Battle Hero's Of Zero's In League Decider Dogfight

The fight in the plight of playing with the bare eleven against the champions elect was there for all to see in the nil nil draw between Dover Castle and Magical Vegas this week.

Vegas' squad was already heavily depleted but the unavailable list increased by four in the 24 hours before kick off.

This left the squad knowing that they had no choice but to fight for every ball in a game that could put them in the driving seat for the league title.

Early on, Kadeem Gutzmore had a good shot across goal saved by the Dover goalie but the play was broken up by a referee hell bent on stopping the game with soft free-kicks and poor player management. Yellow cards were being given out too easily and make the game more aggressive and frustrating for the Vegas boys.

Defensively, the side had the never previously combined Dan Loughney at right back, Harry Pedersen at left back and a centre back pairing of Sam Bader and Giuliano Cinotti in front of Daniel Bank. Their desire, application and sheer will to defend was a pleasure to behold.

Further forward they were unable to keep the ball how they would have liked but that was mirrored by the Dover Castle attackers in a cagey first half.

At half-term the conversation was based around keeping calm, being more brave on the ball going forward and waiting for that small opening to create a goalscoring opportunity. Unfortunately, striker Perry Price picked up a bad hip problem in the first half that pretty much hindered him from the mobility that makes the forward so dangerous on the break.

The second half began in the same fashion of the first. Dover did create a one-on-one opportunity but Bank stood up tall and snaffled the shot destined for goal.

Callum Hosier, making a first start since before Christmas was industrious and quick, one nutmeg on an opposition player was absolutely sickening to watch! But, like other creative midfielder Jacob Bond, they were unable to find the space and time to create openings for their forwards.

As the game continued, it looked dead set for a 0-0 draw until the 88th minute when left back Harry Pedersen picked up a loose ball 30 yards from goal. From nowhere, he struck an unbelievable effort destined for goal that had his manger beginning to celebrate but was somehow tipped around the post by the goalkeeper.

When the final whistle blew, dover celebrated knowing they would now have to lose one of their remaining 2 games to lose the title while vegas rued the luck that had restricted them to such a limited squad in such a big game.

Nevertheless, the ability to work as a unit, the courage to fight for every ball and the attitude to work hard for one another was outstanding and stands this very young and talented squad in great stead for the future.

It was a performance that optimised 'the vegas way'.