Match Report

Goals scored
Tony Bush, Graham Rix.

Man of the match
Chris Vieceli.

Team
Ben Tarrant, Paul Munyard, Chris Vieceli, John Wilson, Dave Rix, Neil Murphy, Gavin Mayo, Rob Marling, Terry Bush, Tony Bush, Graham Rix.

Subs
Brian Butler, Jon Orme, Dariusz Syzmanski, Danny Sarling, Stuart Medcraft.

Although St George had only beaten bottom of the table club Syrus so far this year, it was still be to a hard match as Landsdowne knew this team from the previous year, they are a hard working and hard tackling team, who wouldn’t give you any time on the ball.

Manager Pete Smart had a full strength team to pick from today barring Harte (Counting his notes) and Martin (At Gloucester Park looking for us again). Having played outstandingly well in the last 2 games, Ben was rewarded with the number 1 jersey again, as Stuart looked on.

The game started ever so brightly for Landsdowne who created many many chances in the first half, one of which was a lofted ball from Gav over the top of the St George back line who picked out graham perfectly, and from the edge of the area, took his time and volleyed the ball over the keeper who jumping upwards and diving back only managed to get finger tips on the ball as it hit the back of the net.

Landsdowne should have been 2 or 3 up, but Graham had the smell of goal in his nostrils and decided to shoot on a couple of occasions when a lay back would have been the better option!!!

Although Graham made the wrong decisions on the pull backs as he ballooned the ball over the bar, the comedy award was quickly passed over to Rob, as the ball was laid back to Rob on the edge of the box. 18 yards from goal…. Were we going to see his celebration dance???.... Oh dear….. Rob swung for the ball with his LEFT, that’s correct his LEFT foot and dear god them daisy’s didn’t know what hit them! As the ball continued to roll away from him, the subs bench and the Landsdowne management laughed, if only Rob had some eyebrows to hide behind!!!

Half time and Landsdowne were 1 – 0 and all going well.

The 2nd half started as the 1st finish, with a battling attitude from both teams, both sides created half chances but nothing more. Then as the 2nd half reached the half way stage. Tony Bush was sent down the line….. This Landsdowne side really knows how to play to players’ strengths! As Tony charged down the line, the over weight St George right back gave chase…. The sprint down the line was the longest run down the line I have ever seen, as I thought both players were having a laugh in doing the robot movements at times, but no no this was both players in full charge, as I walked into the box, over taking both players in the process, I stood there chatting to the keeper and the St George centre half about the game, then the weather, then the up coming West Ham game that afternoon, finally Tony and the chasing St George full back got to the bar line, so we had to get in position and continue with the game. Tony crossed the ball, only for the cross to be met by the arms of the St George player. Clear penalty – and rightfully awarded.

Tony “ran” up to ball on the penalty spot, sending the keeper the wrong way nestled the ball in the right had side of the goal. 2 – 0 up and cruising.

St George continued to battle on with their bare 11 players, Ben making a decent stop down low to his left hand bottom corner kept the score at 2 – 0. Then St George to their credit managed to squeeze a goal, as John Wilson cleared a ball on the line, walloping the ball against Ben and the ball thundered back into the goal. 2 – 1 and Landsdowne were on tender hooks for the last 8 minutes.

St George nearly snatched another right at the death, but between Butlers shoulder and Ben’s hands Landsdowne managed to claim all three points.

The Final whistle was met with a puff of relief rather than cheers from the Landsdowne players as they scrapped through a 2 – 1 victory. However the three points went into the Landsdowne pot, and that’s what counts at the end of the day.