Match Report

Goals scored
G.Rix, P.Ives, P.Munyard

Man of the match
G Rix

Due to another Council cock up, Landsdowne were forced to play on a pitch that looked and felt like it had concrete underneath it. However, both teams had to play on this same awful pitch, Landsdowne were missing Chris and Mark in the starting line-up, and Pete Smart no-where to be seen, leaving chief of nets 'The Spooks' to deal with things. Despite all of the above Landsdowne looked ready to battle.

As the ref's called the captains in, people began to think that Dave Allen was leading the team out, or has Terry been given the arm band? No, it was midfield hard man (yeah right!!) Rob Marling to go heads or tails against the St George captain and the choice was right as he chose to kick up hill first. Well done Rob, we know there are not many hills on the island and if there is they all lead to the sea!!

The game got underway and as always the first goal was going to be important. To give them a hand, the ref gave one of the worst decisions I have ever seen, although the St George forward was very smart by placing his arm inside Tony Bush's own arm. The ref judged it as as pulling and awarded a penalty (first thing he pulled in years!!).

Ben is not known for his spot saves, as he had not saved one all season, but today was his day as he guessed the right way and the ball was back in open play, only for Rob to crunch the St George forward from behind and nearly gave them another go from the spot.

Things turned a bit wacky before any more footballing action really took place. Perry was late and replaced was the ill Gavin, (his dad was not ready in time to take him) and then five minutes later John Wilson was given double vision with a thunderbolt to the head, followed with a comment by Graham 'Hope that knocked some sense into him'. Nice one Graham, your a great mate to have!! Anyway, it was now time for a goal, despite the penalty both teams had not had any real chances, but Landsdowne struck first with a great counter attacking ball by Danny allowing Graham to run free down the left channel, cut inside, and slide the ball past the keeper. One nil.

Landsdowne now looked to dominate the game and it was Graham Rix again causing the St George defence all sorts of problems. He struck a ball from the left into the box which was defended brilliantly with a great block by, yes, Tony Bush, but the ball dropped to Graham and he buried it to make it two nil. It was one of the best strikes I have seen, did he mean it? Who knows?, Tony later tried to claim an assist, only to be told the ball HIT YOU. You didn't play it, but I’m giving it to him (no jokes please), assist T.Bush, Graham gets all the credit a Tony!!

The third was on its way and again, great work from Graham Rix holding up the play as we waited for the 'others' (Tony, Danny, etc) to hit the box, and floated a great ball in. It was hit just too hard as Tony attacked it who still chose to go for goal anyway, but this turned into an assist as Landsdowne youngster Perry Ives snuck in (without his dad knowing!!) to put it away at the far post. Although it was actually only Tony's hair (with gel in it) that touched the ball he was still given the assist, god bless shockwaves!!

Landsdowne had dominated this game and showed no signs of taking their foot off the pedal until a wayward kick from Ben went straight into the forwards feet and went in at the near post. Would there be a late come back ? Nope, Graham taking the ball off Perry from the right and placing a great cross into Paul 'The Yard' Farmyard to power into the net to make it 4-1. This was a great performance and we deserved to walk off the pitch winners. Let’s just keep playing football. With the right attitude, and maybe just maybe, we might not finish bottom.

Man of the match

Man of the match Graham Rix dedicated the win to the Landsdowne back room staff and the fans.

He said "I have been working with 'Spooks' all season and he has shown me some great stuff. Also, I would like to thank the fans. I heard a rumour that one lot had come all the way from Poland!!"