Match Report

Goals scored
Tony Bush (1), Graham Rix, Dan Trevarthen, Richard Martin.

Man of the match
Richard Martin.

Team
Dariusz Szymanski, Dean Weaving, Richard Martin, Michael Ryan, Chris Vieceli, Dan Trevarthen, Gavin Mayo, Danny Sarling,
Robert Marling, Graham Rix, Tony Bush.

Subs
Paul Munyard, John Orme.

Some good recent results had given Landsdowne the opportunity to finish in a respectable 3rd position in the teams first season in the sceptre league. Today’s opponents; Hawkwell Athletic. Landsdowne were victorious in their last encounter but it was no walk in the park and even though the opposition were recently relegated a good performance was still needed.

Landsdowne could not have dreamed of a better start; after just 32 seconds a great through ball by Rix was met with an even better finish by Dan T. A delightful chip over the keeper; 1-0 to Landsdowne. For many teams heads could have gone down but to their credit Hawkwell continued to battle and took the game to Landsdowne.

The home defence stood strong and thanks to Dariusz Szymanski between the sticks (coming in as a last minute replacement for Bullock) it looked like Landsdowne could achieve a good clean sheet today. Dariusz did not have a lot to do but he caught and punched well when needed and had a solid first game in goal. Hawkwell continued to work hard, Landsdowne looked dangerous on the break. A good through ball by Sarling gave Mayo lots of space down the left; he went straight into the box and with a good turn of pace rounded the keeper. With great awareness Mayo played the ball across the box supplying Rix with an easy finish but a great team goal, 2-0.

Good play down the right by Dan T gave Chris a change to deliver a trademark long throw. Vieceli looking for the Bushy flick on, but the Hawkwell defender instead decided he wanted a piggy back ride and mounted the old man ferociously from behind. There was little complaint from Tony, infact I think he quite liked it but the referee was having no monkey business on his pitch and pointed to the spot. Bushy recovered and picked up the ball, confidently placing it on the spot…… with a great chance to make it 3-0….. Bushy started his run up……he strikes the ball…… SAVED! 2-0 at half time.

Landsdowne started the second halve well, playing some good football. Hawkwell continued to work hard and were definitely not going to give up easily. Dan T continued to have a good game down the right, showing great control and some good movement on and off the ball. He found himself in some good space and delivered a ball that Beckham himself would be proud off. Bushy rose well and powered home a good header, making up for his earlier miss, now making the score 3-0. A trademark Bushy goal.

The game began to slow down a bit now, both teams realising the result was now secure. Rix and Mayo had several changes between them to add too the score but a combination of good goalkeeping and some unlucky finishing kept the score at 3-0. With about 20 minutes left Smartey made two changes; Yard for Sarling and Orme for Mayo. He also changed formation to 4-3-3. This seemed to lift the game a bit and give both teams a bit of energy. With Rich still yet to score this season Smartey was feeling generous and pushed him up top.

Within seconds the move seemed to pay dividends. A flick on by Bushy was then inadvertently flicked on by a Hawkwell defender; the ball floated high and was met by the back of Martin’s head. A good finish, the same cannot be said about the celebration…

Final Score; 4-0. Not the best performance of the season but a good three points. With only 3 games left they all count. Landsdowne now need to continue to work hard for the remainder of the season. A possible 3rd place is very much achievable and there is also a great change of silverware. Well played to Hawkwell, good luck next season.