Elizabeth Vale ( 2 ) Elizabeth Downs ( 1 )
Link to all Vale v Downs photos
The big local derby attracted a large crowd to Mofflin Road, the birthplace of what is now called the SAASL.
Elizabeth Vale needed all 3 points from this encounter to keep them at the top of Sunday Division 1.
Downs on the other hand had little at stake other than pride and local bragging rights.
The game was preceded with a minutes silence for the passing of Elizabeth Munn, big Gordy Munns mother.
( Thinking of you and your family Gordy, hang onto the good memories mate! - Nick Swann)
I can't say too much about the first half as I was catching up with Keith Bodycomb (over from the USA) who, as a good friend at the time, encouraged
my football beginnings with Elizabeth Downs in the under 10's many moons (or maroons) ago.
However, judging from the crowds reactions whilst I was chatting, Elizabeth Vale must have come close to scoring on a few occasions.
Eventually the deadlock was broken at about the 30 minute mark when a strong challenge on Ben Aldridge in the Downs goal
ended up with the ball finding it's way into the net.
With about a minute of the 1st half remaining Downs drew level when Kraig Andrews drove a 15 metre shot passed the diving Andy Kokot.
Vale came out a lot stronger in the second half and both teams were not holding back with their strong but mostly fair tackling.
Each team had several chances to gain the lead, but the finishing was a little lack-lustre at times.
With 5 minutes to go, as the game appeared to be looking like both teams might share the points, up pops leading goalscorer Chris Nicholls to pounce
on a loose ball and poke it into the Downs net from 10 metres.
Downs clearly seemed to miss the presence and hard running of Brenton Agars.
Reluctantly, the Vale were probably deserving winners on the day giving them a clean sweep of 3 victories over the Downs in 2008.
The Downs and Vale players observed a minutes silence for the passing of Gordon Munn's mother, Elizabeth "Lily" Munn.
There was quite a large, well behaved crowd expecting a good typically physical encounter.
Both Vale and Downs midfielders closed down their opposite numbers for most of the game !
First blood to the Vale at around the 30 minute mark of the first half !
Downs wonder how that one found its way into the net but then switch their attentions to Vales goal but Andy Kokot saves easily!
The tight marking and solid tackling kept the game fairly evenly balanced.
Downs apply pressure but the Vale defend strongly with numbers !
Both Vale and the Downs had opportunities but couldn't find their way passed Aldridge and Kokot.
Minutes before half time Downs manage to equalize through Kraig Andrews (oops! too much zoom, out of picture )
Vale coach Sean Greaves looks on as his charges push forward in the second half !
The Downs section of the crowd look on as the Vale search for their second goal.
Vale start to create opportunities and the Downs escape punishment on several occasions !
All Chris Nicholls requires is half a chance !
And the Vale through Chris Nicholls, grab a 2-1 lead with around 5 minutes to go !
The pressure nearly boils over in the dying stages but despite the Downs efforts, Vale take all 3 points with a deserved 2-1 victory !
Reserves - Elizabeth Vale ( 0 ) Elizabeth Downs ( 3 )
*Thanks to work commitments I only saw about 10 minutes of the Reserves game.
Downs celebrate their 3rd goal which keeps them at the top of the table with 2 games to go
(Ingle Farm 3 points behind the Downs, have a game in hand and a better goal difference)
