Match Report

Goals scored
Graham Rix

Man of the match
Jamie Bullock

Team
Jamie Bullock, Dean Weaving, Richard Martin, Mark Hart, John Wilson, Graham Rix, Robert Marling, Paul Munyard, Chris Vieceli, Stuart Medcraft, Dan Trevarthen.

Subs
John Orme, Lee Smith, Gary Kybert, Tony Bush, Martin Burton, Gavin Mayo.

After last weeks opening victory in the league Landsdowne faced their first cup game of the season. Today’s opponents Rayleigh Royals; not too much knowledge about them, but as with all teams they should not be underestimated.

The game started however Landsdowne didn’t. They were very sloppy and not settling into the game at all. Some basic errors led to several early chances for Rayleigh Royals. Only some good goalkeeping by Jamie Bullock and good luck kept the score at 0-0. It wasn’t long before this changed, a goal mouth scramble caused the Landsdowne right back to get confused and think he was actually in goal; Dean Weaving punched the ball away from the goal only for the referee to point to the spot. The resulting penalty coolly slotted home, 1-0.

This seemed to act as a wake up call for Landsdowne. They began to pressure their opponents and create some chances. Stuart Medcraft was unlucky with two from outside the box; the first a great save and the second just over the bar. The score remained 1-0 at half time. The manager’s words were critical but positive. The home team needed to battle more and start winning the first and second ball.

The work rate did improve in the second half and several chances were created. With a bit more luck Landsdowne could have equalised and even took the lead. They pretty much dominated with only the long ball offering an option for Rayleigh Royals. As the time elapsed more men were pushed forward in search of a goal. It very nearly came, however some great goalkeeping and some very unlucky efforts kept the score at 1-0. Graham Rix was finding himself in some great positions however couldn’t find the back of the net. A great effort from the edge of the box beat the keeper but bounced back off the bar.

On the break Rayleigh Royals were through on goal and with so many players pushed forward it was inevitable that the score became 2-0. The home side didn’t give up and with fresh legs from Gavin Mayo and the old legs of Tony Bush more chances were coming. Another goal mouth scramble; this time in the Royals box gave Landsdowne a lifeline. Graham Rix smashing the ball past the almost unbeatable Rayleigh goalkeeper. Several more chances came however none found the back of the net. Final score 2-1.

Unlucky in the end, however a dreadful start was enough to make Landsdowne taste their first defeat of the season. On the positive they never gave up and kept pushing a decent team till the end. With a bit more luck the result could have been different, however hopefully this will be a lesson learnt. To be successful a team must play well for 90 minutes and not just 45. Back to the league next week……