Match Report

Goals scored
Graham Rix (2), 1 own goal.

Man of the match
Jon Orme & Dave Rix.

Team
Stuart Medcraft, Jon Orme, Brian Butler, Dave Rix, Chris Vieceli, Neil Murphy, Gavin Mayo, Danny Sarling, Rob Marling, Terry Bush, Dariusz Szymanski.

Subs
Tony Bush, Graham Rix, Paul Munyard.

Landsdowne faced Shepley United in the second round of the Charity Cup at Fortress Holy Cross, the second time this season Landsdowne have figured there as the away side – as many times they have at home! The draw made earlier this season had an air of predictability about it given the links between the two sides; Shepley’s player/manager, Chris Shepherd, had participated in one of the famous Landsdowne European tours, while a number of the Shepley players had played for local (and Bush family) rivals, Addison Athletic. This match bore all the hallmarks of a classic cup tie, even before the weather made a contribution. Torrential rain and high winds were a constant feature during the game – the Landsdowne faithful could have been forgiven for fearing an upset!

As far as the starting line-up was concerned, it was all change for Landsdowne. Stuart Medcraft made his return in goal after a spell on the sidelines, Jon Orme and Brian Butler slotted into the full-back berths, and Chris Vieceli renewed his impressive partnership with Dave Rix at the back. Danny Sarling also continued his comeback from injury, while Dariusz Szymanski took on the lone striking role in an unfamiliar 4-5-1 formation. Wishing to stay injury-free, Danny decided to take some warm-up tips from Gavin Mayo before the game and consequently found himself face down in the mud with his shorts round his ankles!! Squad rotation was the order of the day with Tony Bush, Graham Rix and Paul Munyard moving to the bench. Graham took the managerial reins in the absence of Pete Smart and was clearly hoping to add a second win to his previous match in charge – the superb 3-1 league win over Bromfords Reunion. Tony Bush was keen to be involved and was entrusted to use his considerable experience to run the line. Landsdowne were looking for their 3rd win in succession and clearly hoping to continue on the same sort of unbeaten run that led to promotion last season. Shepley themselves were coming into the match on a good run of form since the Landsdowne scouting team had seen them well beaten by Addison Athletic earlier in the season.

The game started with Shepley settling the quicker of the two sides. The conditions were obviously difficult (although the same for both teams) and were playing havoc with Landsdowne’s natural passing game. The Landsdowne defence stood firm in the early few minutes while the remainder of the team got into their stride. An end-to-end first half saw plenty of Landsdowne pressure. Neil Murphy was a constant thorn in Shepley’s side and provided some excellent service to the Landsdowne team, while Gavin Mayo was also getting some joy down the let flank. Dariusz was unlucky in front of goal on one or two occasions, though Shepley continued to work hard to deny Landsdowne time and space. With half-time looming, Landsdowne were desperate to get their noses in front. Brian Butler stormed forward on darting run from left-back and put over a curling ball towards the back post. A cross, or a shot? We’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and say a cross! The ball was met at the back post by an unlikely source in Rob Marling, who is still searching for his first goal of the season and second in Landsdowne colours. Rob headed the ball back across goal, leaving the opposition goalkeeper grounded and looking on helplessly as a Shepley defender turned the ball into his own net. The calls from the sideline for a celebratory dance were turned down and Rob honestly (…and rather stupidly!) declined to claim the goal, thereby denying Butler an assist. Rob is looking forward to Butler forgiving him sometime over the next 20 years! The own goal was the difference between the two sides at the break, leaving Shepley very much still in the cup tie.

Two changes were made at the interval, with Tony Bush and Graham Rix coming on for Dariusz Szymanski and Neil Murphy. Tony was helped out of his chair just in time for restart, and was unfortunately heading back to it rather sooner than he would have liked with a pulled hamstring some 20 minutes later. Landsdowne reverted to their usual 4-4-2 and looked to go on and claim the win. Danny Sarling moved across to the right-wing, while Graham pushed on up front with Tony in his usual role until injury forced him off. The injury and subsequent use of the 3rd sub meant that Danny Sarling was required to complete his first 90 minutes of the season since the Albion game on the opening day of the season. I’m sure he’ll be delighted to have got this match under his belt, just as soon as the aching has stopped!

Landsdowne were immediately attacking at every opportunity possible from the restart, while Shepley continued to put up a dogged resistance. Gavin Mayo, Graham Rix, Brian Butler and Rob Marling were all denied either by the Shepley defence or keeper, though the half was by no means one-way traffic. Shepley fought for every ball and refused to let Landsdowne get away from them – indeed, they had two or three great chances on the break at 1-0 and were denied by some fine work from Stuart and the Landsdowne defence, who continued to look both assured and confident. With the weather still proving an obstacle, Landsdowne were very much relieved to hit their second goal through a deflected strike from Graham Rix. Even at 2-0 Shepley refused to lie down and had hit back within minutes. Stuart made a great save from the Shepley striker and was very unlucky to see the ball rebound off of a horrified looking Chris Vieceli who was unable to escape its path. Landsdowne now realised they were in for a fight in the closing stages, and thankfully managed to get themselves out of jail through a trademark fantastic run and strike from Graham Rix. Graham has been on fire so far this season - 11 goals to date – and fully deserves all the plaudits coming his way.

The driving rain got harder and harder in the closing stages and eventually managed to kill off the game, though Shepley pushed hard for a second goal to no avail. Landsdowne had a number of chances throughout the game but were unable to find the kind of finishing necessary to bring an early end to proceedings. The game ended 3-1, but Landsdowne knew on another day it’s possible they may have had to endure extra-time with Shepley working flat out to prevent the defeat.

Man of the match provoked a split decision from Landsdowne, with votes dotted around the team. The award was shared between Jon Orme and Dave Rix, who both turned in very good performances. Jon linked up particularly well with Murphy in the first half, while Dave was a picture of calm (!) and composure (!) at centre-half ahead of his forthcoming suspension.