That’s exactly what Vale did whole of the first half. From the first minute when Keene won a free kick in a dangerous position, it was a half of measured possession and territorial advantage. Vale’s missed chance of an intended volley in a central position signalled the opener from AFCB. Straight afterwards, Stewart started the killer move with a wonderful bit of distribution down the left-hand side. Hayter picked up the ball, cut inside onto his right foot and picked out Surman who shot against the keeper but a lucky ricochet bounced the ball back into the net.
Stock was beginning to control the game at this point working hard to make his passes count. Keene too made a good run after a nice turn but his shot was taken too early.
Then against the run of play Vale could have equalised. From a close position Stewart miraculously clawed a close shot onto the underside of the bar, then saved the follow-up shot as well.
HT: 1-0
Second half…what went wrong? Tactics? Players’ attitude? Or did Vale deserve their comeback? From kick-off we sat back in front of our own area and let Vale come at us. Young was as good as ever, as was Gowling but where was the midfield?
After Vale pressure, a breakaway resulted in Surman one-on-one with the keeper. His shot was well saved with the rebound falling to Keene. An open goal beckoned with just a sidefoot tap-in needed. Alas, a prostrate Keene lay on the turf in shame having ballooned the ball high into the North Stand.
That indeed was the turning point. More pressure from Vale who began to dominate. With 15 mins left, SOD was screaming at his players to keep their shape and concentrate…this, as they were walking back for a Vale goalkick. (in gangs of 3 and 4 I might add!)
Sure enough, 2 mins later, 1-1, a beautiful sweet strike from 25 yards from Cummins.
Keene was taken off for Cooke, a strange one that but I wouldn’t criticise. Then 2 points lost, make it 3! A truly wicked cross driven in like a missile and banged over the line by Paynter. 1-2.
Rodrigues came on but too late to make a difference. Personally, I think that if Vale had gone at us in the first half, we could have been in trouble earlier. But why in the 2nd half did our midfield go so missing? If it’s any consolation, we were beaten by 2 good goals….and one for you Stock-knockers…one or two players trooped off looking not too bothered but Stock did, he looked gutted.
Young who did everything right. And (another) special mention for Gareth Stewart who made one goal, made one stunning save and looked good throughout. AFCB: Stewart, Hart, Young, O'Connor, Gowling, Foley, Stock, Browning, Surman, Keene, Hayter
Subs: Moss, Cooper, Cooke (on for Keene, 80), Coutts (on for Foley, 83), Rodrigues (on for Browning, 88)
Richard Butler, Chertsey