Match Report

Goals scored
Graham Rix (2), Gavin Mayo.

Man of the match
Tony Bush.

Team
Ben Tarrant, Paul Munyard, Danny Sarling, John Wilson, Mark Harte, Chris Vieceli, Gavin Mayo, Rob Marling, Terry Bush, Tony Bush, Graham Rix.

Subs
Neil Murphy, Dariusz Szymanski, Martin Burton.

Landsdowne Rangers opponents today were in the form of Bromfords Reunion, Bromfords in my opinion (barring the finishing league table) were the side to beat last year, we knew that we were in for a 90 minute battle against a very strong side. Bromfords having conceded only 4 goals in 6 league games before the outing (that’s averaging less than 1 goal per game John) were going to be solid at the back giving us little chances, not to mention notching up 21 goals for in them 6 games. So Landsdowne knew from the word go this was going to be there hardest test they faced so far this season.

The day started with disruption, a text from Pete to Graham early Sunday morning stated that he wasn’t to be there today, as was as Butler (ill) and Dave Rix (Ankle), moments after that text came through, the phone beeped again. Jon Orme (ill and bed bound) was also in non attendance.

With all said and done, the stared 11 still looked strong, as Sarling made his first appearance since late September (back and lungs) at left back, with Harte, Wilson and the Yard making up the back line. Chris moved forward into midfield to join Gav, Tel & Rob, with the usual suspects upfront. Ben obviously keeping his place between the sticks after his man of the match performance the previous week. Dariusz, The Gorilla and Neil or “the heavy mob” made up the bench.

Landsdowne were informed moments before kick off that a Bromfords players dad would be refereeing the game (Here we go again!!!)

The game started and within moments, I think every player knew that this would need a battling performance to get through the game, as both teams didn’t play that nice football throughout the first have. With a late lunge from there centre midfielder on Rob, the ref claimed that “He didn’t lunge” – only for me to hear the ref say to that very player as he walked past him minutes later to “don’t lunge in like that next time” – confirming that he did see it and the fact that it was a lunge. (Fair play all the way there ref!!!) Landsdowne upped there battling game after that, giving little away and contesting every ball. Landsdowne began to have more possession towards the end of the first half as they battled against a very stern Bromfords team + the ref.

With seconds remaining Bromfords gave away a free kick some 40 yards out, and surprisingly the ref blew for it!!!! Hurray!!! – John Wilson lofted a ball into the box, the Bromfords centre half completely miss judged the flight of the ball and Graham was in, touching the ball over the keeper, and followed into the net. 1 – 0. Bromfords kicked off and the ref blew for half time.

The message was clear at half time. Take fluid in now, and battle your arses off for 45 minutes. If we don’t concede a goal, we would walk off winners. – Danny was subbed for Neil, Neil moved into right midfield, Chris slotting back in at left back for Danny.

The game stated fast, and Neil caught there left winger cold as he darted down the right, slid a ball in for Graham, who turned it outside towards the left for the screaming Mayo. With a cool head, he provided a cool finish. 2 – 0 two goals in 6 minutes (with half time sandwiched in the middle).

Landsdowne now had to keep there heads and hold onto the ball and the lead, for another 40 minutes. This was a hard test as both teams played a fair game (barring the Bromfords No 10 who kicked out on numerous occasions – the ref obviously seeing none of these) the game was played at boiling point with two teams who wanted the points – although Landsdowne were 2 – 0 up, Bromfords gained more and more possession and went in search of there 1st goal of the game, they bombarded the Landsdowne goal with shots from all over the pitch. But Ben was in form, the was making tips over the bar, coming out and collecting crosses, punching balls away, and brilliantly saving a effort far down to his right just inside the post. With all there efforts Bromfords goal tally stood at 0. Landsdowne broke forward with Neil once again down the right, he cut it back but Gav was blocked. The ball fell kindly back at Neil's feet who slid it back for Graham who passed the ball into the net. Landsdowne 3 Bromfords 0 you would have got bloody good money for a bet on that 90 minutes prior.

Landsdowne could have and probably should have been 4 – 0 up as a quick counter attack saw some quick passes release Gav, who quickly played in Graham through 1 on 1 with the advancing Bromfords keeper, Graham went to chip, but all he found was leaves as he scooped leaves everywhere, a huge let off for Bromfords.

Bromfords finally found there goal as they were getting desperate, a goal mouth scramble saw Farmyard head a ball off the line. But Bromfords finally broke there duck as a Bromfords player fired home from 12 yards, there was nothing the outstanding Landsdowne keeper and outstanding back 4 could have done. With that much pressure against us for 30 minutes 1 goal against was a fair enough price to pay.

As the game played out, Landsdowne were rallied on by there travelling fans, including the injured and ill Landsdowne players Weaving and Butler. Martin “Gorilla” Burton made his first competitive appearance in a Landsdowne shirt as he come on for the shattered Gavin who gave his all for the cause today. The shouting and supporting really does push you on in the dieing minutes when your backs against the wall and completely spent – so for that we thank you.

The final whistle was finally sounded, however Danny thought it should have gone 10 minutes earlier, before realising that he hadn’t allowed for the half time time – welcome back Danny – Idiot!!!!! – The Landsdowne players chased every ball, and challenged for every tackle as every player should be proud that they beat such a quality team today, all the way from the back through midfield up to the strikers. It was a shame we conceded that goal, but to be fair for all there efforts conceding 1 was quality in itself, and the midfield players really but there bodies on the line for this game. That performance shows that we can match the best of them, and show that we can get back the form that we had last year.

Man of the Match: although votes were spread around the whole team for a truly great team fighting performance. Tony Bush edged the voting, his vast vast vast experience showed as he dropped in to make a 5 man midfield for the final 30 minutes of the game and contest against there man-mountain of a player who moved up into midfield from centre half as the game progressed – defiantly thinking outside the box there Tony!!!.