Vegas Crack Cricklewood Code

Magical Vegas came through a tough encounter against a talented but undisciplined Cricklewood Wanderers Reserves last night in the Islington Midweek Premier League.

The opposition caused similar problems to Vegas as they had the previous season where they managed to win on both occasions. However, an energised and determined Vegas side never looked flustered despite the physical nature of the game. Tackles where flying in with yellow cards littered throughout the first half with chances at both ends.

Vegas took the lead when Perry Price whipped in a corner which the returning Ricardo Beckford flicked on and Patrick Moore Jones bundled home at the back post. However, the Wanderers' attackers where mixing up their positions and causing the back 3 and middle 3 of Magical Vegas some issues with who was picking up who. Every attack was coming down the exposed right hand side and when one of their attackers back heeled a through ball it someone squeezed between two centre backs and allowed an easy finish to draw Wanderers level.

After that Vegas looked after possession more carefully and knew that if they were patient their chances would come. They took the lead again when a Shane McNamara long throw was met by centre back Hussein Hussein at the near post who flicked home to make it 2-1. Balls into the box was causing the Wanderers defence all sorts of problems and when another set-piece was delivered into the danger area by Moore Jones the goalie flapped at the ball and managed to hit the ball into one of his own players and into his own net.

Vegas deservedly came in at half time with a 2 goal cushion and they discussed the fact that they would get chances in the second half and that if they took it the game would be over. Cricklewood came out second half with all guns firing and some of their play was decent but without any real potency. The back three of Vegas were strong dealing with all the long balls but the Vegas midfield struggled to get the ball forward effectively to the their strikers when they had possession.

Only when Vegas started to be more patient did they look in control of the game, they was expressed perfectly with their fourth goal. Patiently passing between the back three and midfield in their own half, a ball to feet found birthday boy Erol Resat, he turned his marker inside out and cleverly squared the ball for super sub Steven 'Bru' Bruce who cooly slotted home fro 10 yards.

With the game done, Vegas managed the game expertly and saw the game out without too much fuss. They will have harder challenges, but their attitude throughout was brilliant - all the way through the 14 that took part. All they need now is a good cup run with it beginning next Tuesday against pre-season opposition Clissold Casuals.