11am K.O. 25th February 2007

Tom M was captain for the penultimate game, the Southlands wind blew as chill as ever. The pitch heavy & sticky and probably just playable.

1st Half

As expected Gillibrand came out of the start looking for an early goal, as they applied the pressure Will was forced to make a great save on 2mins. Gillibrand continue the pressure and The back four held strong although at times with their hearts in their mouths. Alex was strong, and this was to last the length of the game, Tom G & Kyle showed great physical presence whilst Liam would run the ball out with great footwork, but Gillibrand kept coming with some near misses. Kyle’s just in time clearance earned the first corner of the game to Gillibrand on 8mins.
Villa were now coming into the game more and more and Tom M & Jamie G were getting more to do in the middle of the park. Jamie A & Smithy were now getting the ball and the Villa started to play with flair & determination. Jamie A came off after 20mins and Danny came on.
Villa won their first corner on 22mins. Villa were much more in the game now and Sam was crossing some great balls from the left hand side. Greg went close and so did Sam, along with a Jamie G long shot but it wouldn’t go in.
Greg & and a tough fighting Kyle came off with two minutes of the half to go, Ryan M & Jamie A came on and Liam & Smithy were swapped to the opposite sides with Liam dropping into right back & Smithy on left wing. As injury time ticked by Gillibrand won a series of corners all to no avail.

Half Time 0-0
The management were pleased and asked the Villa to find up front Sam and stay upright & strong at the back.

2nd Half

Villa lost a little concentration as Gillibrand walked the ball into the Villa penalty area and scored a scrappy goal after just 1min.0-1.
The Villa held their heads up and fought on in what was always going to be a spirited & strong tackling game. Villa won their first corner of the half on 8mins. The game was balanced and both teams had a couple of half chances. After 15mins Greg came back on for a hard working Smithy and Sam was moved to left wing. Following a free kick Gillibrand ran the length of the park and their centre forward took the ball well and scored a superb goal on 17mins.

Will had no chance. 0-2.

Another very well taken goal sealed the Villa’s fate with 4mins to go.0-3
The whistle blew bang on time.

Full Time 0-3

A real shame. The Villa didn’t really deserve to go down today, but Gillibrand took their chances well in the second half and never gave up in any position of the park. Villa’s effort & spirit was willing but the goals eluded them this week. It was still a far better performance that those early matches showing just how far you have improved, indeed a Gillibrand supporter thought we must have had 3 or 4 different players as they thought we seemed so different to the last time we played them , and that’s true, you are very good and getting better all the time. Well done.

Discuss this game in the Villa Room!!