Today the Reading Relics played a hard and competitive Vets game to beat Richmond 1 -0 and maintain their five point lead at the top of the league; with several of our regulars away, or playing for the Redsox, it came down to the remainder of the squad to step up and maintain our unbeaten run and to a man they did that extremely well.
Richmond are always a tough side to beat and for much of the game a 0-0 draw looked a real possibility but with Rage leading us in the middle with a man of the match performance supported by Laurie and Peter in midfield we turned the game in the second half as we linked our play together better and better.
In defence Christian cut his teeth in style at left half while Charlie, Richard, Robbo & Yogan worked hard to minimise Jack’s involvement in the game! Up front Tim Green and Ian O’B (a very welcome return after his injuries) ran hard to pressurise the defence and Barty showed he has not lost the art of keeping possession.
In the end the game was won from a well worked short corner with Micky deflecting a possibly goal bound strike from Rage (no surprises there!). We had a bit of a nervy last 10 minutes as we gave too much possession away coming out of defence but the team held their nerves.
After the game the usual beers flowed in the bar, selfies were taken and Richmond were sociable losers.
Well done old men – we have three Relic’s games to go so please keep yourselves fit and available to get the job done.
Good luck to the O50s cup team tomorrow and fingers crossed for two Reading Vets sides competing in the Finals day at Lee Valley on April 25th!!
Micky