Match Report

Goals scored
Dan Sherry (1), Tony Bush (1).

Man of the match
Dan Sherry

Team
Stuart Medcraft, John Orme, Richard Martin, Chris Vieceli, Dean Weaving, Paul Munyard, Robert Marling, Graham Rix, Dan Sherry, Gavin Mayo, Danny Sarling.

Subs
Dan Trevarthen, Tony Bush, Alex Quinn.

Today’s game a Semi Final against Callback FC. On paper this always looks like a game Landsdowne should comfortably win however in reality it is usually the toughest game of the season. Both league games this year have been very tight; with both teams winning their home games. Landsdowne would need to play at their best to get a result today.

From the off it was clear it was going to be another tight game as Callback continued to do what they do best; dominate in the air and battle for every ball on the ground. Landsdowne created a few half changes but nothing more before half time, 0-0.

The second halve began with Landsdowne having the better of the football but nothing more. Callback were determined to shut up shop and it was so far so good for them. They looked threatening from set pieces and with about twenty minutes to go they took the lead from a good corner. Poor marking by Landsdowne but a good headed goal for Callback, 1-0.

Landsdowne needed to come back now but Callback were making themselves very difficult to break down, a moment of magic or luck was needed to get the away side back in the game. Moments later the latter happened, a hopeful ball was played across the edge of the box by Rix, but in truth it should have been cleared easily, the Callback right back messed up his clearance and the ball fell to Sherry who turned well and played the ball into a empty net, 1-1, a big lifeline for Landsdowne.

This knocked the stuffing out of Callback and lifted Landsdowne. Sensing an opportunity Smarty made a few tactical subs; Dan T on for Munyard and Bushy on for Mayo. With only minutes left on the clock the game looked to be going to extra time. But some good work by Sherry released Rix down the right; he delivered a beauty of a cross to the back post; who was there?? No one else but Bushy who rose like a salmon to give Landsdowne a 2-1 lead, could it be the winning goal??

The referee told both teams there was only 40 seconds left, Callback literally got everyone player on the half way line and they all chased a long ball into the box, it was heroically cleared by a strong back 5 and booted to safety. The referee blows his whistle, 2-1 to Landsdowne and another Final awaits. Two in two years, well done boys! A hard fought victory!!