An inspired display from makeshift Redbridge Jewish Care goalkeeper Hayden Pitch could not stop Hertswood Vale from returning to winning ways as they secured a 3-1 win in Division One.
January 20, 2020 12:34
MGBSFL DIVISION ONE
HERTSWOOD VALE 3 REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE 1
Goals from James Millet (2) and Charlie Becker saw Vale recover from a goal down to claim an important three points.
The match began in freezing temperatures following a pitch inspection. An even start saw both teams attempting to get an advantage in possesion. Redbridge got the opening goal after a tidy finish in the box following some hesitant Vale defending.
Vale responded well, and after a number of long-range pot-shots, they equalised in the 31st minute when a ball into the box found top-scorer James Millet who managed to swivel and prod home on the six-yard line.
Vale stepped up a fear at the start of second half, dominating posession and chances. Their fans were treated to one of their most attacking 45 minutes of the season. Initially, Vale came up against a brick wall of resistance in the shape of RJC keeper Pitch, who kept the visitors in the game with some heroic stops. including from Charlie Becker and James Millet to keep the scores level.
The home side then had a great chance to forge ahead after they were awarded a penalty, but once again the inspired Pitch pulled off a quality save.
Vale's efforts finally came to fruition and they edged ahead in the 81st minute through Charlie Becker - not the tidiest build-up but the ball found it's way to him and he finished into the corner of the net.
Millet secured the points with Vale's third goal from the penalty spot in the dying second. He was played through on goal before being hacked to the ground by a Redbridge defender who sent off for the cynical foul. Millet made no mistake from the spot to grab his 20th of the season in all competitions, matching his goal tally from last season in front of his father. A proud moment.
Vale joint-manager Jacob Emanuel told JC Sport: "Fair play to Redbridge - it was a very even game in the first half and they deserved their lead. They made it difficult for us throughout, and I have absolutely no doubt that they'll pick up points off a number of teams in our division this season.
"The second half was brilliant from us, and although at times it looked as though our domination wouldn't pay off, we got a couple of late goals that we thorougly deserved."
Emanuel went on to say: "Special mention has to go to the Redbridge keeper - Hayden Pitch - who pulled off a couple of decent saves during the match, a save from the spot, and also a full-stretch save from a shot heading for the corner."
VALE: Adam Zaidman, Jordan Grant, Jordan Harris, Ashley Hirschburger, Zac Mandel, James Neidle, Jamie Steinberg, Alex Trup, Charlie Becker, James Millet, Harry Graham. Subs: Ollie Brill, Josh Gorb, Jack Winton
SCORERS: Millet 2 (31, 90), Becker 81
RJC: Hayden Pitch, Darren Brown, Jimmy Castle, Sam Cormack, Richard Gold, David Green, Max Seitler, Ryan Silkman, Ross Weinrabe, Daniel Wexler, Niv Gur. Subs: Antony Cope, Ben Nathan, Matt Niman
SCORER: Green
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