Match Report

Goals scored
None.

Man of the match
Ben Tarrant.

Team
Ben Tarrant, Paul Munyard, Dave Rix, John Wilson, Brian Butler, Jon Orme, Terry Bush, Rob Marling, Gavin Mayo, Graham Rix, Tony Bush.

Subs
Dariusz Szymanski, Mark Harte & Martin Burton.

It was 9.52 a.m. when Basildon’s own veteran war hero, Tony Bush, entered the changing room. Ching-ching! Stopping to polish his medals for Remembrance Sunday was adjudged not to be a valid excuse, and the contract was duly enforced. After a good start to the morning, it was bound to be downhill from there… though Danny Sarling did his best to encourage team morale by dressing up as a Basildon-style Dennis Waterman in his suede jacket and grey tracksuit trousers!

John Wilson came in to the centre of defence in place of Chris Vieceli after returning from a holiday with a group of other “special” children, while Brian Butler switched to left-back coming in for long-term injury victim Dean Weaving. We wish Deano a speedy recovery. Butler returning to the defence guaranteed Landsdowne two things; an experienced head at the back, and no crows in their half! Jon Orme also started his first game of the season on the right-wing and club Captain Mark Harte continued his return to fitness from the bench.

As it was Remembrance Sunday, the game started with a minute’s silence. Impeccably observed by most, the silence was only broken by a sobbing Bushy thinking of fallen comrades. Those who had faced West Laindon in the past knew that Landsdowne faced a battle for the next 90 minutes. A niggly tight game with very little good football was played out with few highlights, though there were a couple of comedy moments – two of which involved Rob “shooting” and hitting the corner flag in the first half. The other involved Gavin & Graham and what looked like a Chuckle Brothers sketch after the goal keeper had handled a backpass. The long and short of the story was effectively an open goal missed, and with it Landsdowne’s best chance. On another day either of them would have capitalised on a great piece of quick-thinking, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.

The game was a real battle, which in truth West Laindon dominated. Landsdowne went close a couple of times with Tony hitting the bar with a good effort and Gav seeing a nice run and strike roll just past the post, though they never really looked like breaking down the West Laindon defence. West Laindon also had a few chances themselves but could not get the better of Ben, who was in fine form. One particular save saw Ben make an outstanding stop with his legs after the West Laindon striker broke free. Unfortunately, Ben’s morning was soon to be spoilt after a set-piece was headed home late in the game to make it 1-0. A very harsh goal for the keeper to take, and something which he could do nothing to stop. Landsdowne pushed for an equaliser to no avail and the game finished 1-0.

Although Jon Orme played a solid performance on the right of midfield for his first start for Landsdowne for over 1 and a half years, Farmyard too put in yet another good performance for the club at the back. However it was Ben who deservedly took the applause and with that, his first man of the match award this season and proceeded to spend the afternoon boating. Yes.....thats right...... boating. If Ben wants to celebrate a great game by being surrounded by seamen, then who are we to judge! I just hope the Filipino cabin-boy doesn’t fight back this time!