Uninspired… and uninspiring… Vale’s bubble bursts in turgid 5-4 league victory.

Vale FC Under 16 Match Report 7Uninspired… and uninspiring… Vale’s bubble bursts in turgid 5-4 league victory.

Vale FC 5 vs. Fleetdown United FC 4

Bexley League U 16 Division A League Match 21st November 2010

On the basis of this performance it would appear complacency has set into the Vale U16 squad after enjoying field-days and goal-sprees against previous but, with resp...ect, sub-standard opposition over the past few weeks. It’s probably fair to say that, without exception, none of the boys covered themselves with glory today.

Having been warned about the dangers of complacency prior to kick-off, it seemed the message didn’t get through. Despite taking an early lead through skipper Obi Nwanokwu who was persistent in the box to eventually thrash the ball into the roof of the net, swiftly followed by goals from Jake Bernard and Paul Sewell who showed good composure to finish off a well-worked move across the keeper, spectators would have been forgiven in thinking another cricket score was imminent.

However, this was not to materialise.

Fleetdown fought their way back into the game with a never-say-die attitude, showing superior hunger, and desire and forcing Vale into uncharacteristic individual and team errors. Vale were way below par and very few showed the strength of character and commitment to battle their way back to dominate the proceedings. Inevitably they came unstuck with a ball through the middle that the lone Fleetdown forward latched on to and lobbed McLeod in goal to bring the score to 3-1.

Without ever really getting into their usual flow, Vale scored another two before half-time through Austin Otchere and Scott Borg’s goal of the game which he swept into the roof of the net from just outside the area.

5-1 up at half-time, you would have been excused for thinking the game was over as a contest… but nothing was further from the truth. Vale failed to build and improve on their first half performance and allowed the opposition back into game. Other than the occasional sweet passages of play, Vale were mainly dispirited and disjointed, failing to dominate in any area of the pitch, inviting Fleetdown almost to attack at will.

Fleetdown won a succession of corners and, with increasing confidence, started to dominate play, overrunning the Vale midfield and pressurising the back four. Their commitment, work rate and effort were duly rewarded with three goals in the second half, to which Vale had no response and, in all honesty, by the end of the game Vale were hanging on to their one-goal advantage.

As indicated earlier, Vale were way below the standards they’ve set themselves this season. But, probably more worrying, almost as a team they failed to rise to the occasion against what must be considered to be, at least (and with respect) mediocre opposition.

All in all, this was a disappointing performance.

However, to take the positives out of the game…… the boys didn’t surrender their lead, they remain unbeaten in the league, and another three points on the table is not to be sniffed at in the long-term quest for the league title.

Vale:    McLeod; Rhoden; Bonsu; Walters; Borg (1); Bernard (1); Fakolujo; De Weever; Sewell (1); Nwanokwu (1); Otchere (1)

Goal Scoring Chart:

1. Obi Nwanokwu – 21
2. Chris Richards – 12
3. Scott Borg – 10
4. Jake Bernard – 7
5. Austin Otchere – 6
6. Tevon Webster – 3
7. Shaquile Fakolujo – 2
8. Paul Sewell - 2
9. Devante Walters – 1
10. Kyle Haynes-Robertson – 1

Nwanokwu notches nine in 19-0 Bexley League Cup first round rampage.

Beckenham Town FC 0 vs. Vale FC 19



Bexley League Cup Match (first round) 14th November 2010



Reduced to only nine fit and available players, Vale U16s
went into the first round of the Bexley League Cup against ten-man Beckenham
Town with instructions to remain
disciplined, keep their shape, and play possession football to overcome any
potential threat from the opposition. To their credit, and to a man, Vale
played exactly as required and, after five minutes, capitalised on their
superior ability go take the lead through left-winger Scott Borg.



Starting with stand-in keeper Paul Sewell and a defensive
trio Keanu Legal-miller at right back, Shaquile Fakolujo central and Devante
Walters at left back, Vale locked up shop totally. All three looked unbeatable
and impenetrable, winning everything in the air and on the floor to feed the
midfield. Fakolujo was particularly impressive… disciplined, calm, assured,
strong and determined. With such defensive solidity, the midfield saw a lot of
the ball and continued to keep possession by playing excellent football to
feet, working lots of triangles and playing wingmen Borg and Jake Bernard in to
terrorise the opposition defence. Benefiting from Austin Otchere’s work rate in
breaking up play, Zach Rhoden excelled in the middle of the park, winning
everything and distributing with magnificent vision and class with a totally
outstanding and dominating contribution.



As the headline suggests, skipper and lone front man Obi
Nwanokwu took full advantage of his team’s dominance, snapping up four before
half time, with Bernard and Borg bringing the score to 8-0 at the break.



The second half saw a couple of changes, including Fakolujo swapping
with Rhoden  to play a more advanced role,
and Sewell swapping with Walters who went in goal. What didn’t change was the
quality and pattern of play, and the discipline that ensured Vale would go on
to even greater heights. Fakolujo remained dominant and creative, and Rhoden
majestic and imperious.



Walters provided safety, consistency and creativity when
introduced at left back for the second half, and Legal-Miller added extra
potency down the right wing when he swapped with Bernard midway through the
second half. In fact, he was unlucky not to get on the score sheet himself with
a couple of efforts that tested the keeper.



A feature of Vale’s season so far has been the number of
players getting on the score sheet from a variety of positions. This was
certainly the case with Fakolujo and Otchere converting their chances, (Otchere
scoring the perfect hat-trick…right foot, left foot, header), and then Paul
Sewell with his debut goal for Vale from left wing. Nwanokwu delivered another
five in the second half to rack up nine on the day, and it’s only fair to
mention that the quality of service was excellent from Bernard and Borg on the
wings, and Fakolujo through the middle.



Inevitably, Vale produced more chances than they finished,
but it’s always the case that not EVERY chance will be converted. However, the
goal-per-chance ratio was very impressive. Equally impressive was the attitude
and application of every Vale player, each of whom played with a degree of
maturity and discipline that ensured, regardless of the one-man deficit, there
was only going to be one winner in this first-round cup tie.



So… very encouraging with regards to maintaining shape,
discipline, quality and pattern of play… very respectful in their attitude and
approach… very exciting exuberance and style… and clinical finishing… a great
result AND performance.



But above all… when the chips were down… outnumbered and
without a keeper, this team showed fantastic character, spirit and dedication
to the cause. Particularly noteworthy for this were Paul Sewell and Devante
Walters for taking turns to go in goal… then contributing on the pitch in a
really positive and constructive manner…. Excellent performance all round…



Well done!



Vale:    Walters; ;
Legal-Miller; Fakolujo (1); Borg (4); Otchere (3); Rhoden;  Fakolujo (1); Bernard (1); Nwanokwu (9);



Goal Scoring Chart:

 Nwanokwu – 20
Chris Richards – 12
Scott Borg – 9
Jake Bernard – 6
Austin Otchere – 5
Tevon Webster – 3
Shaquile Fakolujo – 2
DevanteWalters – 1
Kyle Haynes-Robertson – 1
Paul Sewell - 1

Skipper Nwanokwu scores four as Vale maintain their surge to the top!

Vale FC 9 vs. Gravesend Spartans 2

League Match 7^th November 2010

Vale U16s continued to claw back the points deficit in the Bexley League Under 16 A Division with this well-worked win against a spirited, well organised and competitive Gravesend Spartans side.

The opening exchanges were relatively cagey until Vale started to get into their stride by playing the ball to feet and showing their technical quality. Sticking to the task and assessing the opposition in a sensible and mature manner, Vale’s patience paid off after ten minutes when skipper Nwanokwu put them 1-0 up, then 2-0 up 20 minutes later, showing growing confidence and clinical finishing ability in his new role as second striker.

Jamie McLeod was hardly tested in goal for the first 35 minutes, but got beaten by a speculative near post effort on a rare Gravesend break. 2-1 down at the half time break, Gravesend demonstrated that, if allowed to play, they were a dangerous outfit and will punish their opponents. With this warning ringing in their ears from Coach Fakolujo, Vale went back into the second half fray in a more determined manner. Skipper Nwanokwu eased any lingering nerves with his third and fourth goals of the match, putting the result pretty much beyond dispute.

Vale developed on their 4-0 lead and rose to the occasion with increased confidence, and the goals eventually began to flow in keeping with the flowing football Vale are capable of. Top striker Chris Richards, who had made an excellent contribution as the Vale target man with his admirably high work rate, converted two chances that his effort and industry had deserved. Richards and Nwanokwu appear to be developing a very potent understanding and strike partnership that seems full of goals and very encouraging for the future.

Defenders Walters, Bonsu, Legal-Miller and Rhoden rarely, if ever, looked like being seriously threatened, with Bonsu particularly commanding in the air to help keep the pressure in the Gravesend half of the pitch, and all four were strong in the tackle and creative in possession, feeding the midfield and forwards throughout the match.

Daniel de Weever produced a sterling holding midfield role in breaking up play, and had the increasingly-influential Shaquile Fakolujo playing around him to create and deliver a consistent series of short and long-range passes from central midfield. Wide-men Bernard and Borg played to instructions and supplied the front line with a stream of quality deliveries.

Substitutes Sewell and Otchere were introduced to good effect, with Sewell showing some quality in his movement off the ball and a growing understanding of the requirements for “playing the Vale way”. Otchere got on the score sheet again for the second game running… two goals in two games off the bench is a very respectable set of statistics for the newcomer, who shows great determination and will to get involved to make a positive impact on the game.

The pick of the goals came from Jake Bernard and Scott Borg to bring the score to 9-2, after Gravesend clawed one back to make it 7-2 after a Vale defensive lapse in concentration. Firstly, Bernard took a direct free kick from outside the area which he curled over the wall and under the bar… a superbly controlled effort.

However, Borg served up probably the goal of the game to top Bernard’s claim. Gaining possession 30 yards out he kept the ball close to his feet and, with no visible passing option in front of him, unleashed an unstoppable drive from 25 yards out that crashed into the net top bins, leaving the keeper with no chance of saving it.

All in all, this was a steady, sensible and sturdy performance by Vale, where bagging the three points was more important than the performance and goal margin. Whilst Vale didn’t hit their usual free-flowing style consistently throughout the game, they certainly outplayed their opponents and, where the attractive football was being played, it was being played by Vale. So… despite conceding goals for the first time this season, this was a good result against decent opposition… another nine goals and three points in the bag…

Well done Vale!

Vale:    McLeod; Rhoden; Bonsu; Legal-Miller; Borg (1); Bernard (1); Fakolujo; De Weever; Walters; Nwanokwu (4); Richards (2)

Sewell; Otchere (1);

Goal Scoring Chart:

1. Obi Nwanokwu – 11
2. Chris Richards – 10
3. Scott Borg – 5
4. Jake Bernard – 5
5. Tevon Webster – 3
6. Austin Otchere – 2
7. Devante Walters – 2
8. Shaquile Fakolujo – 1
9. Kyle Haynes-Robertson - 1

Tribute to Renee who sadly passed away on the 27th Oct 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfaxjQv1g2E

Vale shine in 22-0 celebration massacre!

Beckenham Town FC 0 vs. Vale FC 22

League Match 31^st October 2010

Today was a day of celebration for the Vale U16 squad as they romped to a 22-0 victory against Bexley League Division A newcomers Beckenham Town. The lads were celebrating actually playing a game after last week’s cancelled game and Keanu Legal-Miller’s 16^th birthday! Just one look at the shoreline will confirm that they celebrated in style!

Shaquile Fakolujo opened the scoring with an expertly taken penalty 5 minutes into the game, tucking it low to the keeper’s right… after which the floodgates opened. With Jamie McLeod rendered almost totally redundant in goal, probably about 90% of the game was played in the Beckenham Town half. With chances aplenty, it was one-way traffic, with virtually every Vale player looking likely to score. Again, Fakolujo was unlucky not to add to his tally when he crashed a pile-driver shot off a post in the second half.

In essence, Vale totally out-muscled, outclassed, and outplayed their opponents, threatening to score with every attack. It would be churlish to single out any individual players, other than to say the back four of Borg, Bonsu, Legal-Miller and Rhoden never looked as if they could be beaten… all defended excellently well. The midfield of Walters, Bernard, Fakolujo and Haynes-Robertson won all their individual battles and created a non-stop stream of goal-scoring chances, taking some themselves and putting some on a plate for forwards Nwanokwu and Richards. However, notably, Jake Bernard regularly roasted his left back to fire in a succession of dangerous crosses for the forwards to feed on.

8-0 up at half-time, the eventual result was a foregone conclusion, but 40 minutes remained to be played. The second half saw the introduction of debutants Paul Sewell and Austin Otchere, with Daniel de Weever providing fresh legs and momentum part way through the first half (and unlucky not to score after crashing an effort from outside the area onto the crossbar). Otchere crowned his debut with a bullet header from a Scott Borg cross in the second half. Sewell showed great promise and potential to make a significant contribution to the Vale cause this season.

Vale went on to score 14 in the second half in what turned out to be a turkey-shoot of a game. The biggest challenge was for Vale to keep their discipline, shape and focus without disrespecting the opposition… and this they did with admirable decency and sportsmanship.

The list of goal scorers reads like a tale of the tape:

Chris Richards – 6

Obi Nwanokwu – 4

Scott Borg – 4

Jake Bernard – 4

Devante Walters – 1

Shaquile Fakolujo - 1

Kyle Haynes-Robertson – 1

Austin Otchere – 1

It’s good to see goals coming from every department on the pitch… Goal of the Game was probably skipper Nwanokwu’s 4^th on the day, cutting in on his right foot on the edge of the area to crash in an unstoppable rising shot top bins.

There were several goals “made in Brazil via Balham”, with Borg (4) weaving his magic and Richards (6) proving testimony to hard-work and self belief. Bernard (4) created and scored, showing blistering pace and improvement with his blistering pace and whipped deliveries.

All in all… an enjoyable romp… 22 goals for and another clean sheet… and a day of celebration… Happy Birthday Keanu – aka KALM3!!!!!

Vale:    McLeod; Rhoden; Bonsu; Legal-Miller; Borg (4); Bernard (4); Fakolujo (1); Haynes-Robertson (1); Walters (1); Nwanokwu (4); Richards (6)

De Weever; Sewell; Otchere (1);

Chris Richards smashes four as Vale romp to 6-0 victory

League Match - 17th October 2010:                  Welling Wanderers FC 0 - Vale FC 6

Vale U16s needed to put points on the board after the previous week’s debacle which saw them forfeit three points in their first home fixture of the season due to the absence of player registration cards on the day. Despite the fact that Vale eventually played the match against Longwood FC and cruised to a scintillating 6-2 victory, the match was reduced to friendly status and the points awarded to the totally outclassed Longwood outfit.

Welling presented as a very well drilled and organised team that were prepared to work hard with a physical and long-ball approach to the game. This was absorbed by the Vale defence of Rhoden, Bonsu, Legal-Miller and Borg in the opening exchanges, and the whole team used the defensive strength as a springboard to launch their own attacking forays.

Feeding off increasing possession of the ball, Vale were able to get into their customary stride of free-flowing football to feet, and began to make their dominance pay dividends midway through the first half, with Chris Richards benefiting from Jake Bernard’s creative industry to put Vale 1-0 ahead and notch his first of the season with a perfectly despatched header. This seemed to take the stuffing out of Welling’s resistance, and Richards went on to score his second shortly after. The game was over as a contest just before half time when skipper Obi Nwanokwu scored his second of the season when he passed his effort into the bottom corner from outside the area. Shaquile Fakolujo was unlucky to have a great effort chalked off for an infringement after crashing an unstoppable volley into the roof of the net past the despairing Welling keeper.

Jake Bernard and Kyle Haynes-Robertson were largely responsible for creating much of the attacking menace for Vale. Haynes-Robertson mopped up most of the Welling threat in front of the Vale back four, with Bernard providing the ammunition to the forwards. Borg and Walters tucked in where necessary and provided a steady and reliable outlet out wide, whipping in dangerous crosses throughout.

Vale managed to maintain their discipline and momentum into the second half, with Daniel de Weever slotting into the midfield to good effect. Richards scored his hat-trick and then his fourth to confirm a very impressive return to form, with Nwanokwu rounding off the 6-0 drubbing with a far post headed effort that nestled into the roof of the net. Jamie McLeod had very little to do in between the sticks for Vale, which was testimony to Vale’s dominance of this encounter, but his starting position was greatly improved and his kicking was superb.

Whilst Vale never really reached their fluent potential, this, in fairness, was largely due to the very uneven playing surface. However, their concentration and dedication to duty, and their keenness and confidence to play football in the right way, enabled them to maintain a strangle-hold on the game, the result of which soon became inevitable... a victory and three points for Vale. Yet again, another excellent performance and result for Vale in the second game of their 2010-2011 league campaign... 6 goals (11 in total), another clean sheet and all three points in the bag.  

Vale FC:    McLeod; Rhoden; Borg; Bonsu; Legal-Miller; Haynes-Robertson; Bernard; Fakolujo; Walters; Nwanokwu (2); Richards (4)

de Weever; 

Pich Side Reporter : Gus Nwanokwu

Hat-trick Hero Tevon Webster gets Vale off to an early season flyer!

 

League Match - 17th October 2010:                 

Bexley Pumas FC U16 0 - Vale FC U16 5

Reduced to a squad of 13 available players, Vale met newcomers to the A Division Bexley Pumas in this 2010-2011 season-opener, away from home, and were immediately faced with a tense atmosphere after their late arrival. However, coach Fakolujo expertly managed to get his squad focused on the job at hand and, to their credit, they rose to the occasion admirably. Not only were they challenged with an unknown entity in their opponents, the team were also charged with adopting an unfamiliar formation with full-backs Scott Borg and Zach Rhoden encouraged to play high, push on and provide additional attacking fire power down their respective flanks. Both players adapted exceptionally well and proved a constant thorn in the Pumas' side. 

On a poor playing surface Vale stayed patient throughout the early exchanges, refusing to resort to the long-ball game and tried to produce their now customary brand of flowing possession football to feet. Their patience paid off handsomely as their quality prevailed over a somewhat physical Pumas side. Tevon Webster broke Pumas' resistance after 20 minutes with a well-worked and comfortably dispatched left-foot finish to settle Vale nerves. With confidence soaring, Vale attacked relentlessly through the middle and down the flanks, and this pressure paid off when Jake Bernard's shot was saved by the keeper, but cannoned off a Pumas defender to score an own goal and put Vale 2-0 up going into the half-time break.  

Not to discredit Pumas, who were well organised and provided a good physical challenge, much of their attacking play came through the middle, and the Vale central defensive partnership of Keanu Legal-Miller and David Bonsu were more than up to the task of dealing with most threats posed. On the rare occasion the Vale back four was breached, goalkeeper Jamie McLeod was in assured form, benefiting from near-perfect starting positions to nullify Pumas breaks. 

The second half saw Vale increase their ascendancy, playing, at times, irresistible football. Kyle Haynes-Robertson made an outstanding holding midfield contribution, covering the defensive back four and breaking up play. Daniel de Weever made a fantastic cameo appearance, slotting into his midfield role to establish continuity and stability.  

This match also saw two new players make their debuts with the team and, it must be said, to encouraging effect. Devante Walters came on for the start of the second half at left midfield in place of Bernard, and showed good quality in his composure and keeping the game simple. He demonstrated great technical ability and the will to play his team-mates in, and was very unlucky not to score from a left-footed effort during a goalmouth scramble. He had a significant and positive influence on the game.  

Shaquile Fakolujo partnered Obi in central midfield, playing the holding role, with Nwanokwu pushing up to support the forwards. Fakolujo showed tenacity in the tackle and the ability to set others up with an array of short and long-range passes. He was also very unlucky not to get onto the score sheet in the first half when his fierce 25-yard drive was tipped over the bar by the Pumas goalkeeper. Both debutants made very impressive and commendable contributions in their first run-outs.

Tevon Webster continued the second half as he'd started the first, being a constant threat on the Pumas goal. He went on to score another two goals in the second half after excellent team play involving end-to-end passages of play of inspirational quality. Centre forward Chris Richards played the target-man role to perfection, with tireless running across the opposition back four, held the ball up well and played others in at every opportunity. He too was unlucky not to get on the score sheet but, like most strikers, his confidence will return when he scores his first goal and, no doubt, with his ability, it will be the first of many this season! 

After a committed and creative contribution to the flow of the game, the industrious and motivational skipper Obi Nwanokwu opened his account for the season by scoring the fifth for Vale, showing superb composure and technical aplomb to steer his shot low and hard into the bottom corner of the Pumas net, leaving the keeper with no chance to save the shot. 

 

All in all, an excellent start to the 2010-2011 league campaign... 5 goals, a clean sheet and all the points in the bag. But, possibly even more exciting than the match statistics, is the manner in which this result was achieved. In patches, Vale showed glimpses of the imperious form and quality that became their trademark last season. The expectation now is for Vale to build on this performance and establish themselves as the team to beat this season.  

Great performance... bodes well for the future... well done!

Vale FC:          McLeod; Rhoden; Borg; Bonsu; Legal-Miller; Haynes-Robertson; Bernard; Fakolujo; Nwanokwu (1); Webster (3); Richards

                        de Weever; Walters

 

Pich Side Reporter : Gus Nwanokwu