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.

Not surprisingly, the opening few minutes were a bit cagey. Faversham capitalised on this after 10 minutes with a lack of communication to blame as their striker pounced to prod the ball into an empty net. Vineyard fought back well though, replying within 10 minutes when good buildup play from McMahon was finished emphatically by D Brown, scoring his first goal for Vineyard.

Vineyard now had the upper hand and were playing well, wide players McDowell and McMahon looking dangerous with their pace and skills. Shortly before half time McDowell split the defence with an excellently weighted through ball for Citro to run onto, completely outpacing the defence and beating the keeper. However, having done everything right, yet again he saw his shot come back off the post.

The scores remained 1-1 until five minutes into the second half when a through ball split the Vineyard defence, allowing their prolific number 9 to grab his 14th goal of the season. Vineyard continued to play well but both central midfielders were carrying slight injuries and it began to show as the Faversham giant captain/manager stamped his authority on the game, putting the Vineyard defence under continued pressure. Hall and Desborough weathered the storm in central defence and put in some crunching tackles. However Faversham’s pressure paid off and they were soon 5-1 up. Vineyard’s injuries were showing with McDowell forced off, Hall having to take an early bath to get to work, and Doyle and D Brown still carrying knocks. Harris and White came on as manager Brown switched Vineyard to a 4-5-1 with Citro reverting to right wing and McMahon and Parker dropping into midfield, Doyle to central defence and White as the lone frontman. Vineyard were unlucky to concede a sixth, but were playing well with a solidified midfield. White was using his energy to great effect upfront, hassling the defence and holding the ball up well, bringing the wingers into play. This paid off five minutes from time when the ball found its way to White in the box. Rather than shooting first time, he laid the ball out wide to Citro, who crossed into the box for White again to tap in and get off the mark for the season.

Overall, the match was a success in that it was a good opportunity to gain fitness and give new players a game. Man of the match Desborough looked assured and hungry in centre defence, never shirking a tackle and looking strong in the air. Pitt had a good game at left back, looking calm and composed on the ball. D Brown moved well into centre mid and Parker played well upfront, linking play and moving the ball around well.

Vineyard’s next match is home to Hythe, and with most missing players back manager Brown will have a tough time picking the starting 11. 

Vineyard team vs Faversham 20.02.10

Janman

J Brown
Hall (capt) (White 75)
Desborough
Pitt

McDowell (Harris 60)
Doyle
D Brown
McMahon

Citro
Parker