So far this year, the road has been pretty kind to Powell River Villa, but last weekend it lost a close game to Victoria’s Castaways FC 3A 1-0.
The starting lineup included most of the regulars but veterans such as Brandon Knox and Rob Devlin were unable to make the trip.
Those who did go got off to a strong start and virtually carried the play throughout the game.
Villa had good possession and a couple of great chances early but just after Brody Harry narrowly missed on a shot at 15 minutes, Castaways struck for the first goal.
From about 25 yards out a ball was sent in on Villa’s net and a rebound off keeper Matt Liknes went to an unmarked Castaways’ striker who tapped it in to make it 1-0.
Villa went right to work and played well through to the break but couldn’t solve Castaways’ keeper who played a very solid game.
At the break, coach Chris McDonough urged his players, “Don’t get discouraged and play the same way in the second half.”
The players heeded his advice and again controlled the majority of play but simply could not find a way to score a goal.
“We had them pinned in their end for most of the half,” said McDonough, “and we had quite a few chances but the goalie made a lot of big saves.”
Several Villa players had a whack at it including Ben Elliot, Nick van’t Schip and one from Jake Kenmuir that just missed.
“Their keeper was the difference for sure,” sighed McDonough. “We really played quite well, had 70 per cent possession throughout the game and I thought it was our best effort of the year. We were really in their end for most of the game but their defence was quite good and the keeper stood on his head.”
A better result was probably deserved, “but when you miss your chances it comes back to haunt you in the end,” he said. “I’m unhappy with the loss, but very happy with the way we played.”
McDonough acknowledges the fact that Villa’s “goals for” needs to improve but he is prepared to remain patient.
“I think it’s just part of having a young team,” he explained, “maybe to get that confidence required in the final third of the pitch to put those chances away. It will come. If we continue to play like that our chances will come and so will the goals.”
The loss drops Villa to a tie for fourth in the 10-team division with a game in hand on most of the leaders.
This week it hosts the seventh-seeded Westcastle SSFC 3A (2-1-3), 1:30 pm Sunday, November 10 at Timberlane Park.
