DUFC Vikings vs Dunmow Rhodes Panthers

On a wonderfully sunny day, Vikings played their first 7 a side game against Dunmow Rhodes Panthers in preperation for our 2018/19 season.

Vikings started the match on the front foot with a lot of possession in the Panthers half. Much of this came from accurate drop kicks by goalie Josh. Vikings forced a series of corners and eventually we got a goal with Bastien scoring from close range. From another goal kick, William broke clear of the defence to score our second goal in the bottom corner. Maxim was making some good runs, which helped to create space for Joseph to sweep in the third from a cross by William.

​It wasn’t all one-way traffic. The Panthers attacking threat was being well marshalled by Henry and Rohan. With plenty of help from midfield dynamo Angus, who made several important blocks and headed clearances. William added another from the edge of the area, following a run and pass by Joseph. William returned the favour, chipping a delightful cross/shot that hit the angle between crossbar and post before dropping for Joseph to bundle the ball over the line.

​By now Angus was doing a stint in goal and he made sure Vikings went in at half time with a clean sheet by making a brave close range save. Henry went in goal for the second half and had to make a series of saves as the Panthers fought back. Rohan, Bastien and Josh held a good defensive line with Jess covering a lot of ground to help out. Eventually the pressure told and Panthers got a goal back, though it was a deflected shot. They got a funny second with a high looping long-range shot, bouncing high over the advancing keeper Henry.

Our attack got going again with Jess and Maxim making good space creating runs in support of William and Joseph. These two players completed their hat tricks with strong runs and crisp finishes from the edge of the box. So Vikings finished their first 7-a-side match very convincing and the bigger format played to some of our key strengths . Great display from the whole team who showed skill, determination, lovely passing and team spirit. Well done all