VMFC vs HotScots, 21 August 2010
| Venue: | Edinburgh |
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| Competition: | GFSN Cup |
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| Team: | Hall, Bridges, Leary, McPherson, Clifford, Curtis, Clayton, Ransom, Rushton, Mullender, Kurucz, McNaught, Jones, Golds, Smith |
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| Subs: | GFSN Roll-on Sub Rules |
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| Score & Scorers: | 2 - 4 Loss. OG, Ransom |
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First Half
VMFC's second team came back from a mammoth round trip to Edinburgh empty-handed after suffering a 4-2 loss against HotScots in the opening group stage came in the GFSN Cup.
As usual, the trip to Scotland provided many highlights, not least a stunning rendition of "All That Jazz" by Steve Clayton and Ryan Mullender. Add Village Manchester FC on Facebook if you wish to be inflicted by the "highlights".
Following a late withdrawal by Gavin Crosby, manager Matt Hall unselfishly took the decision to play in goal himself (which he was probably regretting an hour in to the match), and played a 3-5-2 formation boosted by appearances from the first team's Steve Clayton, Jay McNaught, Steve Curtis and Duncan Jones. James Leary made his VMFC debut, slotting in at centre back alongside Rob McPherson and John Bridges.
Village started brightly and should have taken the lead when Jay McNaught saw his eight yard header go over the bar after Pete Ransom's cross from the left. Sadly, Ryan Mullender's day didn't last too long after suffering a foot injury, and he was replaced 15 minutes in by another debutant, Marc Kuruczis. Not long after Steve Curtis was replaced by Lee Rushton with an injury complaint.
VMFC had a major letoff when Matt Hall brought down a striker outside the box and narrowly avoided a red card. However, the Manchester team took the lead soon after. Paul Golds made a good run into the box from the left wing and his cross was narrowly missed by McNaught but was fortunately turned in by the HotScots defence for an own goal to make it 1-0.
Going behind seemed to knock HotScots into action and their concerted spell of pressure resulted in two goals in 15 minutes. A deflected shot from the edge of the area made the scores even, and then a well-worked routine saw a high cross from the right dropped by Hall and tapped in to reverse the scoreline at 1-2.
However, parity was restored ten minutes before half time. Paul Golds won a foul after good work in the left channel and Pete Ransom's free kick from the corner of the area curled straight into the far corner and over the goalkeeper to make it 2-2.
Second Half
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