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Villa got their 2010/2011 season of to a
fantastic winning start with an assured and eye-catching
performance against Elton Vale from Bury, and with due respect
to a very competent Vale side, had their early season finishing
been as sharp as it surely will become, in truth the margin
could and should have been greater.
Manager Mark McDonnell has worked hard in the
close season to address the need for quality at both ends of the
pitch, and the results of his efforts were plain for all to see,
and without getting carried away, there was an extra spring in
the step of the Villa faithful, more as a result of the manner
of the victory than the actual scoreline.
Tom Whittaker and Ryan Lilley are amongst
those who have sparkled in pre-season training, and the latter
could easily have grabbed himself a brace inside the first
twenty minutes, with Whittaker’s clever footwork carving the
openings for him. Play was mostly confined to the Vale end of
the pitch, with several chances being created in a fast and
free-flowing display. Elliot Dunn and Alfie Gutteridge joined
Lilley and Whittaker in the creative role, and all were able to
feed off the impressive hold-up play of debutant Greg Johnstone,
who’s overall contribution throughout the entire match had the
crowd buzzing.
Despite their superiority, villa had to wait
till the half-hour mark to make the breakthrough. And what a
breakthrough it was! A Whittaker corner was flicked on to
Johnstone, who finished with a controlled left foot volley,
displaying touch and finesse, where some might have been tempted
to lash at it.
Five minutes later, Johnstone turned
provider, bringing the ball down and feeding Lilley, who gave
the keeper no chance from close range.
Looking comfortable at half time, Villa
should have been able to kill the game off and go on to coast
over the finish line. Instead of which, however, a moment’s lack
of concentration and/or communication from a corner kick allowed
Vale a tap in out of nothing, and suddenly, a team who looked
beaten had their tails up. With hindsight, that might have been
a blessing, both for the sake of the match as a spectacle, and
indeed for the effect it may have on Villa’s demeanour for the
season ahead, reminding those that need reminding that it’s
never over till the fat lady sh**s in the woods, or whatever.
As well as lifting the visitors’ efforts, the
slap in the face had a positive effect on the home side also,
and Lilley, Johnstone, Whittaker and Gutteridge all had chances
to extend the advantage.
Fittingly, however, it was left to new boy
Johnstone to ice the cake. A free kick a couple of yards
outside the box was despatched, right foot this time, with such
ferocity that it almost uprooted the keepers left hand post on
its way into the rigging. A fitting climax to an outstanding
individual and team performance.
Much to admire and, not to get too carried
away, much to be optimistic about. Lilley and Whittaker looked
to have regained the sharpness we all know they possess, Dunn
and Gutteridge worked well together, and David Heald, Danial
Hogg and David Warburton all made a significant contribution
when they were added to the fray. McDonnell may have some head
scratching ahead, in a positive way, whilst he works out options
when all are fit and available.
Villa Line-up: Ross Baxter, James O’Loughlin,
Darren Davies, Ross Dickinson (Mark Swift), Sam Bolton, Matt
Plano (David Warburton), Alf Gutteridge (Danial Hogg), Tom
Whittaker, Elliot Dunn (David Heald), Ryan Lilley (John
Salisbury), Greg Johnstone.
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