Match Report

Goals scored
Dan Trevarthen (1), Graham Rix (2)

Man of the match
Richard Martin

Team
Jamie Bullock, Dean Weaving, John Wilson, Richard Martin, Mark Hart, Paul Munyard, Danny Sarling, Graham Rix, Gavin Mayo, Dan Trevarthen, Stuart Medcraft.

Subs
Martin Burton, Chris Vieceli, Nick Wallace, Tony Bush.

A new start for Landsdowne Rangers; after several years in the Basildon league the team is returning to the Sceptre League. Today’s opponent’s Militia…..

Landsdowne started very sloppy however with a bit of luck and hard work they started to play some good football. Some good work in the box by Dan T led to the opening goal.

Goal Alert: 1-0; Quick feet by Dan T caused the Militia defence to bring him down and the ref pointed straight to the spot. Dan T coolly stepped up to score Landsdowne’s first goal in the Sceptre league.

Landsdowne continued to push on and although Militia had some good possession they were very wasteful and were being caught on the break. Some good battling through the middle led to the second goal.

Goal Alert: 2-0; pressure on the Militia goalkeeper caused him to hurriedly clear the ball. It fell to Graham Rix, who with quick thinking and excellent technique smashed the ball in from 40 yards.

The home team continued to press but they had little end result as they often wasted possession with the long ball option. Landsdowne were working very hard and still pushing forward at every opportunity. Another quick break made the score 3-0 before half time.

Goal Alert: 3-0; a strong clearance by Richard Martin allowed Graham Rix to run past the defence and lob the out rushing keeper and grab his second goal of the game.

With the score 3-0 at half time, Landsdowne had found themselves in a very strong position. The message from the manager was one of caution as he warned Militia would come out fighting and Landsdowne needed to do the same. They did just that with some excellent individual efforts but more importantly a brilliant team work ethic. The home side pulled one back with a penalty however they couldn’t break through the heart of Landsdowne as they produced an excellent opening day performance.

The final score was 3-1 and a very good three points for Landsdowne Rangers. Each player ran themselves into the ground and did the club and everyone associated with it very proud. If the team can continue to perform in this manner they should have a very good debut season in the Sceptre League. Well done boys, more of the same next week!