Match Report

Landsdowne Rangers 3 2 Talwin
 

Goals scored
Graham Rix, Danny Sarling, Stuart Medcraft.

Man of the match
Chris Vieceli.

Team
Ben Tarrant, Dean Weaving, Chris Vieceli, Mark Hart, John Wilson, Paul Munyard, Rob Marling, Danny Sarling, Gavin Mayo, Graham Rix, Tony Bush.

Subs
Stuart Medcraft, Dariusz Szymanski, Martin Burton.

After a spirited showing last week where they were ultimately outclassed, Landsdowne faced Talwin in their first league game since mid-March. Talwin had also been the opposition that day on an absolute mud bath of a pitch; no such problem today then as the replacement pitch at Wickford Memorial was absolutely bone-dry (Fortress Holy Cross is now closed for the summer). Only one change was made from the cup game against Nicholas Wybacks, with John Wilson stepping in for the injured Dave Rix. Dave had enjoyed a fantastic run of form this season which has now tragically been put to an end by a torn knee ligament – we wish Dave a speedy recovery. John Wilson took Dave’s place at the back in an unfamiliar left-back slot, with Mark Hart regaining the centre-half berth next to Chris Vieceli. Stuart Medcraft returned from injury to line up on the bench to provide another outfield option as Ben retained the number 1 shirt after a fine run of form, obviously this made a big change for Stuart as we’re all aware HE’s A GOALKEEPER… HE’S A GOALKEEPER!!

The early exchanges were very even with both teams piling forward at every opportunity. The pitch being rock hard and bobbly played a big part in the game, with a lot of it being up in the air. A long clearance by Ben set Graham off on a counter-attack, beating the centre-half to run through on goal only to be chopped down by the keeper. The resulting penalty was despatched perfectly into the top corner by Graham, evading the keeper despite diving the right way. More chances followed for each side, the pick of which both fell to Gavin Mayo, who saw a long drive clip the outside of the post and a later one-on-one chance drift wide after a fantastic run. Chris Vieceli’s long-throw was also proving to be a major weapon, often finding Tony Bush in the box who was causing havoc amongst the Talwin defence. Half-time came around with Landsdowne leading the game 1-0 and the message from Pete Smart was to keep up the pressure on their high line and finish Talwin off as quick as possible.

The second half continued to be an end-to-end affair with chances at both ends, though the Landsdowne keeper and defence stood firm. Another long-throw from Chris Vieceli fell to Graham twisting and turning in the box before laying the ball off to Danny Sarling’s favoured right foot – to be more precise, the outside of his right foot! After years of taking stick for shooting like this, Danny enjoyed the last laugh with a perfectly aimed effort low in to the corner to make it 2-0 and leave Landsdowne looking comfortable, although not for long. The injury jinx which has struck so often this season was about to take another victim. Club Captain Mark Hart pulled out wide to block a forward rushing Talwin player, when a sickening collision between the pair left them both grounded. The Talwin player suffered a bloody nose, but he was still significantly better off than Mark who has been left with his arm broken in 3 places. With the Landsdowne Vets team taking shape in the summer, this was not the way Mark would have liked to have ended his season with the “youngsters”. Mark has played in excess of 300 games for Landsdowne and his injury comes as a massive blow with the team so close to possibly sealing a second successive promotion. As with Dave Rix, we wish Mark a speedy recovery.

The resultant substitution saw Stuart Medcraft come on up front, Graham move out wide right, Paul Munyard move to left-back and John Wilson come in at centre-back for the injured Mark. The following confusion was somewhat understandable after all the changes, leaving some room in the box for Talwin to pull a goal back. Unfortunately, this pattern was to repeat itself straight afterwards and Talwin equalised with five minutes remaining. A draw being not so good to Landsdowne, Dariusz was thrown on to make an attacking front three in place of Gavin Mayo. Dariusz was immediately involved, laying a ball off to Rob in the midfield that was then passed to John Wilson. An angled cross-field ball from John fell beautifully into Stuart Medcraft’s path as he stormed forward. Would he cross to Graham and Tony in the box? Not a chance. Stuart unleashed an unbelievable drive which beat the Talwin keeper at his near post without even giving him a chance to move. Where there’s a fantastic goal like that, there inevitably follows a ridiculous celebration… Stuart sprinted off towards the Landsdowne “crowd” (otherwise known as John Wilson’s carers) shrieking at the top of his voice “I’M A GOALKEEPER!!!! I’M A GOALKEEPER!!!”. Never to be forgotten Stuart, unlucky mate – this lot are still reminding Bushy of stuff he did in his early 20’s (c1950)!!

The game ended soon after with Landsdowne taking all of the points in a 3-2 win. Chris Vieceli took a well-deserved man of the match award after another excellent display at the back, just about beating off tough competition from Tony Bush who had been in outstanding form up front all game. Landsdowne now face West Laindon in a clash which may ultimately decide 3rd place behind Champions Fusion and Bromfords Reunion.