“Austinho” Otchere nets four as Vale U16s cruise into the Bexley League Cup Final with an 8-1 victory against Blackheath Wanderers FC

Blackheath Wanderers 1 vs. Vale FC 8

Vale FC U16s did themselves and the club proud today as they marched through to the Bexley League Under 16 Cup Final with a great result and, considering the very poor bobbly surface and heavy playing conditions, a fine performance.

Blackheath set their stall out to compete physically and shut Vale down in possession, but never really mounted an attack of any real note throughout the first half. However, they did try to take the game to Vale who had a few half-chances that were spurned until Obi Nwanokwu broke the deadlock on the fifteen-minute mark. Latching on to a precision slide-rule pass from Zach Rhoden, the skipper used his strength and pace to advance on goal before crashing a low shot across the face of the goal into the far corner of the net.

It was Nwanokwu again who was fouled from behind to be awarded a penalty five minutes later when bearing down on goal. Left back Scott Borg assumed responsibility to despatch the place kick with great aplomb, low and accurate to the keeper’s left to bring the score to 2-0… and Vale now went into overdrive.

With nerves settled and confidence on the up, Vale started to move the ball around admirably to feet on a very uneven surface that wasn’t really conducive to their typically characteristic flowing football. But… and credit to them… they continued to do exactly that, demonstrating confidence and comfort on the ball in every department.

The back four of Daniel de Weever, David Bonsu, Keanu Legal-Miller and Scott Borg, though never really examined, stood firm and quelled every sniff of an attack before it was allowed to develop. De Weever excelled with a succession of timely interceptions and outstanding distribution from the right back berth.

The midfield quartet of Jake Bernard, Zachary Rhoden, Devante Walters and Paul Sewell battled in the quagmire to great effect. Rhoden was dogged and tireless with his work-rate, where Walters provided the quality, class and creativity to keep the forwards busy. On an exceptionally narrow pitch, wingers Sewell and Bernard struggled to find any useful space, but stuck to their tasks and eventually began to influence the game… both defending well when required, and supporting the attack going forward.

Skipper Nwanokwu scored his second and Vale’s third after strike partner Austin Otchere refused to let the Wanderers defence settle on the ball, chasing and harrying them into conceding possession to him. Otchere crossed for Nwanokwu to bury the chance with a cushioned instep volley and effectively end the game as a contest. Nwanokwu went on to score his third first-half hat-trick of the season five minutes before the break, again benefiting from industrious effort from Bernard and Otchere.

The second half, however, was all about Austinho Otchere, when he turned from goal provider to goal scorer. Vale continued to dominate possession and create chances… and Otchere maintained his first half endeavour to bag all four goals in the second half. Profiting from two identical long-range efforts by Nwanokwu and Borg that cannoned off the Wanderers post, Otchere was first to react to smash the ball home on the rebound on both occasions. He served up the goal of the game in between these two efforts when he sent a looping headed effort into the back of the net from Bernard’s pinpoint whipped cross to register his hat-trick. Bernard must be applauded for his surging runs down the right wing… which became a feature of the second half that terrorised the Blackheath defenders into panic. More consistency on the quality of the ball into the box from Bernard would surely have resulted in a double figure score sheet.

Unfortunately, at 7-0 up and apparently running the clock down, Vale conceded a corner and, much to their consternation, keeper Jamie McLeod lost the flight of the ball and allowed it to drift over his outstretched arm into the net for them to score directly from the corner kick.

However, this was not to be the last action of the day as Austinho scored his fourth to end the game on a high and Vale to celebrate their progression to the cup final.

This was a very well deserved victory and a great all-round performance from Vale, who have now earned the opportunity to win the Bexley League Cup and turn around the result that eluded them in last season’s cup final.

Well done lads… you’ve earned it!

Vale: McLeod; de Weever; Bonsu; Legal-Miller; Borg (1 – pen); Bernard; Rhoden; Walters; Sewell; Nwanokwu (3); Otchere (4)

Sub: Fakolujo (not used)

Goal Scoring Chart:

1. Obi Nwanokwu - 30
2. Chris Richards - 12
3. Austin Otchere - 12
4. Scott Borg - 11
5. Jake Bernard - 7
6. Tevon Webster - 3
7. Shaquile Fakolujo - 2
8. Paul Sewell - 2
9. Devante Walters - 1
10. Kyle Haynes-Robertson - 1
11. David Bonsu - 1

Vale U16s salvage 4 out of 6 league points from tense double-banker encounter

Vale FC 0 vs. Hayden Youth FC 0

Hayden Youth FC 1 vs. Vale FC 3
In the absence of Jamie McLeod in goal and midfield enforcer Kyle Hanynes-Robertson in front of the back four, Vale started this double-banker in an uncharacteristically subdued and hesitant mood, featuring only one substitute on the bench. This meant by necessity Vale had to approach the game in a slightly more defensive formation and mind-set. So… this important double-banker was always going to be a real challenge against previously unknown opponents.
After a few minutes it became clear Hayden Youth are a decent outfit who, given the opportunity to play, were more than capable of doing so to good effect. Hayden competed for every ball and proved to be very spirited opponents. They were very direct and purposeful and, to their credit, showed no shortage of ability and creativity on the ball.
Whilst stand-in keeper Paul Sewell didn’t have a lot to do in the first game, he did have to parry a direct free kick onto his crossbar to save one of a constant succession of free kicks conceded by Vale in dangerous areas in and around their last third. It was also evident that the Vale central defensive partnership of David Bonsu and Keanu Legal-Miller were constantly under pressure and forced to command proceedings in the air and on the floor. Both were up to the task and admirably never buckled. Full backs Scott Borg and Daniel de Weever played significant supportive roles, and all the back four tried to play their way out of trouble through the midfield rather than, at times, using the long-pass option that would have released the pressure to put the forwards in with more opportunities on goal.
It appeared that midfield was where this game would be won or lost and midfielders Jake Bernard, Zach Rhoden, Ridge Mataka and Devante Walters all saw a lot of action, though not always positive. With all the team in hesitant mode and wanting too much time and too many touches on the ball, things became scrappy, particularly in midfield where things got bogged down and too many free kicks were conceded due to lack of confidence and being second to too many balls. However, Vale remained dogged and resolute without ever really unlocking the Hayden back four to feed strikers Nwanokwu and Richards. Austin Otchere came on to replace Richards up front and provide fresh legs and endeavour, but goal scoring chances were few and far between and, in all honesty, over 50 minutes 0-0 and a share of the points was probably a fair result.
Double-bankers are played over 25 minutes per half… losing 30 minutes per game in total. This proved to be a real disadvantage for Vale who started to gain the ascendancy towards the end of the first 50 minute game. Indeed, starting with Otchere in the second game and with instructions to get the Hayden defence turning with earlier and more consistent diagonal balls behind their back four, Vale started to create more scoring chances. The second such pass was helped on by Obi Nwanokwu into the path of Otchere who pounced on his chance to smash home a rising shot into the roof of the net with his left foot.
This was a very important goal as it seemed to serve two purposes. Firstly, to settle Vale’s nerves and encourage them to play more positively, and secondly, to dampen the spirit of the opposition. Further defence-turning passes saw Nwanokwu put through on goal, only to see two rocket shots hitting the angle of post and crossbar in quick succession. Thankfully for Vale, Nwanokwu buried his third such chance with an unstoppable drive across the face of the goal that nestled into the bottom corner of the net. Whilst there was still a lot of football to be played, this proved to be the winning goal at the final whistle.
2-0 up and with Daniel de Weever taking over from Sewell in goal, Vale continued to try to play football, but were visibly tiring. Hayden scored a much-deserved goal to bring the game to 2-1 after a defensive lapse of concentration and fatigue enabled their forward to capitalise upon a rare opportunity in front of goal with de Weever out of position. It looked like a tense last 15 minutes was to follow until Vale were awarded a penalty for handball in the box. Nwanokwu took captain’s responsibility as he strode up to place the ball on the penalty spot. He had a penalty saved against FC Sutton Dynamo in the Bexley Cup the previous week, so he showed a lot of character and belief in his ability to take this crucial spot kick. He despatched it low to the keeper’s right, putting the result beyond any doubt and securing all three points for Vale.
While every player stuck to their task in what was Chris Richards’ last outing for the club, there were several notable stand-out performances: Bonsu and Legal-Miller in central defence; Rhoden and Mataka in centre midfield; and for taking the chances that mattered, Otchere and Nwanokwu up front.
All in all, 4 points out of 6 available on the day was a creditable outcome given the circumstances: double-banker; no goal keeper; players playing out of position; short 25 minute halves; 12-man squad.
However, due to fixture congestion Vale MUST wake up to a very real probability… this won’t be the last double-banker we play this season so, due to the very short halves, Vale must impose their dominance early and take their goal scoring chances when they come, and finish the game as a contest as early as possible.

Vale: Sewell; de Weever; Bonsu; Legal-Miller; Borg; Bernard; Mataka; Rhoden; Walters; Nwanokwu (2); Richards
Sub: Otchere (1)

Goal Scoring Chart:

1. Obi Nwanokwu - 27
2. Chris Richards - 12
3. Scott Borg - 10
4. Austin Otchere – 8
5. Jake Bernard - 7
6. Tevon Webster - 3
7. Shaquile Fakolujo - 2
8. Paul Sewell - 2
9. Devante Walters - 1
10. Kyle Haynes-Robertson - 1
11. David Bonsu - 1

Vale U16s surge through to next round of Bexley League Cup

FC Sutton Dynamo 0 vs Vale FC 6
After seven weeks without a game the Vale U16s were champing at the bit for some sorely-missed competitive football, which came for them in this Bexley League Under 16 Cup. In very blustery conditions and on an uneven surface, Vale defended against the wind in the first half.

However, despite their excitement and enthusiasm, the first 10-15 minutes saw Vale forced to soak up intense pressure, with Dynamo using the wind to force the play and keep Vale pinned in their own half, who were seemingly unable to settle on the ball and retain possession. Apart from one chance that fell to Obi Nwanokwu that was foiled by the Dynamo keeper in the opening exchanges, it was evident Vale would need to be at the races if they were to get anything out of this game.

Slowly but surely, Vale confidence grew, especially in response to the sterling and resilient performances of the Vale back three. Zach Rhoden, David Bonsu and Keanu Legal-Miller were all in dogged yet imperious form, comfortably dealing with the early Dynamo onslaught in the air and on the floor to feed the midfield.

Playing a 3-5-2 formation, debut player Ridge Mataka slotted in the middle to wonderful effect, showing excellent technical ability and tactical awareness. With Kyle Haynes-Robertson in outstanding form, winning everything in front of the back three and breaking up play with exceptional commitment and work-rate, Mataka provided the creative impetus with an almost continual stream of short and long-range passes that invariably hit the intended target. In deed it was one of Mataka's through-balls that proved to be the key to unlock the Dynamo door after 20 minutes. Devante Walters fed Mataka who slipped Nwanokwu through on goal and, with the ball setting up nicely for him, Nwanokwu crashed an unstoppable volley past the keeper from 12 yards to settle Vale nerves.

With the luxury of a 1-0 lead, admittedly against the run of play at this stage, Vale seemed to begin to express themselves more competently. Walters was neat and tidy, though at times got sucked out of position. Scott Borg grew into the match and started to pose a serious threat down the left flank, as did Jake Bernard on the right. Keeping better possession of the ball meant that Vale were able to control the flow of the game and dictate proceedings. Bernard began to roast the left back and deliver a string of dangerous crosses from the right, and Borg showed increasing strength added to his outrageous ability on the ball from the left to keep the Dynamo defence on constant alert.

Regardless of Vale's 1-0 lead Dynamo still presented a very real threat. Keeper Jamie McLeod was kept busy fielding Dynamo forays into the Vale penalty area. McLeod's starting position was spot-on as he, at times, played like a sweeper to nullify Dynamo's mainly long-ball tactics. Nwanokwu scored his second with another thunderous shot which he thrashed past the Dynamo keeper on the 30 minute mark. After creating space for himself on the edge of the area to take the ball in his stride, he clinically despatched his shot past the advancing keeper.

Vale's anxieties, like the tie, were finally settled five minutes before the half time whistle when Nwanokwu completed his first-half hat-trick with a looping header from Borg's in-swining cross from the left after great approach work from centre forward Chris Richards. Richards led the line exceptionally well as a reliable target-man but, unfortunately, was unable to convert two or three chances that fell to him in the first half.

With the wind behind them for the second half, Vale increased the tempo with fresh legs with the introduction of Paul Sewell for Walters, Austin "goal-a-game" Otchere for Richards, and Daniel de Weever for Mataka in midfield. Whilst this tactical switch slightly disrupted the pattern of play, Vale stayed in the ascendancy, being stronger and more committed in midfield and playing triangles around Dynamo to keep them fully occupied in their own half. Bernard was up-ended in the box to win a penalty at the end of an inspirational Vale move. Nwanokwu stepped up to crash the spot-kick to the keeper's right. Unbelievably, the keeper managed to get a strong hand on it to push it over the bar for a corner... an outstanding save.

Inevitably, Otchere got his just reward for his tireless running and chasing down seemingly lost causes when he guided de Weever's through-ball with a deft touch around the on-rushing Dynamo keeper to roll it into the back of the net from the edge of the area.

Nwanokwu brought his goals tally for the season so far to 25 when he scored a two-yard tap-in after latching on to the tireless Otchere's cross from the bye-line. 

Twenty five minutes were left on the clock when central defender David Bonsu scored his first of the season with an immaculate near-post flicked header from another Scott Borg corner, much to the delight of his Vale team-mates. Chris Richards, Devante Walters and Ridge Mataka were then re-introduced to see out the rest of the tie, in place of the injured Zach Rhoden, skipper Obi Nwanokwu, and winger Scott Borg... and they did so with admirable effect. Again, Walters put his foot on the ball and was neat and tidy, concentrating on hitting feet with his passes; Mataka picked up where he left off in the first half, becoming the central midfield creator to crown an excellent debut performance. Chris Richards fought hard for every ball but was unlucky not to be presented with any further goal scoring opportunities.

Even more unfortunately, Chris announced after the game that, due to domestic circumstances, it was his last game for Vale. So it's only appropriate to put it on record that Chris will be sorely missed by us all at Vale FC. He's been a fantastic servant of the club since his arrival this time last year, added great strength to the squad, superb endeavour to lead the line... and many very important goals. Many thanks Chris, and good luck for the future!

All in all this was a good performance and result for a "rusty" but keen return to competitive football for Vale... and great to see David Bonsu get on the score sheet!

The referee and Dynamo officials were very complimentary in their post-match remarks and comments, as were their supporters who commended Vale on their attitude, approach, ability and playing style. In deed, every Vale player deserved the plaudits offered at the end... proving themselves to be sporting and gracious in victor... well done lads!

Vale: McLeod; Rhoden; Bonsu (1); Legal-Miller; Bernard; Mataka; Haynes-Robertson; Walters; Borg; Nwanokwu (4); Richards
Subs: Sewell; de Weever; Otchere (1)

Goal Scoring Chart:

1. Obi Nwanokwu - 25
2. Chris Richards - 12
3. Scott Borg - 10
4. Jake Benard - 7
5. Austin Otchere - 7
6. Tevon Webster - 3
7. Shaquile Fakolujo - 2
8. Paul Sewell - 2
9. Devante Walters - 1
10. Kyle Haynes-Robertson - 1
11. David Bonsu - 1