Tri-Sports 3-11 Vineyard Hawks - match report by Derbatov:

Vineyard Hawks tore their opponents to shreds in a frantic encounter in deep rural Maidstone to really make a mark on their cup qualifying group.

Vineyard started their league campaign with a strong performance off the back of a comprehensive victory over local rivals CBCFC a week before. Manager Brown kept the team mostly intact, with McMahon moving back to cover for the injured D Brown at left back and captain Hall returning at centre back in the place of Smith who, perhaps harshly, was dropped to the bench. That meant an advanced midfield 3 of McDowell, Gillatt and Harris.

It was clear from the outset that Deal were a much better team than the one Vineyard took 4 points off last season.

The first pre-season friendly of the season for CVFC turned out to be a great success. In many ways the result wasn’t important, the real victory was the new formation and getting match fitness.

Manager Brown outlined the new formation in the team talk, putting the emphasis on disciplined holding midfield play combined with attacking width from the full backs and creative roles for the front 4.

A much changed team travelled to Deal to play an important fixture against the bottom team in the league. Win and Vineyard’s position in mid table (5th out of 6 is mid table) would be strengthened, lose and they would slip below Deal.

Injuries meant that Vineyard were without regular keeper Janman and captain Hall, with Citro and Harris unavailable. McDowell stepped up between the sticks and Martin moved into central defence, with Robinson making his debut in midfield. Vineyard stuck to their 4-5-1 formation with McPherson starting on the right wing.

A much changed Vineyard side took on Faversham in a ‘dead rubber’ that turned out to be quite a good game. There were six changes from the side that took on Ashford in the last game out, Locke ineligible, Mascall suspended, Hester, Martin and Keenan unavailable. This made space for manager Brown to mix the team up, moving D Brown into centre midfield along with the returning Doyle. Max Pitt made his debut at left back with Sam Desborough also making his first start at centreback. Another debutante started upfront in Rob Parker while manager Brown made a rare start at right back.

Vineyard began their Cup campaign with a tricky local derby against SMB Lions from the first division. Building on the strengths of the team, Vineyard went with a 4-1-4-1 to get more possession of the ball and an open first 20 minutes provided a few chances for both teams. Vic Hester sustained a nasty looking cut when going up for a header in typical fearless fashion. He was fine to carry on though.