Match Report

Goals scored
Tony Bush

Man of the match
Martin Bell

A new season, a new league, a new division and after much pre-season training Landsdowne went into the match with high hopes for the new season only to see all the hard work go to waste.

The work rate by the players could not have been any harder as they contested and fought for every ball, their hearts clearly in it, and barring a couple of mistakes they could have taken a point for their troubles, however it was not meant to be.

The pitch was rock hard and made it hard for both teams to control the ball, rarely a pass was made on the floor. It was probably the most ugliest game of football you will ever see, nearly every player got stage fright and hoofed the ball at the first opportunity, this was football and Wimbledon style.

If Landsdowne are to get anything out of this season they have got to learn to relax on the ball, the players out there know how to play football they just need to do it, and remember we are out there to enjoy it too. Its miles too early to hit the panic button, as they say, "one swallow doesn't make a summer", and likewise one defeat does not mean a bad season. Today there was some positives and that was the high work rate and general shape when defending. Landsdowne were clearly in the game thwarting most attacks and looked good defensively. They also came close with some long throws and a couple of shots from Dave Rix, one a sublime effort from 30 yards.

Landsdowne were working hard when a long ball was hit from the Owl's defence over the top, Scott looked in complete control, unfortunately a rush off blood from Landsdowne's keeper David James saw him rush out of his goal leaving the striker no option other than to lob him which saw the ball nestle in to the back of the net. (Sorry David I am fully aware you have a better hairstyle).

This saw the team go in at the break 1-0 down with plenty to play for. Although the style was not there the passion was, however despite there efforts nothing was coming off when disaster struck for Landsdowne once more when a ball was dropped straight to the striker's foot. The score now 2-0 to the Owls.

Landsdowne pulled a goal back 10 mins later when Dean Weaving won a long high ball to flick into the path of Tony Bush who shaked off his defender and smashed the ball into the roof of the net leaving the game nicely poised 2-1. Unfortunately despite there efforts the Owls scored again leaving the score 3-1 at full time and the players very dejected.

MAN OF THE MATCH Martin Bell was unavailable for comment as he rushed home as his Zimmer frame with go faster stripes had arrived.