Happy start to the season

Viking Land News

The Vikings started the season with a close fought win on an entertaining game against Yorkshires Amateurs.

It was a warm early evening fixture and both sides looked very ready for the opening day of the season.

The two sides have never met before and the early stages were very cautious as the two teams felt each other out.

The first chance did not arrive until the 29th minute when new Vikings recruit Pecar saw a header saved. Yorkshires first chance came in the 39th minute when Smallwood had an effort that never really tested Raasch.

Two of the squad from last season combined to give the Vikings the lead in the 42nd minute. The impressive Gourmas took a corner and Lind was on hand to head home to put the Vikings ahead at the break.

The Vikings were 2 up soon after the break. There had been some speculation as to who would take freekicks this season after the arrival of Quinn, but the task was given to regular taker Aris Almandis and he repayyed the faith by firing home with his first chance in the 47 th minute.

Yorkshires Amateurs however refused to go away and Smallwood saw another effort easily saved on 53.

The game was begining to open out and Portway saw a 64th minute well saved by the keeper. Portway then had a header from the resultant corner saved.

Yorshires Amateurs responded to this spell of pressure very well and Wallwork saw a 66th minute blast fly just wide. Casey then tested Raasch in the 69th minute but the keeper beat the ball away well.

Amateurs did finally get the goal that they probably deserved when Potts sent home a 82nd minute freekick. However the Vikings then tightened up in defence and saw out the rest of the game with no alarms. 2-1 to the Vikings

Manager Eaglesrjh had this to say after the game.

It was a very good and very tight game and we are delighted to come away with the 3 points. It was a tense opening as neither team or manager had any experience of the other but we got ahead and stayed there.

I'm very pleased as well with how the new lads have integrated into the team, it already looks like they have been here for ages and this is good news for the future.

It's only the first game but it's nice to start with a win.