Verde Recreo Men’s League

Championship

Taunton Vale 2, Clifton Robinsons A 1

TAUNTON Vale men’s 1sts hosted Clifton Robinsons in the final game before the winter break, knowing a win would result in them finishing the first half of the season in second place.

The home side started with intensity and purpose, and were soon moving the ball around at pace on what was a greasy surface at Gipsy Lane.

Midway through the first half, Vale took an opportunity from a short corner, with Martin Johnson rocketing the ball home.

Thereafter some smart goalkeeping prevented the hosts from going into half time further ahead.

At half time Vale talked about the importance of putting the game beyond the opposition, and they played the second half with excellent intensity.

Despite a number of good opportunities, though, a mixture of good keeping and bad luck kept Vale out, and Robinsons managed to forge a goal of their own against the run of play with a well-taken short corner.

Despite the setback, Vale were not in the mood to feel sorry for themselves and with 15 minutes remaining they laid siege to the Robinsons goal.

Eventually the goal came, as Henry Ormrod delivered an exquisite ball to the back post for Ethan Williams to deflect home.

With minutes to go Robinsons threw numbers forward and Vale had two players sent to the sin bin, but the hosts stood strong to hang on for the win.

Man of the match: Henry Ormrod

Southern 1

Sidmouth & Ottery 1, Taunton Vale A 4

THE 2nd XI travelled away to Sidmouth & Ottery for a top-of-the-table clash, with Vale determined to stay on top of the division.

Vale started the half off well and were playing some quick and controlled hockey across the pitch, and putting pressure on the opposition’s goal.

The visitors opened the scoring through a penalty flick which was slotted home by Angus Chapman.

Vale then doubled their lead through another penalty flick, this one finished by Jonty Lawford, and continued to dominate the half, looking comfortable going into the break.

Sidmouth & Ottery started the second half quickly, determined to overturn the deficit, but Vale defended tirelessly and didn’t allow them any chances.

The away side then added to their lead, Angus Chapman beating the keeper one-on-one.

Halfway through the second period Vale had a flurry of cards and were briefly down to nine men, but still Sidmouth could not take advantage.

Harry Stephenson put the game to bed following a free hit, finding him unmarked in the D, and he smashed the ball home.

The hosts managed a consolation goal, a penalty flick that goalkeeper Martin Lawrence nearly managed to save, but the ball went in off the post.

An outstanding team effort leaves Vale at the top of the league at the end of the first half of the season.

Man of the Match: Edward Whittle

Central 1

Taunton Vale B 1, Mid Somerset 4

AFTER several encouraging performances, the 3rds crashed to defeat against Mid Somerset on Saturday.

Vale never recovered from a poor start, conceding two goals in the first 10 minutes, although Colin Jewhurst halved the deficit just before half time.

Vale’s second-half display did not show much of an improvement, as they were punished for taking the ball into contact, Mid Somerset scoring two more goals without reply.

Man of the match was youngster Toby Berry for his tireless work in midfield, and being Vale’s most creative player

South East 1

ECV Hornets A 4, Taunton Vale C 1

TAUNTON Vale men’s 4ths remain locked in a relegation battle after a heavy defeat at leaders ECV Hornets A.

South East 2

Sidmouth & Ottery C 1,

Taunton Vale D 4

THE 5th XI approached the final game before the Christmas break in fine form, but the downpour that preceded the pushback proved to be a portent for Vale’s turgid display in the first 15 minutes.

After fortuitously going 1-0 up courtesy of a James Waterman poke, the visitors were sloppy in defending their lead and conceded shortly afterwards.

However, a second goal from James Waterman allowed Vale to regain the lead shortly before half time.

The away side improved in the second half, extending their lead with a Mariusz Mankau drag flick, before Freddie Wolfenden sealed it with a breakaway goal after a superb Edd Waterman pass.

It has been a very impressive first half of the season for the team, who sit in third place in the division.

Man of the match: Edd Waterman

South East 3

Taunton Vale E 6, Bridgwater D 1

THIS game started in biblical rain, but Vale came out of the blocks the fastest and quickly took a 2-0 lead.

Then the shackles came off and the home side played with a supreme confidence and freedom unseen this season, creating many chances and Bridgwater’s goalie keeping the score down.

Goals from Roland Zwarteveen, Daniel Donovan, Brian Louis, Tom White and Liam Elliot (2) consolidated Vale’s position at the top of the league.

Man of the match: Paul Lewis & Brett Baker