Raynes Park
First half, fine. Conceding a goal on the 20 minute mark to one of the top goalscorers at step five over the last two seasons, Josh Gallagher. Gallagher a star for RPV, who have leapfrogged the Terrors into Step 4.
A team who looked ready for their promotion when they faced Tooting this time last year. A 3-1 win for them last August. Signs of some of the issues that plagued the Tooting first team throughout the season was, especially with hindsight, also staring us in the face that night.
The reverse is hopefully true of yesterdays game. The Stripes looked competitive, playing with purpose, particularly in the second half. Admittedly RPV looked less impressive than a year ago, but still showed in spells why they are now an Isthmian side and why they will likely do well in their first season at that level.
Tooting’s new look squad already looked well drilled. The ‘announced’ players gelling with the yet to be named faces. Able to play direct from front to back, while also building the play with some nice patterns that took the ball left to right and up the pitch with purpose.
Tooting’s number 7, yet to be officially announced, impressed again. Playing on the right hand side, the diminutive creative showed pace, guile and fluid feet that had Vale’s fullback spinning left and right throughout the second 45.
The equaliser, coming about 10 minutes before the end of the 90, was brilliantly made and taken by our new 7. A raking pass from right of central midfield found the space in front of his advancing feet, a positive touch, beyond the left back leading to an excited response from the healthy 91 fans watching on the back pitch. Beyond the defender towards and into the box. Fleet feet, a turn back and around the retreating defender for a second time, cutting in for a well placed finish. The Terror faithful rewarded again with a result which will undoubtably continue the positive vibe that has been building so far.
A quick note on our new number 9. Shay Brennan has already received some positive fan fare on this site. He looked the part again last night. Paired up front with a forward I recognise from last summers preseason friendly versus Colliers Wood, his movement and clear eye for goal was on show and his contribution could have easily been rewarded with a goal. A zola-esque attempt to redirect a low hard cross from wide right was unlucky to fall straight into a relived oppo goalkeepers arms. Gianfranco Goals. Nearly.
As the black and white faithful streamed away from the back pitch, a lot felt different about the team we had just watched and the atmosphere amongst the supporters is unrecognisable from the last two seasons.
Here’s to a long season. Here’s to a quick return to where last nights opposition are already heading.
