South Park take the lead

Stairway to heaven

Portes header just misses target

Sunday 17th February 2008- Vets Friendly

REIGATE PRIORY VETS 35  (0) 1   SOUTH PARK VETS  (2) 2

Chandler1

On Sunday 17th February Reigate Priory Vets entertained South Park Vets on a beautiful sunny afternoon at Park Lane. With both teams fielding a wealth of players that had represented the two clubs in yesteryear and for many it was an opportunity to put down the managing and coaching manuals , get the old boots out , rub the legs with Deep Heat and see if they could still deliver at the sharp end. The style of the game was patient and full of quality passing. In the early stages South Park had the edge and definitely had an aerial threat putting pressure on the Priory defence with balls into the box. South Park took the lead when they were awarded a corner. As the ball was whipped in towards the near post the South Park striker out jumped the Priory defence to head home at the near post. Priory started to settle and had a good period of possession football with the experienced duo of Jes Chandler and Dave Frost in midfield dictating. However Priory were only able to create half chances and were lacking a cutting edge in the final third. Then again South Park earned another corner and Priory suffered a further blow as South Park extended their lead with headed goal from Mark Endsleigh.

Into the second half and the game continued in a similar format with both teams focussing on controlled football. Opportunities at either end were limited but Priory achieved their just reward as Chandler pounced in the box to force the ball home. Priory continued to look for the equaliser and as the game became more stretched , and with a bit more composure in the final third, Priory could have sneaked an equaliser , but it wasn’t to be. South Park finishing 2-1 winners.

Priory Vets now look forward to their next game against the Royal Engineers on Sunday the 23rd March which is a restaging of a match that should have taken place 137 years ago in the 1st Round of the Inaugural FA Cup competition in 1871.

Team:Comben,Porte,Wilmot,Chapman,Lomas,Lomath,Chandler,Frost,Gunar,Besley,Cook,Connolly,Vezza,Davies,Stemp.

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Sunday 27th January 2008- Vets Friendly

NUTFIELD VETS   (1) 3    REIGATE PRIORY VETS 35  (1) 2

                                        Stephen2

It was that time again when the Priory Vets were let out of their cages. Still looking for their first win in two years Priory started the game brightly as Richard Stephen with the energy of a teenager broke into the Nutfield box to put Priory into

a 1-0 lead . Nutfield responded and gradually took control of the possession and forced a corner. As the ball was floated into the Priory box Brends attempt to clear misfired as the ball went into he net.  After half time Priory brought on their youngsters Connolly and Comben , a fierce pairing. With Connolly going up front , midfield and right back and with Comben playing in the old 'Outside Left' position , the rest of the team started to struggle with this new innovative strategy. Connolly had a number of opportunities to score ( thank heavens he didn't, we would never hear the last of it!) however last gasp defending by Nutfield thwarted his attempts. Other Old boys that were enjoying the outing was Andy 'The Mullet' Davies who was showing his usual deft touch to the cheers of the roaming support. His partner in crime Mark Peters failed to turn up , probably concerned with the potential match report!. It was good to see some old faces return in Jim Cook and Scott Cook. Jim's still the same goes everywhere and nowhere but still looks good with Scott still looking that he could get back in to Priory 'C' Team , if we had one that is !. With regard to Mr Lomas , at least he was ready and had his kit on , unlike the previous day!.The Italian Stallion still plays his football as if he was back in Italy , make of that what you will...With all this going on Priory conceded two goals in quick succession and were looking out of puff , then Richard Stephen raced past numerous Nutfield players to convert to score Priory's second.

Another good day out , Priory Vets now prepare (don't bank on it) for a home fixture against South Park Vets on the 17th February .

Team: Stephen,Connolly,Davies,Porte,Besley,CookJ,Gunnar,Lomas,CookS,Lomath,Brend,Chapman,Vezza,Comben.

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Sunday 21st October 2007- Vets Friendly

REIGATE PRIORY VETS 35   (0) 1   NUTFIELD VETS   (0) 1  

Frost1.

Priory Vets started their season with a home game against Nutfield Vets on a beautiful sunny autumn afternoon at Park Lane. In an even game Priory started well and moved the ball well. Priory had some early opportunities as Besley went close and Vezza hit the bar. Nutfield equally had opportunities but Chapman in the Priory defence was playing well and Comben looked solid. Full backs Peters and Lomas were providing good width in the early exchanges and Frost and Porte played well in midfield. Vezza and Wilmott provided the midfield width with Gunnar and Besley up front. Vets Manager Keith Pidgeon made some changes just before half time bringing on fresh legs(I think) in Connolly , Davis , Stemp ,Brend and Matt. Half time 0-0.

In the second half , the game remained close but Nutfields fitness advantage started to show.Nutfield took the lead with a fine left footed strike beyond the reach of the diving Comben found the corner of the net. At this point Nutfield looked in control , but Priory responded almost immediately as Dave Frost 30 yd strike sailed into the net. Both teams had opportunities to win the game , but the game finished 1-1, probably a fair result on the day.

Team: Comben,Avery,Chapman,Lomas,Wilmott,Frost,Porte,Vezza,Besley,Gunnar,Udall,Brend,Matt,Stemp,Davis,Connolly