Match Report

Landsdowne Rangers 1 0 Great Knightleys
 

Goals scored
Tony Bush

Man of the match
Peter Smart

Landsdowne started the new year needing every point if they were to avoid relegation after only collecting 5 points from their previous 10 games. Landsdowne are firmly rooted bottom 4 points worse of than this time last season and were in desperate need of a win. Their previous two games lacked passion, shape, application and confidence so the omens were not looking good, especially as their opponents were in the top 3.

Landsdowne were at home and looking forward to the encounter with Great Knightleys after a welcomed long break. Landsdowne entered their 1st fixture of the New Year hoping their fortune's had changed. As they say a change is good as the rest and manager "Have it" decided on a tactical change too, this saw Landsdowne take to the field in a 4-3-3 formation. What possibly could go wrong?

As it turned out nothing. It was as if Landsdowne had signed 11 new players. They kept shape and their attitude was commendable, instead of fighting with each other (Danny) they were fighting for each other and continually talked throughout the game. Even when the ball was lost they got back into shape quickly instead of chasing the ball, reducing the opposition to mainly long shots and long balls as they could not find a way through despite trying. It was truly Landsdownes best performance of the season, every player did their bit and hopefully can take this into their next game.

It was a steely performance with not many chances for either side, however in the 10th minute after some good work down the left the move was bought to an end by a foul which gave Trigger a chance to put in a free kick from the left. Up stepped Trigger to put in a quality cross that was quite low and "Raviolli" with out any regards to his looks (well looking like that I wouldn't't worry either) put his head where boots were flying and got a deft touch seeing the ball nestle in the net leaving Landsdowne winning 1-0. BLOODY HELL.

After picking up his false teeth and putting them back in, the team congratulated Raviolli as it was a brave header that got the goal and a well deserved one for "Rav" and the team. So with Landsdowne leading 1-0 they never sat back and carried on battling with half chances here and there except a rasping effort from Whitey leaving the score 1-0 at half time.

The second half got under way and Landsdowne were clearly on top, winning practically everything barring a couple of effort's from outside the box until the 25th minute when "Porn Vegas" put in "Rav" only to see him bought down and the ref waved play on. Again a couple of ping pong moment's in the box yet the second goal eluded Landsdowne despite their best efforts.

However, the game had taken it's toll and Landsdowne got deeper in the last 10-15 mins as legs tired and only a quality save by the inform keeper "Chewbacca" alias "Bling" prevented a goal. It bounced off and hit the "Huntsman's" legs and was going over the line when "Farmyard" popped up with the clearance and that's where it ended. Lansdowne had won 1-0, their first clean sheet in league and cup since December 2003 against Hockley British Legion, a record that stretched back 47 games ago so credit must go to all the players and hopefully they can take their new found confidence into their next game along with their hard work.

MAN OF THE MATCH "Peter Smart" was unavailable for comment afterwards as he shot off quickly due to the fact of his work rate - he had sweated so much he was worried about his low levels of alcohol and needed to top them up!!!!