Match Report

Goals scored
Paul Munyard (1), Dan Sherry (1), Graham Rix (2).

Man of the match
Dan Trevarthen

Team
Ben Tarrant, Lee Smith, Dean Weaving, Dave Rix, Richard Martin, Paul Munyard, Gavin Mayo, Robert Marling, Dan Trevarthen, Daniel Sherry, Graham Rix.

Subs
James Greave, Nick Wallace.

After losing 3-1 against Fusion in their previous game, Landsdowne Rangers were looking to get back to winning ways as soon as possible. The opposition today were Essex Royals; a hard working team that would battle for every ball and cause lots of problems. It was definitely going to be a tough game and by taking previous meetings between these two teams into account the result could go either way.

The conditions today would definitely have a bearing on the result. The heavens had opened, the pitch was soaked and the ball was likely to zip about. The pre match atmosphere was very positive with talks of a win definitely on the cards. Both teams started the game at a high tempo but it was the away team who were getting the better chances early on. Landsdowne were finding themselves with lots of possession but were struggling to turn this into goals. With about 25 minutes gone Gavin broke down the left, he took the ball into the box and then looked up for support.

Goal Alert: 1-0 (Paul Munyard). Yard makes the run from the right and calls for the ball from Mayo. With the ball passed in to him, he controls the ball with his chest and then strikes the ball with his left foot passed the Royals keeper for his second of the season.

The lead didn’t last very long as Essex Royals took advantage of some poor marking from a corner. The Home side were now on the front foot and some of the Landsdowne players were beginning to get frustrated with each other; they needed to start winning the first and second ball as at the moment it seemed the team in blue and white wanted it more. The half finished with the score at 1-1. The half time team talk was very positive, with the manager simply saying that if they started to play football then they would win. If every player wins their individual battles on the pitch then Landsdowne will win this game.

The second half began and the team in red came out looking for an early goal. They were getting some good possession and were attacking in numbers, which was causing the Royals defence lots of problems. Surely all of this attacking play was going to lead to a goal shortly……

Goal alert: 2-1 (Dan Sherry). After being put through by Graham (I think) Dan Sherry coolly slotted the ball home for his first goal of the season.

As with the first half Landsdowne could not hold onto this lead. Essex Royals grabbed two quick goals, the first coming from a low drive that went under Tarrant. The second was a good strike from edge of the box and it has to be said that it was deserved as the home team again were showing a superior work ethic. The gaffer decided to make a change; James Greave for the injured Rob Marling. The substitution seemed to revitalise the team with James in particular winning the ball all over the pitch. His midfield partner, Dan T was getting more possession and it was looking like he was either going to either score or set one up very soon.

Goal alert: 3-3 (Graham Rix). Good work down the left from Gavin created a chance for Graham who passed the ball past the keeper for the equaliser. It was well deserved and they were now looking to push for the winner.

With time running out it was looking like the game was going to end in a draw, a result that would probably be fair. Dean Weaving however was on a mission; he was running up and down the left with endless amounts of energy.

Goal alert: 4-3 (Graham Rix). A great cross from Deano landed perfectly in the area and with the goal gaping Graham coolly slotted the ball passed the keeper, for the winning goal.

Overview of Game: A hard fought game resulted in a narrow victory. Landsdowne hadn’t played well however they battled and came out on top. It was a good victory considering the conditions and although it wasn’t pretty it was three points and good to know that if needed they could win ugly. Well done lads!!