So, despite the worry and hesitance at the prospect of playing in the Premier Division at the beginning of the season, the Vaders have made it through (just) and will finish in a respectable 7th or 8th (from 10) once the remaining games are concluded.
It remains to be seen if only 2 teams will drop back down or there will be more and the Vaders will be included. For many of the current squad that would be welcome news as it carries with it shorter away trips and less resilient opposition – the reason for the pre-season worries.
However, I think those who feel this way are doing themselves and the team a disservice, we should be looking to play against and beat the best teams available, not hoping for an easy ride every Sunday morning. There’s no glory beating the whipping boys of the league, the real success is turning over teams at the top and clubs like our nearest rivals, St Pats, who are set to be crowned champions in the coming weeks.
We showed what we are capable of in the first game of the season, beating last season’s champions Coedely 4-2 at home. Unfortunately this was probably the highlight of the season along with the two good wins over Nantymoel. Other notable efforts were away to Maerdy with only 10 men on a freezing morning, getting back to 3-1 and taking the game to them before running out of steam, and the spirit shown to beat the Bush 5-4 in a bottom of the table see-saw battle at the Vaderdrome.
These performances were few and far between though as a lack of reliability in players showing up meant no consistency in team selection and many players playing out of position. The final game against the Red Cow being the best example, having to hand them a 3-0 walk-over result meaning they finished in 6th ahead of us. This, against a team who were primed for a roasting given recent form, and one that would have given us sweet revenge for last seasons cup final defeat.
The attitude, quite frankly, has been poor, and some serious recruiting needs to be done in the summer if the Vaders are to continue next season. We have some wonderful players and a really good team when we have a full squad to choose from, but the commitment has been terrible and we need to get some more reliable players to ensure we have a team each week.
Former first team regulars such as Leigh James, Matthew Evans, Lee Isaac and Allan Thomas have played less than 15 games between them and they haven’t been replaced consistently over the season (save for Jammy, Morgan has done a terrific job at right back). A lot of players have other commitments, which is totally understandable, and that is why we need to get more numbers in.
If anybody knows anyone looking for a team, let us know. Given our poor defensive record (worst in the league with an average 4.44 goals conceded per game) we could definitely do with a permanent, reliable goalkeeper (thanks for your commitment and effort helping out this season Cookie), and some defenders to replace those midfielders filling in at the back. Overall we need people willing to turn up and play, no matter what.
It would also be good to get training back again next season as it helps keep everyone together and keep everyone fitter and fresher.
Anyone wishing to register or re-register for the Vaders, please e-mail or call/text Rob on robert.boydell@sky.com or 07815 736998.
