hunt, Ward, Penny, Henson. Main, Bates(C).

Subs:- Arnold, Adcock, Northover, Russell, Smith

Vale looked to bounce back from a disappointing 4-7 reverse at Chipstead in midweek by attempting to qualify for the first round proper of the prestigious FA Vase. Vale had done their homework on their Kent League visitors having watched them midweek. Once again the Grand Drive playing surface was in excellent condition, largely thanks to Micky Cox as the game started in a balmy 78 degrees of fine Autumn sunshine. Vale welcomed back Fyffe and Paul Jordan while VCD added skipper Bates to their starting line up. As early as the second minute Vale should have led when a break by Wicks down the left saw his cross headed wide by Kendall. The visitors were surprisingly flagged for offside on 4 minutes and Coxs angled free kick found Skinner but he drove his cross too high across the goal. On 7 minutes Kendall was blatantly pushed and he clattered into keeper Pike causing his substitution. Thankfully the feared broken shin appeared no more than muscle damage. A ball into the area found Henson on 13 minutes and his clever turn and shot brought a fine save from Cornwell. 2 minutes later and the excellent Penny clipped the bar with a fine chip. On 20 minutes, a harsh free kick against Fyffe was taken by Penny and pushed onto the post by Cornwell. VCD appeared aggrieved by the Pike injury and were beginning to take some level of control as Vale failed to test the 18 year old reserve keeper Smith. Senduwula replaced Perkins on 27 minutes. Four minutes later and the visitors took a deserved lead. Deep lying Bates found Penny whose delicate lay off found MAIN who skipped past Cox and scored low to Cornwells right from 20 yards. Vales response was immediate. Jordan drove over from 25 yards and then Kendall and Wicks combined to find Jordan and his volley was expertly pushed over by Smith. A decent sized crowd were enjoying an intriguing contest. On 44 minutes a terrific crossfield ball found Skinner who cut inside Thomson and his 20 yard drive thundered against the bar and over with Smith well beaten. Cornwell saved well with his feet from Penny and Wards follow up was blocked. A good first half with Vale well in contention but VCD shaded the midfield battles. Vale need to pass the ball quicker and better.

HALF TIME VALE 0-1 VCD ATH

Just 2 minutes into the resumption and the visitors extended their lead. Arnold had replaced the influential Penny. He found BATES who eluded three defenders to virtually waltz the ball into the net having had his initial shot blocked. 2 minutes later and it should have been all over when Mann was put clear but his shot was saved by the legs of Cornwell. Jordan struck a 35 yard free kick straight at Smith as Vale struggled to get another foothold in a game that was getting away from them. Fyffe was booked for complaing too vehemently about an obvious foul which was not awarded to Vale. Northover, on for the tiring Noads was released on the left but his shot across Cornwell eluded the upright. Heard replaced Cox. Wicks broke clear of some tight marking but his through ball was too strong for Kendall. Soon after, Doug Morrow put Kendall in but no penalty was awarded when he appeared to be pulled back. On 76 minutes, Jordan was well wide from 30 yards and then a fine run and cross from Sendawula brought a fine save from an excellent Wicks drive. Vale were striving for a goal but VCD were resolute and dangerous on the break. Cornwell was alert and quick off his line to deny Main as time ran out for the home side. Ward chipped in to Arnold who headed just over and Sendawula was wild and wide with a shot as VCD saw the game out far too comfortably for a deserved win. Vale were very flat at the final whistle and there appears to be hard work ahead for the coaching staff to lift morale following the most disappointing of weeks in SW20.

Man of the Match for Vale was a difficult choice as most players were below par but Rawle Kendall gets the nod for some nice touches just ahead of Joe Victor.

 

F.A. Cup 1st Qualifying Round

Raynes Park Vale v Folkestone Invicta

Saturday 13th September 2003

At:- Grand Drive

Raynes Park Vale Team :- Cornwell, D. Morrow, Perkins, Kennedy, Toulson, Fyffe, Skinner, Victor, Wicks, Kendall, G.Morrow. SUBS:- Cox, Giwa, Sendawula, Woznica, Hind.

 

Folkestone Invicta Team :- Kessells, Watkins, Larkin, Flanagan, Guest, Everitt, Chandler, Munday, Dryden, Tait, Millar. SUBS:- Blackman, Hegley, Dyson, Winfield, Holdway.

 

Dr. Martens Eastern Division side Folkestone Invicta visited Grand Drive for an F.A .Cup 1st qualifying round tie having disposed of Dulwich Hamlet, 3-1, in the preliminary round. This was always going to be a stern test for the Seagrave Haulage League side. Vale were already playing their fourth cup tie of the season, but optimism was high following their ten man demolition of Whitstable Town away in the preliminary round.

Folkestone opened brightly on an excellent surface while Vale, playing a 4-4-2 formation, had the first real opportunity when Wicks struck a free kick straight at Kessells after 6 minutes. Just a minute later Cornwell was alert to deny Dryden at the other end. On 15 minutes, Vale struggled to clear the ball and the already impressive Tait volleyed over from 15 yards. 3 minutes later and Millar cut in from the right and eluded two tackles before pulling his shot inches wide from 18 yards. Vale looked uneasy at the back although Kennedy showed some nice touches and some composure. Tait was causing Vale all manner of problems with his shooting and running and Doug Morrow needed to be alert to clear his dangerous cross on 24 minutes. Vale were slowly easing themselves into the game and Wicks was denied by Kessells following a through ball and moments later he saved bravely at the feet of Kendall. Vale were improving now as the visitors early pressure and possession went unrewarded. Vales first corner, taken by Wicks, was headed wide by Perkins after 32 minutes and 3 minutes later a great turn by Kendall ended with him shooting inches wide. Chandler was booked for a foul on the tireless Fyffe and just on half time, Kendall put Wicks clear but he hesitated as Kessells approached and the chance was gone. HALF TIME 0-0.

The visitors bombarded Vale after the break and were awarded a penalty on 48 minutes which Chandler blazed well wide. 4 minutes later he tried to make amends but shot wide again and soon after Tait shot wide. Folkestone deservedly took the lead on 57 minutes when hesitant defending saw Taits cross converted by the unmarked DRYDEN. Tait almost increased the lead soon after but his mazy run ended with a shot well wide. Dryden headed wide on 62 minutes and Kennedy was booked for a comment made to a linesman. Watkins headed wide as the visitors looked to confirm their place in the next round. Substitute Sendawula failed to connect with a shot following a goalmouth scramble. Graham Morrow looked threatening on the left and a cross to Sendawula at the far post was volleyed behind. On 77 minutes the tie was over when Doug Morrow was dispossessed by Dryden who bore down on goal. His shot was well saved but not held and HEGLEY tapped the ball into an empty net. Cornwell saved well from Hegley on 82 minutes and Tait drove over. Vale were giving their best and matched Folkestones fitness but had little luck in and around the area. Folkestone continued to create and spurn chances and on 89 minutes a Wicks drive shot up of the surface and was well saved by Kessells.

FULL TIME 0-2.

An entertaining game watched by a good sized crowd and Vale can look forward to their FA Vase clash next week with much optimism.

Man of the matchMike Kennedy just ahead of Auvil Fyffe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raynes Park Vale F.C. v Feltham F.C.

Tuesday 2nd September 2003

Raynes Park Vale again started with a new back four, this time with Auvil taking a central role in the defence. Feltham who finished forth in the league last season are aiming to do well this season, especially as they will be able to announce very soon that they have the go ahead for their new stadium.

Feltham from the start were the side keen to get a foot into tackles, but the first five minutes were an evenly balanced affair played mainly in the middle of the pitch. With the Vale still not in their stride , an attack by Feltham down their left wing saw Joe beaten and a cross not taken out going to the far side of the goal where Danny Lovett side-footed the ball into a empty goal.

Feltham kept the pressure on the Vale having the ball cleared off the goal line from a corner, and it was not long before Danny Lovett showed his pace to beat Ed onto a through ball, rounding Ed before slotting the ball home.

The Vale slowly got their momentum going forcing a few corner, before their best chance of the first half came to Wicks running onto a through ball firing just over the bar with the goal at his mercy. Another chance saw Mathius collect a ball on the right of the goal area from a mix-up between the keeper and a defender only to slot the ball across an empty Feltham goal.

H.T.0-2.

Afis came off for Skins, and the Vale started to throw more players forward, this saw Felthams best chances of the second-half coming from breakaways. With the Vale at last starting to get behind the Feltham defence it was only a matter of time before a cross from Dave Heard was headed home by Skins.

Rawle saw his volley on the run go wide of goal, and clear-cut chances just did not come. It was Feltham who held their shape, substituting players in defence, mid-field and up front throughout the second-half.

Lee came on for Paul but the Vale could still not breakdown Feltham, and it was Feltham who could had scored when their forward was clean through with Ed only to beat, but shot off target. In the end the Vale just lacked that something extra which they had at Whitstable on Saturday, and Felthams management said it was a much improved performance on their other matches this season.

F.T.1-2

F.A. VASE - First Qualifying Round

Wick F.C. V Raynes Park Vale F.C.

Saturday 6th September 2003.

The F.A. Vase cup tie with Wick F.C. brings another chance for a trip to the south coast, and to a compact ground with good facilities. Howeverthe pitch surface was rock hard and this affected any chance of good quality football.

Wicks defence from the start struggled to cope with the pace of the Vales forwards and with the mid field and defence not giving much away all looked good for the Vale.

With shots from Wicks, Graham Morrow and Mathius, and a number of corners, one of which saw Rob Toulson volleying wide from a corner, it seemed not long before the Vale would score Some of the passing moves were not coming off due to the slightly uneven hard surface.

Wicks best chance came from a corner that had the resulting header beat Ed only to go wide. Skins made a good run down the right wing crossed to Mathius facing away from goal on the penalty spot, he turned and shot low into the net to put the Vale in-front at last..

H.T. 0-1.

Wick came out in the second half a lot more upbeat. First a shot / cross beat Ed but went wide of the post. At every opportunitythey would run to wards the Vale goal, taking the Vale defence on and getting the ball in the Vale area as often as possible. On one occasion a mix up in the Vale area saw a shot across the Vale goal.

Wick brought on a sub and threw three up front creating a couple of half chances and a few panics in the goal area, where the Wick players seemed to go to ground very easily, but the referee was not interested for any free-kicks.

Vale had chances at the other end to finish the game off, but no more goals came. Dave Heard who had covered a lot of ground came off for Stefan, Skins came off for Rawle, and Majic who had linked up well with Graham came off for Afis. The Vale were made to battle right to the end.

F.T. 0-1.

F.A. CUP Preliminary Round. Saturday 30th August 2003

Whitstable Town F C. v Raynes Park Vale F.C.

Raynes Park Vale start a new campaign in the top football cup competition in England at the seaside town of Whitstable. On a bright sunny day in a ground neat and tidy, with the pitch in reasonable condition, and a fair crowd to cheer the teams on all was set for a great game. Raynes Park Vale again start with a new defensive line up with Doug Morrow back from holiday, and Lee Cox making his first start of the season.

From the start Whitstable looked to take the initiative forcing a couple of corners and several long range shots which sailed high and wide not troubling Ed in the Vale goal. After about ten minutes the Vale showed their first signs of taking a grip on the game, first they forced a couple of corners in quick succession., followed by Mathius making a great sweeping run from the half way line through the Whitstable defence before shooting and bring out a good save from the keeper.

The play became more open with the Vale attaching down both flanks in the way of Skins and Graham. On the other hand it was left to Whitstables defenders to continually rain in long cross from just inside the Vales half. Whitstable found themselves at sixes & sevens in their own box only for Skins to narrowly miss scoring, hitting the post. With the Vale looking more likely to take the lead and about ten minutes till half time, Whitstable No.10 fouled Paul and the referee immediately blew his whistle but in a moment of foolishness Skins ran at the Whitstable player who had fouled, pushing him over. The referee had no choice but to sent Skins off, leaving the Vale down to ten men.

Before the Vale could reshape a long ball forward caught Lee out and left him heading his clearance only into the path of Dominic Harkins who ran on with the ball hitting it low and hard past Ed into the Vale goal. A few minutes later Ed had to make a great save when a Whitstable forward found himself free in the Vale goal area., the Vale were soon happy to here the half time whistle.

H.T.1-0.

The second half started with the Vale reorganising. Lee Cox came off due to not being match fit. Auvil joined Doug in the centre of the defence with Graham coming back to take one side of the defence and Joe staying on the other side where he was having a great game, Wicks dropped back into mid-field and in came Rawle to run up front. The Whitstable manager left thing as they were at the end of the first half.

First signs that things had changed was Wicks getting round the back of the Whitstable defence and crossing only for the keeper to save, but not convincingly. Before Whitstable knew what was going on a great through ball to Rawle left him in the clear and he took his time to line up a volley that powered its way into the back of the net and bring the score level.

This was the key to bring what seemed liked the Vale back to eleven men. Grouty in full voice from the touch line, shouting instructions as if he was out there. Graham on one of only a few forays out of defence won a corner of which Wicks took, crossing the ball for Rawle to head home. When another attract down the left wing was centred the keeper could only parry the ball out for Rawle to hit home his hat-trick and put the Vale 3-1 up. Whitstable seemed to have no answer to the ten men who were running their hearts out.

Wicks went over on the ball only to have a Whitstable player tread on his ankle leaving him no option but to be replaced by Afis. Whitstable brought on their subs but still held the same shape and didnt look like posing any great threat to a well organised defence and mid-field.

Joe at the back and Dave Heard in mid-field started to show signs of tidiness due to the tremendous amount of work they had put into the game, but still Whitstable could make no real headway and it was not until the dying minutes that Ed was brought into action making two saves in quick successions. In the end Whitstable were lucky not to concede a forth when Rawle narrowly missed his shot beating the keeper only to go just wide of the post.

F.T.1-3

M.O.M. Doug Morrow (A tower of strength in a well organised defence.)

From Nigel

Raynes Park Vale F.C. v North Greenford United F.C.

Saturday 23rd August 2003

Raynes Park Vale find themselves starting again with a new back four, Rob Toulson coming in for Doug Morrow. From the start North Greenford took the initiative finding out the Vales weaknesses and exploiting them, whereas the Vale were finding it hard to breakdown a solid defence. After one or two scares on the Vales goal North Greenford found it only to easy to score, playing the ball across the goal-area before scoring. The Vale were getting half chances but to no avail. North Greenford made it two when their forward nipped in front of Ed to head home. It was Skins who kept the Vale in the game poking home in a goal mouth scramble, but it could have been level at half time had the Vale taken a golden opportunity.

H.T.1-2.

The second half was similar to the first and although Richard Bailey was replaced due to not filling well, it was North Greenfords No 7 who was calling all the shots in the middle of the pitch, and he was the player who slotted home their third.

Skins had the beating of their left back but only once showed the kind of pace he used in the previous two games. Rob Toulson found himself the last man when he brought down a Greenford forward with a clumsy challenge in the area for a penalty, this collected him his matching orders. Greenford scored from the spot kick.

Mathius got a second for the Vale, but it was the Vale who had to rue missed chances in a game they were out played for most of the time.

F.T.2-4

M.O.M.

Attendance 36

 

 

 

 

 

Chessington & Hook United F.C. v Raynes Park Vale F.C.

Monday 25th August 2003

With players not available The Vale started the game with a 3-5-2 formation.Joe Victor starting alongside Rob Toulson and Mike Kennedy in defence, while in mid-field Dave Heard came in for Auvil. Neil Wicks was dropped back to play behind a front partnership of Mathius and Rawle. The first-half was dominated by the Vale with only the woodwork and good goal-keeping saving Chessington from being beaten out of site before half-time. It was left to Skinner with a great over-head kick to score the only goal of the first-half, giving the Vale a narrow lead. Three Chessington players saw yellow cards before half-time in a match which was hard fought but not dirty.

H.T.0-1

Paul Jordan who had competed well in the first, had to come off with a sprained ankle and was replaced by Afis. With Chessington getting more and more into the game, it was the Vales players turn to incur the refs displeasure, Dave Heard and Afis now found their names in the referees book. All three subs were soon used by Chessington and after several chances were missed by Chessington, a free kick into the Vale goal area was not cleared leaving a Chessington forward to fire home the equaliser.

Chances came and went at both ends, before Mathius, who had given the Chessington defence the run-around for most of the match was brought down in the box for a penalty.

Wicks playing against his old club stepped up to take the spot kick knowing the pressure was on him, but his spot kick went like a rocket into the roof of the net, the goal keeper didnt even move. The Vale safely saw the final few minutes out.

F.T.1-2

M.O.M. Mathus Sendawual (His continual running kept Chessingtons defence continually on their toes.)

Godalming & Guildford F.C. v Raynes Park Vale F.C.

Saturday 16th August 2003

Raynes Park Vale find themself starting a new season with a tough task against a team who are expecting to do very well this time round, even having a summer camp for their players over in France for a week. On a rock hard pitch both teams moved the ball around skilfully, with play going from end to end. The new look Vale defence with Lee Harkness and Mick Kennedy were proving a sound combination, while up front Wicks, Skins and Rawle were combining together to form a fast and freighting attack for any team to defend against. Ed was commanding in his area coming out regularly to collect the ball, and on Godalmings best chance of the first half, shepherded a forward to the left side of goal when the forward was clean through. Skins started the season with a needless booking. On the half hour a free kick saw Skins get on the goal side of his defender to shoot home the first for The Vale this season. Before the home side new what was happening Wicks nipped in to score, and it was Wicks again who chased a ball down that seemed to be going out, looked up and crossed a great ball for Paul Jordan to head home in the top right corner.

H.T. 0-3.

Godalming pushed three up front, but all was going well for The Vale for a while, evenly narrowly missing a goal from a header which bounced over the bar.Skins was replaced by Afis and Rawle by Mathius.Godalming started to be very dangerous down their right and in a ten minute spell scored three goals to level the score. With the game now on a fine balance The Vale produced a great passing move between Wicks, Paul and Mathius who put the ball away for The Vale to lead again.Godalming sub got his second booking and was sent off. Wicks was again the provider this time for P.J. to rifle home a great shot. It was in the dying seconds of the game that the keeper held Mathius back for a penalty and his red card. P.J. scored from the spot to get his hat-trick

F.T.3-6.

M.O.M. Paul Jordan.(in a game which was a very good team performance)

 
 
 

Raynes Park Vale F.C. V Southall F.C.

Tuesday 19th August 2003

In a game which had plenty of entertainment Southall were given a lesson of what you need to do to win a match score goals. Southall started the better creating four or five good scoring chances only bring Ed into action on one occasion. The Vale always looked dangerous on the break and it was from a free kick by Paul Jordan into the area, where Rawle Kendall nipped in to head home. Soon after it was Rawle again who reacted very fast to gather a back for the keeper round him and shoot only for a defender to handball for a penalty (defender was sent off ), Wicks spot kick gave the keeper no chance. Just before half-time Rawle again rounded the keeper but this time his shot was pushed home for an own-goal.

H.T.3-0

Within ten minutes of the second-half start Southall scored two goals before the Vale woke up.Graham had come on for his brother Doug and Mathius for Rawle. The left wing for Southall was proving a real hand-full and chances were still being made for Southall. Skins got booked and then replaced by Afis. Wicks and Mathius kept Southalls defence on there toes, with Mathius creating a glorious chance to score falling the keeper making him fall on his backside before shooting, only to miss kick the ball. The Vale shut up shop for the last ten minutes playing the ball around making Southalls ten men chase them.

F.T.3-2.

M.O.M. Richard Bailey (another youngster who didnt look out of place.)

Attendance 52.

Godalming & Guildford F.C. v Raynes Park Vale F.C.

Saturday 16th August 2003

Raynes Park Vale find themself starting a new season with a tough task against a team who are expecting to do very well this time round, even having a summer camp for their players over in France for a week. On a rock hard pitch both teams moved the ball around skilfully, with play going from end to end. The new look Vale defence with Lee Harkness and Mick Kennedy were proving a sound combination, while up front Wicks, Skins and Rawle were combining together to form a fast and freighting attack for any team to defend against. Ed was commanding in his area coming out regularly to collect the ball, and on Godalmings best chance of the first half, shepherded a forward to the left side of goal when the forward was clean through. Skins started the season with a needless booking. On the half hour a free kick saw Skins get on the goal side of his defender to shoot home the first for The Vale this season. Before the home side new what was happening Wicks nipped in to score, and it was Wicks again who chased a ball down that seemed to be going out, looked up and crossed a great ball for Paul Jordan to head home in the top right corner.

H.T. 0-3.

Godalming pushed three up front, but all was going well for The Vale for a while, evenly narrowly missing a goal from a header which bounced over the bar.Skins was replaced by Afis and Rawle by Mathius.Godalming started to be very dangerous down their right and in a ten minute spell scored three goals to level the score. With the game now on a fine balance The Vale produced a great passing move between Wicks, Paul and Mathius who put the ball away for The Vale to lead again.Godalming sub got his second booking and was sent off. Wicks was again the provider this time for P.J. to rifle home a great shot. It was in the dying seconds of the game that the keeper held Mathius back for a penalty and his red card. P.J. scored from the spot to get his hat-trick

F.T.3-6.

M.O.M. Paul Jordan.(in a game which was a very good team performance)