Match Report

Goals scored
None

Man of the match
TBA

Team
Stuart Medcraft, Paul Munyard, Dean Weaving, Chris Vieceli, Alex Quinn, Robert Marling, John Orme, Dan Trevarthen, Graham Rix, Dariusz Szymanski, Tony Bush.

Subs
Terry Bush, Richard Martin.

After two weeks off Landsdowne were aiming for 3 wins on the bounce. Today’s opposition, a familiar face; Callback FC. Landsdowne managed a draw and a win last season, both games were tough as Callback defend in numbers and make themselves very hard to break down. Hopefully Landsdowne can continue their good form and play some good football.

Smarty almost had a full squad for the first time this season, unfortunately little Smart came down ill, Rich’s ankle blew up like a balloon and Danny got attacked by a margarita at work?? This means that with only 12 available Smarty had to field a Rix and Quinn who were only just coming back from injury. Quinn making his debut for Landsdowne playing at right back.

Landsdowne started poorly, Callback were dominating in the air and were first and second to everything. They wanted it more, the boys needed to wake up and start playing some football. Medcraft managed to keep his side in it with a smart tip over the bar and some great defending by Vicelli and Quinn kept the score at 0-0. Callback continued to play good football and were too strong for Landsdowne, they were winning the individual battles and almost intimidating the opposition. A long ball over the top lead to the opening goal, the Callback striker was quick and took his shot early. A powerful looping shot beating Medcraft, 1-0. And it has to be said, well deserved. Landsdowne needed to take this as a wakeup call and start playing their own game.

At half time Smartey gave his instructions and sent his team out, looking for hard work and commitment to Landsdowne Rangers. The team needed to pull together and get stuck in. Unfortunately some players ignored this message and simply didn’t work hard enough. Callback continued to win key battles across the pitch and added to their lead; a failed clearance fell to the other striker who cleverly played the ball over Medcraft into the other side of the net. 2-0.

Smartey decided to change to 4-3-3 and push Dan T and Graham up top. Unfortunately this had little effect and Callback finished the game comfortably. Simply it was men vs. boys. Little positives could be taken from the game; Quinn played well at right back but was left with another injury towards the end. Hopefully it won’t keep him out for long. There were some bad performances by several players but more importantly the team work ethic was very poor. A much needed improvement will be welcome next week.