Dulwich Hamlet FC 2 vs. Vale FC 0
Vale FC 1 vs. Dulwich Hamlet FC 3
Almost totally devoid of desire and the will to win, the thus-far unbeatable Vale Under 16s crumbled to abject defeat against their first real opponents of any stature this season in this crucial double-banker fixture against a well organised and highly motivated Dulwich Hamlet outfit.
Taking to the field in a wholly unfamiliar 4-3-3 formation for the first match, it was immediately obvious Vale were uncomfortable with this previously untried set-up against previously unseen, though strong, opponents… a huge gamble considering the fact this was a double-banker.
Vale were totally overwhelmed in midfield where they were light on numbers and unable to take any meaningful control of the game. Outnumbered and outfought, it wasn’t long before Vale were conceding needless free kicks in midfield and the inevitable transpired when they went 1-0 down after five minutes when a direct free kick from thirty yards drifted straight into the net unchallenged.
With no response or sense of urgency, things didn’t get any better. Under sustained midfield pressure, the Vale defence were left dangerously exposed to leave Jamie McLeod vulnerable and unable to stop a clinically incisive Hamlet move that culminated in Vale going two down after ten minutes.
Any semblance of fight or resistance visibly drained out of the Vale ranks… it was almost as if they were ready to capitulate as a credible team… yet they still managed to fashion a few chances, with Obi Nwanokwu, crashing two shots against the woodwork, coming closest to redressing the balance.
However, a comeback was not to be… Vale appeared unable to galvanise themselves after the early setback from which they never recovered. More worryingly, psychologically, the boys appeared deflated, lacking in self belief, spirit and confidence. Needless to say, the flowing football to feet which Vale are renowned for was virtually non-existent until they reverted to their more familiar 4-4-2 formation, which proved too little too late in the first 50-minute match. The first fifteen minute 4-3-3 formation effectively killed off Vale’s chances against a well organised and game (though, with respect, not particularly gifted) Hamlet outfit.
The second game saw little, if any, real improvement on the first. Vale attempted to rally, and at times played some excellent football on the floor, but overall they were unconvincing, uninspired and dispirited… they were psychologically beaten and never looked like mounting a serious threat.
Despite the valiant efforts of Zach Rhoden, David Bonsu and Keanu Legal-Miller in defence, and the tireless and unselfish running of Austin Otchere up front, collectively Vale never stepped up to the plate and, by the second half, were 3-0 down and a spent force… there was only ever going to be one winner in this six-pointer contest on the day.
Scott Borg finished off a wonderful Vale move to score a consolation goal as he flashed an unstoppable left-footed effort across the keeper into the net on the final whistle for his twelfth of the season. But, in truth, Hamlet were already in celebration mode by this time and had cigars on, having taken their foot off the pedal and, at times, mocking and treating Vale with derisive contempt.
‘Crisis’ MAY be too strong a word at this stage of the season, but the destiny of the league title is now out of Vale’s hands. Vale are now dependent on other results going in their favour for the rest of the season if they are to go on to win the title.
Today was a massively embarrassing setback… languishing in seventh place and eleven points behind Hamlet with only two games in-hand over the new league leaders, the question now is whether or not Vale have the character and resolve to win every remaining game this season. Whilst this won’t in itself be enough to win the title, it will at least keep Vale in the frame to hope others around them, including Hamlet, drop points.
All in all… two very disappointing performances and potentially devastating results as far as Vale’s pretensions for the league title are concerned. It’s now down to the boys to re-find their form, cohesion, confidence and unity in order to stay in the race.
Vale Squad: McLeod; Rhoden; Bonsu; Legal-Miller; Borg (1); Bernard; Walters; Mataka; Nwanokwu; Otchere; Fakolujo; Sewell; Webster
Goal Scoring Chart:
1. Obi Nwanokwu - 30
2. Chris Richards - 12
3. Austin Otchere - 12
4. Scott Borg - 12
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
