AFC VARNDEANIANS PROVIDING FOOTBALL TO THE BRIGHTON COMMUNITY SINCE 1929
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The V’s lose 1-0 to Guernsey FC in a high quality match
To say we were upset to not get a point out of this match is testament to the effort and quality the V’s players put into this match, against the best side we have played this season.
It’s fair to say our points return so far doesn’t reflect the the quality we have shown in our opening three fixtures. Brad, Jack and Haig are working hard with a new squad, that somehow they have put together in a short space of time, and last night their coaching in training was reflected on the pitch as our team structure, intensity and quality was there for all to see.
It took a wonder goal by Guernsey on 70 minutes to break the deadlock after both teams had created chances and had periods of dominance. Our back four was rock solid against a strong Guernsey forward line and Jordan continues to excel in goal. Our midfield three worked hard but also showed bravery and quality to keep possession while our forwards Kian Nandhra, Julian Durand and Fred Midadje caused the Guernsey defence more than one problem. Overall a good performance and if we continue at this level the results will start coming
Final score 0-1
MOM Omar Bukleb
Bexhill United take all 3 points with a 3-2 victory over the V’s
The fixtures between the V’s and Bexhill United always ten to be entertaining and this proved no different with bexhill edging a 3-2 victory and taking all the points.
We were so dissapointed to not come away with any reward after playing some good football and fair to be said creating more chances but it’s all about finishing the ones you get and Jack Shonk hit a strikers hatrick.
We began the game well with Julian Durand heading us in front and managed to contain a dangerous bexhill side in the first half to go in 1-0 up.
The drama began to happen when we missed a penalty in the 60th minute only for Bexhill to equalise with a Shonk freekick followed by a 30 yard lob to go 2-1 up. We hit back to equalise from an opportunist goal from Durand only to immediately concede a penalty which Shonk smashed into the back of our net. Despite this, the lads rallied and won another penalty only for another tame effort to be saved and so denied a deserved point. I think the word gutted is most appropriate.
Final score 2-3
MOM Sam Rogers
The V’s equalise in the final minutes versus Lingfield
On a sun soaked afternoon we opened our league season away at Lingfield who are playing at Syening while their pitch has drainage repairs.
After a positive start to the game the V’s found themselves 1-0 after 20 mins with a well worked goal between Kian Nandhra and Tommy Boyle tucked, neatly away by Kian.
Lingfield’s began to gain more possession and played quickly to their forward who was proving a handful but we always looked dangerous on the break. Just before half time a under hit pass to Jordan Hawkins resulted in a freekick on the edge of the area, resulting in a stunning finish from Conor Wilford for an equaliser.
Lingfield started the stronger in the second half and got there second after 65 mins from Jack Mcdonnell, however, the V’s showed great resilience and with the introduction of Marley Bigg from the bench we began to make in roads down the right flank which eventually resulted in a welcome equaliser from substitute Fred Midadje from a Tommy Boyle rebound shot.
Final score 2-2
MOM Kian Nandhra
The V’s lose 2-1 to Tooting and Mitcham in the FA Cup
A new look V’s squad featured some familiar faces and new players Brad has signed to the club and they combined to put in a good performance in this FA Cup extra preliminary fixture played at Newhaven FC.
Tooting and Mitcham had the better of the early exchanges with a excellent save by our goalies Jordan Hawkins keeping us at 0-0. They scored after 21 mins with a tidy finish from Brennan but as the game progressed the V’s began to gain more traction in the match and Tommy Boyle equalised after closing down their keeper. The game ebbed and flowed until ‘The Terrors’ went ahead again, with a neat finish at the far post from Jones.
The second half proved to be goaless with a both teams having chances but. it’s fair to say we edged the half with Boyle creating three clear cut chances to which were so close to an equaliser. The game finished 2-1 to Tooting and Mitcham Utd but despite being out of the Cup the performance was very encouraging for the coming season.
Final score 1-2
MOM Tommy Boyle
V’s Over 60’s walking football team win SCFL league west
The V’s over 60’s have remained unbeaten in the league winning 9 and drawing one game with a goal difference of 47 so all in all an impressive season. The last game of the season saw us draw 1-1 with Worthing Black who are a quality team and our equaliser didn’t come until the last minute when Colin Addison-Milne finished off a delightful move.
There has been a reliable squad all season of Pete Passingham, Keith Chamberlain, Gareth Hall, Mark Neocleous, Jamie Hall, Gary Jakeman, Den O’Brien, Shaz, Dave Bridges and Norman Wright who at aged 74 still gets upset if he ever gives the ball away… which is a rare thing.
To view the league table click here
An amazing night at Withdean as we welcomed back the Seagulls
The crowd of 900 spectators enjoyed a trip down memory lane as Brighton and Hove Albion U21’s beat AFC Varndeanians 1-0. A resilient performance by the V’s was rewarded with a tight contest, despite the Albions dominance, and indeed we stayed in the game and had a chance at the end of the match. But the real winner tonight was football, as everyone involved enjoyed a close game and the atmosphere was quite special.
The Albion fanzine Dogma wrote a wonderful piece about the match which is worth a read. Read more
To watch match highlights click here
