Beverley Town Veterans boss Steven Harvey was full of praise for his side as they beat league leaders Knottingley Albion to move to within two points of their title rivals.
Harvey watched his side dominate the midfield and cruise to a three goal lead against a side that have not a dropped a point all season in the Hull & District Veterans Football League.
Speaking to HU17.net after the match the manager said;
“I felt we played some amazing football today, especially considering Albion are undefeated all season.”
Dave Ricardo, who has missed the past six weeks through suspension, was awarded the man of the match. Commenting on his performance Harvey said;
“Ricardo brought a massive amount of composure to the centre of the park on his return, and was well supported by Mike Dobbs and Paul Alcorn who provided the engine.”
Harvey however may be doing himself a disservice. The manager made a tactical change for the game switching from a trusted 442 to a 352. He said;
“I did some research and was told Albion were strong in midfield so decided to change the formation. We played most of the game like that before reverting back to a 442 when we wanted to see out the match.”
Beverley were deserved winners. Nicky Whiting opened the scoring inside 7 minutes when he latched on to a back pass, sliding the ball past the Albion keeper. A second was added after some nice one-touch football saw Alcorn calmly finish on 35 minutes.
On the stroke of half time Alcorn turned provider; again, more nice passing football opened up Albion, and Alcorn’s slide rule pass was finished off by the impressive Richard Fell.
Although Town won, Harvey felt Albion posed a threat throughout the game. They were awarded a penalty after Gavin Northen push his opponent in the area. Town’s keeper Richard Simpson guessed right but could do little to prevent the goal.
Harvey said;
“I cannot have any complaints about the penalty. When you put your hands on someone’s back you make it easy for the referee to give the decision.”
“When they got that goal back it gave them a bit of an edge but when they did get through, Simpson was there. He was certainly not shy to put himself about out there.”
Town were not without their chances in the second half. Substitute Pip Pearson came off the bench and was close to scoring a volley, only to see his effort miss.
Harvey feels that this win shows they are serious title contenders in their first season since being formed. He said;
“We are not in this league to make up the numbers. This win will help us push forward for the rest of the season and as far as I am concerned I am looking to win the league.”
Town will play again in two weeks when they take on Eastrington Village. Commenting on that fixture the gaffer said;
“If we play our own football we can beat anyone as we showed today. I am very confident we can get a result and keep the pressure on at the top of the table.
Final Score: Beverley Town Veterans 3 Knottingley Albion 1
