Clinical finishing backed by brilliant goalkeeping made the difference when VCD Athletic won at Glebe in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division.

As well as being a local derby, there was a sub plot with brothers James Fitchett playing for the hosts and Ben Fitchett captaining the Vickers, especially as it was the first time that they had ever played against each other in senior football.

It took just ten minutes for the visitors to go ahead. Nathaniel Olawole pulled it back and Ollie Freeman made no mistake with an excellent finish.

Jamie Philpot had a great chance to level when a woeful VCD back pass left him one on one with Andy Walker but the Vickers’ goalkeeper made an outstanding save. 

George Whitelock shot off target for the Vickers and Kelvin Bakare fired over at the other end after Reggie Rye created the opening. Philpot then took advantage of another defensive lapse and burst through only to be thwarted by Walker, again, when he deflected the shot on to the base of the post and out.

As the first half came to a close, a VCD attack broke down but it was recycled and Bethel Gboda smashed it home.

Early in the second period Philpot had another opportunity with a first time shot that was saved brilliantly by a strong one handed reaction save. To add to Philpot’s frustrations, the Vickers broke straight to the other end and although Freeman’s first effort was blocked, there was no stopping his follow-up. 

It might have been four-nil moments later when Freeman laid it back to Gboda who shot wide before another Philpot versus Walker moment went the way of the goalkeeper who tipped over the strong shot. The corner was cleared as far as Alex Arif who shot well wide.

Freeman, looking to complete his hat-trick, tried a long range effort but couldn’t get the required lift and Justin Lee saved easily.

Eight minutes remained when Red Jenkins volleyed home a corner from close range then Walker made his best save yet. Philpot met a Zak Loveridge corner with a powerful header only to be thwarted by a miraculous one handed flying save.

David Ajao headed just over from a Loveridge cross before the Foxes pulled another back in the final minute of regulation time. Again Loveridge picked out Philpot from a corner and this time his header hit the underside of the bar and came down over the line.

Seven minutes of stoppage time were signalled and after Lewis Clark had a shot blocked for the Vickers, Walker made one more brilliant save, this time from Fred Obasa, to ensure that his team won all three points.

Glebe: J. Lee, P. Lee (Obasa 68), Wood, Ogunbiyi (Jenkins 76), Okah, Fitchett, Santana, Arif, Philpot, Rye (Ajao 55), Bakare (Loveridge 55).

Sub not used: Juniper.

Goal scorers: Jenkins (83), Philpot (90)

Yellow card: Rye

VCD Athletic: Walker, Lawrence, Cousins, Byron, Fitchett, Fenn, Olawole (Clark 80), Bird (Amoah 64), Freeman (Odeoyin 71), Gboda (Shoderu 75), Whitelock (Jimoh 75).

Subs not used: None

Goalscorers: Freeman (10), (52), Gboda (45) 

Yellow card: Gboda

Sin bin: Freeman (32 to 42)

Referee: Jacob Miller

Assistant Referees: Alexis Stacchini and Ben Wright

Attendance: 187