A match where if you were a few minutes late to the match, there wasn’t much point in showing up!
Within the first minute, The Vics opened proceedings in the second minute as Fraser Allan picked up the ball on the right wing. He then picked out Nadeem Zeb in the middle of the box who had the simple job of laying it off to Dale Jones who smashed the ball into the back of the net.
It only took thirty seconds for the Vics to gain possession back and move into the Yoker half. Lewis MacDonald had the ball on the left side of the pitch and slipped an excellent pass through to Nad Zeb who was taken out as he attempted to cut further into the box. Referee Michael McCart pointed to the spot.
Jones stepped up and sent the Yoker keeper, Liam Campbell, the wrong way to get his second of the match.
14 minutes in Nadeem Zeb won an aerial battle with the Yoker centre-half and Scott McKean pursued the loose ball. The striker cut it back and Allan had an excellent effort, destined for the left top corner, saved by the Campbell. The Whe Ho then started to come back into the game creating a few chances. None of which were good enough to threaten Dean Trainor’s goal.
The second half started how the first half ended; Yoker looking to peg one back while the Vics wanted to put the match to bed.
Early on in the second half, Yoker were gifted a fantastic opportunity as Garry Campbell was passed on the right wing and a cross was whipped across goal. Greg McBride was waiting at the back post to guide the ball into the back of the net. As Dean Trainor scrambled across his goal and the open goal beckoned, the Yoker forward pulled the trigger and miraculously dragged his shot wide of the post. An absolute sitter which really could have turned the match around for the visitors.
Shortly afterwards, MacDonald performed one of his signature darting runs into the box. Where he spotted a gap to the keepers left and attempted to curl a shot towards the far post. His shot was saved by an outstretched foot, then Allan’s rebound effort was swiftly blocked.
The game was as exciting as it could get, end to end attacking play, but with no goals.
In the 67th minute, while Yoker were pushing for a goal, their winger, Jamie Waddell, took out Jones once the ball had been played and after just being booked two minutes prior – he was sent for an early shower.
The Vics managed to see the match out from here with very little notable moments. Jake Hughes had a string of chances after coming off the bench but was denied on a few occasions by the Campbell, including a spectacular stop with his right leg from close range. Kierin Coleman also hit the post with a header before being cleared by a defender.
Despite efforts from both sides, the majority of the talking points of this fixture came in the opening three minutes!
A necessary three points for The Vics as their promotion hopes currently hang in the balance, while another for Yoker Athletic now sees them three points from safety.
