Match Report

Goals scored
Graham Rix (2), Tony Bush (1), Gavin Mayo (1), Paul Munyard (1)

Man of the match
Stuart Medcraft

Team
Stuart Medcraft, Chris Vieceli, Dean Weaving, Richard Martin, John Wilson, Gavin Mayo, Paul Munyard, Robert Marling, Gary Kybert, Tony Bush, Graham Rix.

Subs
Martin Burton, Lee Smith, Dariusz Syzmanski.

After last weeks defeat in the league today was going to be another big game. A must win game. Today opponents, Disaronno. The away side started well and created a few changes early on, however a mixture of good defending and bad finishing kept the score level. Landsdowne were struggling to get into the game, they needed something to get them started. A long kick by stand in goalkeeper Medcraft was misjudged by the defence; Rix anticipated this well and coolly slotted the ball past the Disaronno keeper, 1-0.

The rest of the halve was well contested by both teams. With neither team giving the other any space and some great battles happening all over the pitch. The halve finished 1-0. At half time Smarty reminded the players about last weeks game and how disappointed they were at the end. Landsdowne needed to use this to spur their second half performance on.

Disaronno started well but the home side were able to soak up the pressure well and never really looked like conceding. Up the other end more changes were being created. Mayo found himself with a good opportunity however his shot was blocked…. By a hand? The ref pointed to the spot. Mayo stepped up…… Saved. The Penalty smashed down the middle was palmed away by the keeper and then the rebound cleared by the defence. Hopefully this wouldn’t cost Landsdowne at the end of the game??

Moments later Mayo found himself with another change. A trademark throw from Vieceli was met with a good flick by Bushy, Kybert did brilliantly to put the keeper under pressure, he could only palm the ball down which was met by Mayo who smashed the ball in the net, 2-0. Disaronno responded well to this and began to create several changes. A good header from a corner was luckily cleared by Yard on the line; the ball spinning off his foot and going just over the bar. Minutes later a long kick was misjudged by Wilson allowing the ball to travel into the box, Martin tussled with the defender and an awkward challenge gave the ref no choice but to point to the spot. A well struck penalty to the keeper’s right…. SAVED. A brilliant save by Medcraft keeping the score at 2-0.

Landsdowne needed to wake up. They did just that with three very quick goals knocking the stuffing out of Disaronno. The first a great solo run by Rix into the box, he looked to cross but instead smashed the ball near post leaving the keeper with no chance for his second goal of the game, 3-0. Then some great one touch football by Yard, Marling and Rix down the right; Yard with a one-two with Rix found himself with a change on the edge. A first time strike with his left foot, took a deflection of the defender and spun into the bottom left corner. A lucky goal for Yard, but a goal all the same, and a birthday goal. 4-0.

The last goal to kill the game of as a contest, a great run down the left by Mayo. He smashed the ball across the box; all it needed was a touch… Bushy arrives to make the score 5-0. With 20 minutes still left in the game and with the result not really in doubt Landsdowne could have been accused of complacency, however they kept giving a 110% and ensured the clean sheet. Final score 5-0.

A great performance by Landsdowne. Disaronno could feel hard done by with the final score but never really pressured enough to get anything from the game. Some great football by the home side and also a little luck. Another three points and back to winning ways. Some great individual performances today, however Medcraft earned Man of the Match with a great penalty save, a clean sheet and even an assist. Well-done boys. Keep it up!!