Match Report

Goals scored
Dan Trevarthen (3), Graham Rix (2), Gavin Mayo (1), Martin Burton (1), Dean Weaving (1), Paul Munyard (1).

Man of the match
Dan Trevarthen

Team
Ben Tarrant, Dean Weaving, Richard Martin, John Wilson, Lee Smith, Gavin Mayo, Dan Trevarthen, Robert Marling, Paul Munyard (Yard), Graham Rix, Martin Burton (Gorilla).

Subs
Nick Wallace, Dariusz Szymanski.

Sunday 21st September, St. James Hornsby School, the setting for Landsdowne Rangers eagerly awaited first game of the season. After some good pre season results and some very positive acquisitions to the squad Landsdowne were very optimistic about their chances of a third successful season and perhaps a third consecutive promotion? This was the beginning of an era as today there were two Landsdowne sides looking to win on the opening day….

The opposition for the senior side were Winston Rangers A; a team that had just been relegated from the Prem, so this fixture was not going to be easy. Winston had ten men but were not going to go down without a spirited fight. They had more possession to begin with and Landsdowne were definitely up against it. Every player had to battle and really prove there worth if they were going to get something from this game. And what a game, 12 goals, 4 penalties, and some great individual performances to round off a great team display.

Goal Alerts

Goal 1: 1-0, Martin Burton; after some stern pressure from Winston, Landsdowne broke with some fast counter attacking football, the ball was passed out to the right wing where Yard crossed for Gorilla to give Landsdowne their first goal of the season.

Goal 2: 2-0, Shortly after it was 2-0, Dan Trevarthen won the ball in the middle of the park and with a quick toe poke managed to get the ball to Yard who knocked the ball down the line for Graham to finish coolly.

Goal 3: 3-2, Penalty by Gavin Mayo; some good linking up with Graham provided some space for Gav to run into the box only to be tripped. The resulting penalty was coolly finished giving Landsdowne the lead once again.

Goal 4: 4-2, scored by Dan Trevarthen and assisted by Gorilla. After some good battling by Landsdowne, Martin headed the ball to Dan who hit a fearsome strike at the Winston goal. After taking a ‘slight’ deflection the ball looped over the keeper, into the net. Dan insists it was on target and with no replay available due to technical difficulties he dubiously claimed the goal…..

Goal 5: 5-2, Graham Rix; good work from Rich in the heart of the defence sent Graham through for his second and Landsdowne’s fifth.

Goal 6: 6-2, Dan Trevarthen, good work from the midfield and a fine pass from Graham to Yard was followed up by a chip cross from the right, expertly controlled on the edge of the box and smashed into the net for Dan’s second and Yards third assist.

Goal 7: 7-2, Paul Munyard, after being steam trained by the Winston goalkeeper in the box, Graham TOLD Yard to take the resulting spot kick. Being the first of his career he was a little reluctant however he stepped up and slotted the ball home giving him 1 goal and 4 assists! What a HERO!

Goal 8: 8-3, Dean Weaving, with Landsdowne now firmly in control they were beginning to run riot, another attack down the right flank, led to the 8th goal. Yard (searching for his fifth assist) whipped in a low cross behind the Winston defence, with the goal glaring, Gorilla looked certain to add his second of the match, however instead he decided to cruelly snatch the assist and added the slightest of touches which allowed Dean to get his first of the season.

Goal 9: 9-4, Dan Trevarthen, with two goals already to his name Dan chased what seemed to be a lost cause. The Winston keeper collected, however the defender seemed to infringe Dan and the referee pointed to the sport. Searching for his hat trick, Dan confidently placed the ball home, sending the keeper the wrong way in the process.

Overview of game

A convincing win for Landsdowne, although they were made to work for it by a very hardworking Winston team. After taking an early 2-0 lead, Winston got back into the game and drew level. This could have been a disaster for the away team although it worked more as a wake up call and the side wearing their trendy purple kit began to fight for the game and started to play some great football. The ball was kept on the deck and the extra man was used to good affect. The pressure and quality of football soon began to show as three goals were added making the score 5-2 at half time and giving Landsdowne a comfortable lead. The second half was slightly easier for Landsdowne although Winston still battled and added another two goals however four from the visitors made the final score 9-4.

Some of the Landsdowne squad commented that perhaps it could have been a different story if Winston had a full strength side, although they still did themselves credit. Landsdowne manager Graham Rix reflected on this fact and rightly said that his team played a good game and beat the team placed in front of them on the day. Some great individual performances could have made the man of the match vote very interesting this week, however new signing Dan Trevarthen secured the honour with a great hat trick and a fine display. Well played boys!!