MATCH REPORT: VETS VS FURNGATE

Image: Will Hugall

Rotherfield Vets 7 – 2 Furngate Vets  

Halftime: 3–1

On the final day of summer, while most were clinging to their BBQ tongs and suncream, Rotherfield Vets were busy making history — by playing their second pre-season match of the year, which, for context, equals the total number of pre-season games played in the last four years combined. Progress!

Their opponents, Furngate Vets, arrived battle-hardened from their 11th friendly of the summer (and second of the week), clearly on a mission to set some kind of Guinness World Record. But Rotherfield had a secret weapon: 22 players. Yes, you read that right. Enough to field two entirely different teams across both halves. It was like watching a footballing relay race, with fresh legs and fresh egos every 45 minutes.

The game kicked off with Rotherfield stroking the ball around nicely but struggling to break down Furngate’s stubborn defence until Danny Taylor unleashed a left-footed rocket from outside the box. The keeper got a hand to it, but physics had other ideas. 1–0. Cue celebrations. Cue complacency.

Moments later, Furngate equalised in what can only be described as a comedy sketch. Stand-in keeper Alun Evans, momentarily possessed by the spirit of a wandering striker, forgot he could use his hands and embarked on a scenic tour of his own box. Furngate said “thank you very much” and slotted home. 1–1.

Thankfully, Mike Hodges had other plans. Two delicious corners later, debutant Matt Moore nodded one in, and Chris Ead claimed his first goal for the club, via a backside deflection that will live long in the annals of questionable goal claims. 3–1 at the break.

Enter the second-half squad, led by the GOAT himself, Andy Garrett, dazzling in orange and ready to guard the net like a caffeinated cat. Within minutes, trialist Lee tucked away a tidy finish, and Alex Thompson volleyed in a peach that had the crowd (well, the subs) gasping. 5–1.

Furngate rallied admirably, holding firm for a good half hour and forcing Garrett into a couple of solid saves. But as legs tired and minds wandered, Rotherfield pounced again, Lee bagging his brace and Dan Taylor returning to poke home after a late scramble. 7–2. Game, set, and match.

A cracking result for a squad still getting to know each other’s names, let alone passing patterns. With the league opener against Horsham Crusaders Vets looming, the manager now faces the rare luxury of choosing from 16 players—rather than last year’s weekly panic to find 12. Long may the depth continue!