Match Report
| Landsdowne Rangers |
2 |
0 |
Owl & Cat FC |
Goals scored
Martin Bell (2)
Man of the match
Martin Bell
After last weeks humiliation at the hands of Waymade what Landsdowne needed was an easy game, unfortunately Portsmouth had a fixture so we had to play the Owl & Cat FC instead.
Anyone knowing anything about todays encounter knew it was a battle of epic proportions, it was a true David vs. Goliath encounter, the game was the equivalent of Chelsea vs. Sunderland.
Such was the gulf between these two teams, a calculator was needed, and after much number crunching and reading Bling managed to work out that there was 10 places difference. It was top vs. bottom, and 26 pts (thanks Bling for turning up this week, ya done us a favour mate we all feel privileged in your company, ya can work out next weeks too).
So with this in mind the Manager made a bold move and opted for a 1-6-2-1-1 formation, or was it a 4-1-1-1-1-1-1-1 formation. Oh no I remember now!!! He chose a very brave and bold line up, opting for a 4-1-3-2 formation and credit were credit is due, the Manager got it spot on!!!! We looked much more dangerous with "Dads Army" up front, I know when the Manager said the team you all thought (who are you kidding Mr. Smarty) but every player worked hard and did their job superbly, even Bling who made his 18th guest appearance, thank you again so much Bling we are all in your debt.
So the formation was set, the players focused, the atmosphere was as electric as, well something electric and the game kicked off .
The game was played in the right spirit, every ball contested and every player worked their socks off. It was truly a fantastic team performance, Landsdowne was doing most of the pressing and for most of the game had control of the game, but despite their efforts went in at half time with the game poised at 0-0.
The team talk by Have it reiterated what he had been saying the last 7 weeks since the change of formation about being calm and play the ball and enjoy it which is exactly what Landsdowne did the second half.
Landsdowne carried on where they left off from the 1st half and eventually got a break through in the 65th minute, when a good run by the Huntsman led to a cross to Ravioli only to see him unselfishly head across goal leaving Mel to score at the back post. It sounds easy but the ball was about 4ft in the air and how he got his foot that high I'll never know, but he did, we scored, 1-0.
The players was ecstatic but there was still 25 mins to go and plenty of hard work still needed, the Owl & Cat applied pressure but just could not break through a resilient, well organized, disciplined hard working team, and with 10 mins to go Mel was bought down in the area to earn a penalty.
The nerves were jangling and up stepped Mel to take the penalty
everyones hearts in their mouth, Mel was shaking or was it his age, who knows, but up he stepped. He began the run and wallop he fell over, he got up again on his Zimmer, hit the ball with precision, the crowd gasped in anticipation and there it was, the net rippled - it was a goal
..
It was a text book penalty taken well. It was needed and the game petered out leaving Landsdowne eventual 2-0 winners.
Man of the match
Mel was Pleased as punch with the goals and his award, but unfortunately could not add any further comments as he realized the time and had to shoot, apparently they were announcing his home country referring groups for the World Cup.
HAVE ITS BIG FIVE
I felt that we were very well organized and every player showed they wanted to win and were proud to wear the Landsdowne crest, we looked more potent up front and very disciplined in midfield the defence looked very organized and solid.
Today was exceptional and the level I expect from every player week in week out, especially the rest of the season.
Going forward to our next match my big 5 are:
(1) Continue the hard work.
(2) Dont panic pass the ball.
(3) Talk more.
(4) Attack space.
(5) Hold a higher line.
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