Another Four Points For The Manly Vale Squad

Saturday welcomed rivals Dee Why to the fortress that is David Thomas Reserve. Dee Why had experienced a drumming in reserve grade the week before, however their first grade had held up well to a quality Brookvale side, losing by only 1 goal to nil. Manly Vale's reserves had celebrated a 4-1 thrashing of Beacon Hill and first grade nothced a draw. What would we see this week?

It was all to play for as Manly Vale kicked off our first home game of the season in the warm autumn sun. Reserves took to the field at 1pm and didn't they look good! Reserves notched a couple of goals before half time. A casual and perfect volley from Liam was one to certainly comment about.

The vibe in the dressing room at half time was all positives. Rowan was playing well in goal. The defence were strong with the 'old guard' at the back - back to business as usual. The introduction last season of the ex under 18's has had an excellent effect and all of the lads from the Manly Vale academy are trying hard and proving themselves, in both grades.

The second half started off well and then on came the secret weapon: Enter the boy from The Wirral. (Usually if somebody 'enters' who is from Merseyside, it's through a back window to rummage through your prized possessions before stealing them...) Not this lad! Our new Pommie recruit from Pomgolia nicked not one, not two but three goals! The reserves finished up winning 6 - 0! The side is gelling and it's looking good for reserves with 10 goals in 2 games.

First grade were again off to a good start and netted a nice goal to make it 1 - 0. The lads played well, however Dee Why did have a couple of useful players and the game itself was very to and fro with not a great deal of 'exhibition' that the crowd at David Thomas has known to love. Tim Healey made some nice runs holding the ball up well. Simon Woodsie Woods flew over some awesome crosses, however we were unable to get behind them all and finish them off. Neil challenged hard, but fair and there were no repeats of his infamous somersault on a 7ft goalie, like pre season. The game ended up 2 - 2 with Vale again seeming to be the unlucky team, who should have won. Congrats to Trev for not only netting a hatrick for reserves but also coming on and scoring for first grade! Congrats to Woodsie for at least trying to shake Dee Why's talented Mr Brasil's hand. A bigger congrats has to go to good old Mr Swanson. He asked Mr Brasil very calmly and with his 'honest' face: "Did God give you your boots?" To which Mr Brasil replied: "Fight you after game..." Neil laughed and replied "Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww you old Kackle..."

So another 4 points for the squad. First grade were very hard done by having a goal disallowed, which everyone thought was legitimate. That's football.

Our next venture is up the coast a little further than Dee Why to Narrabeen. We play at the 'academy' on Saturday the 12th April. This game is make or break for first grade who will again be searching for their first 3 points. Everyone will be behind them and lets hope that we can train well and get those 3 points, which we deserve so much.

Go The Vale!