Match Report

Goals scored
Gary Kybert (2), Dan Trevarthen (1), Graham Rix (1)

Man of the match
Gary Kybert

Team
Jamie Bullock, Chris Vieceli, Lee Smith, Richard Martin, John Wilson, Robert Marling, Paul Munyard, Gary Kybert, Gavin Mayo, Graham Rix, Dan Trevarthen.

Subs
Martin Burton, Dariusz Szymanski, John Orme.

After another draw in the league Landsdowne needed to get back to winning ways. Todays opponents Hawkwell Atheltic. With several players missing it was a new look side with two debut starts; Lee Smith in for the ill Dean Weaving and Gary Kybert coming in at right midfield with Graham Rix and Dan Trevarthen up front. The weather would definitely play a part today; lots of rain and wind. The manager’s words before the game were to try and play good football, keep the ball on the deck and lots of hard work.

Landsdowne started at a quick pace and took control of the game; they had lots of possession and needed to turn this into goals. The elements were making it hard for both teams to get control of the ball but Landsdowne showed their superior skill level by creating several good chances early on. Kybert was combining well with Rix and Trevarthen down the right. A break in play allowed Vieceli a good opportunity to deliver a trade mark throw into the box. The flick was met by Munyard and Kybert directed the ball towards goal. Confusion by the goalkeeper and the defender allowed the ball to deflect in off the post and make the score 1-0.

Landsdowne now needed to protect this lead whilst also pushing forward for more. Hawkwell responded and began to apply more pressure going forward. A silly free kick was given just inside the Landsdowne half. The delivery wasn’t great but a lucky bounce took the path of the ball straight to the Athletics striker who smashed the ball past the helpless Bullock; 1-1.

Landsdowne replied in good fashion, taking the game back to Hawkwell and again creating several good chances. Mayo found himself in possession deep in the oppositions half and with a good threw ball through to Munyard it was a one on one chance to take the lead…… Munyard waited for the keeper to commit and then played the ball past him, almost taking it off the pitch; however he managed to slide the ball across the goal mouth for Kybert to grab his second of the game. A slick Landsdowne move; 2-1. At half time Landsdowne had the lead and also the benefit of the slope and wind for the second half.

They knew what they had to do; continue to play good, sensible football whilst battling for every ball. Within moments of the restart Landsdowne found themselves 3-1 up. A strong clearance held up in the wind and fell to Rix who found himself with acres of space to run at goal. The Hawkwell defence struggled to get back and Rix coolly placed the ball passed the keeper.

Moments later the score was 4-1. Good pressure from Landsdowne gave them strong possession in their opponent’s box and with the defence struggling the centre back got caught pulling Trevarthen’s shirt leaving the ref with no option but to point to the spot. Trevarthen coolly scoring the resulting sport kick. Landsdowne now had a commanding lead and still plenty of time left to add to their tally; they just need to keep their discipline and continue to play good football.

Unfortunately a rare mistake and misunderstanding between the goalkeeper and the defence gave Hawkwell a lifeline. With the score at 4-2 and still 25 minutes left the three points Landsdowne wanted were not yet a certainty. They needed to dominate their opponents and keep possession whilst trying to build on their lead. They did just that, but without the goals. Each player worked for themselves and the team and left Hawkwell with know options. Final score 4-2.

A great result and performance by Landsdowne. With players missing, their replacements gave a solid display. The squad on the day worked for each other, had fun and played some brilliant football whilst also battling with difficult conditions. Well done boys, three points well deserved.