Match Report

Goals scored
G.Rix (3)

Man of the match
Graham Rix

Landsdowne took to the field today on the crest of a wave, if they could beat their opposition today their names would go down in folklore, Landsdowne’s Folklore that is. No Landsdowne team has managed to win 6 games on the spin, add to the fact that fixtures have been unkind and games being postponed left right and centre, it was amazing they made 5 wins on the trot.

Landsdowne to date had not played more than 2 games on the trot this season, so with this in mind and their last fixture being postponed again!!! this was going to be tough as it was Landsdowne’s 1st game since 17/12/06. Nearly a whole month had passed since this side was in action, Xmas had been and gone, New Year had been and gone. Hopefully Landsdowne were here to stay, a win today would take them into 3rd or even 2nd spot if results went the right way. Add to that they were playing a team above them, everyone had to be on their game, concentration work rate and commitment was needed today and "the special one" re-iterated this to all the players time and time again.

The players were ready, the opposition ready, however the ref was no where to be seen after getting caught in the car park. The players were concentrating long and hard on the Manager's words of wisdom and as the time elapsed awaiting the arrival of the ref, the seeds that had been sown were settling in. A historic win was awaiting and players looked focused, some look worried, well Graham’s face did or maybe it was the fact he knew another week had passed and it was a week closer to his fate. When a man walked past in black, his life flashed before him, but it was too early, it was not the tour, it was not the grim reaper, it was the ref and within no time the sound of the whistle echoed around the ground. Durham kicked off it was game on.

Landsdowne started brightly and took the game straight to their opposition, they attacked from the off, not one ball went unchallenged and not one player shirked their responsibilities, they were all playing for each other, it was a fantastic start as they went out in the search of an early goal to settle the nerves.

Landsdowne were playing at times some nice intricate football, and must be said were looking good for their fast start, they were in complete control and forced some early chances in the first 10 to 15 mins, however despite not converting their chances the players got back behind the ball and hunted in packs with the only intention of winning the ball and winning the game. Nothing seemed to deter the players, they pressed and probed and showed no sign of relenting, when eventually after 20 mins of pressure resulted in a Landsdowne goal and what a goal it was. After some fantastic footwork down the right by Tony he side stepped his opponent and delivered the perfect cross leaving a striker of Grahams ability the chance of a finish. The ball seemed in the air for eternity and then Graham didn’t need asking, the net bulged and rippled, Landsdowne were in front, Graham the scorer, Tony the supplier, the team ecstatic.

25 mins till half time all Landsdowne needed to do was keep their nerve and keep playing without fear and they should add a 2nd to their tally, however Durham had fiendish plans of their own.

Durham attacked from the re-spot it was a role reversal, Landsdowne had woken them up from their slumber, they were simply not going to roll over, they attacked with purpose and intent and Landsdowne were getting drawn deeper and deeper and sucked in to their own half, attack after attack was reigned down on Landsdowne goal they just could not get out of their own half, it was going to be a matter of sooner or later that they equalised if Landsdowne didn’t get out.

Landsdowne were looking shaky but their was 5 mins left till half time, could they hang in their and regroup at half time? Then it happened, 5 mins left and Durham won a corner. It was the same scenario as the first game, 1-0 up 5 mins to go, were they going to equalise again? This thought must have been on some of the players minds, when a wicked curling corner was delivered to the same spot as the 1st game, but this time their was no header at the back post, instead it was Landsdowne’s keeper punching the ball to safety the score still 1-0 with 5 min’s to go.

Landsdowne were seriously on the back foot when up-stepped Durham’s manager to row with the ref for 5 min’s giving Landsdowne the opportunity to re-group and see the half out 1-0 to the good.

"The special one" was deep in thought, or at least it seemed, as it turned out he just had bad wind, and with a calm inspirational voice like that of a fairy he gave his team talk. "The special one" was happy with the result so far and informed the players that you get no prizes at half time and to stay focused and the 3 points would be heading our way. So, all the players decided that sounded good and went out to carry on their good work from the first half.

The second half got under way and Landsdowne continued to sit deep, they seemed quite content on hitting on the break, however from the side lines was a different message. Landsdowne were being instructed by "the special special one" to get higher up the pitch. Gradually as the game wore on Landsdowne worked their way up the pitch and started to look dangerous, Graham was running the opposition ragged, when some good closing work by Graham earnt a throw in. Up stepped Vegas who launched the ball into the box, straight on to Tony’s Barnet who without hesitation flicked the ball on for his inform strike partner Graham, and with the agility and the speed of a cat volleyed the ball into the back of the net. The score was now 2-0 with 20 min’s to go, surely even Landsdowne could not throw this away?

A couple of minutes passed when "the special one" made a double substitution. Rob was replaced by Terry and Gavin replaced Perry, and as quickly as the substitution had taken place, Durham had pulled one back leaving the score 2-1 with 18 mins to go. It was an attacking ball from the right into the box, which Gavin looked to have covered and to be fair I think he got confused at what end of the pitch he was and did a sliding step over, leaving the striker the chance to finish and Landsdowne now more nervous than Graham on tour

But no, not even that could keep this Landsdowne side down. Gavin was clearly hungry, he worked like a trojan and covered every blade of grass on the pitch. He created and had chances himself, when after a missed volley by Gavin fell to Graham, need I say more. The ball was dispatched into the back of the net, the score now 3-1, 12 mins to go surely it was all over?

Durham threw everything they had at Landsdowne in the final 12 min’s, so "the special one" made a substitution replacing Tony with the Yard, and switched to a 5-4-1 formation tucking Butler inside as the 3rd centre half and Farmyard left back. As it turned out it was a masterstroke of epic proportions, as Durham could not find a way through and Landsdowne saw out the final 12 mins and eventual winners 3-1.

The players cheered and were pleased as punch as they left the pitch to a standing ovation from their travelling fans. Well, they left the pitch happy and those 14 players today made history. Could they go on and make 7? Who knows, one step at a time. It’s a mountain half climbed, but without the same determination you won’t reach the top.

Man of the match

Man of the match Graham was unavailable for comment today as he could not afford to come down the club, apparently rumour has it he is saving his money for a body guard for the tour.