Match Report
Much of the talk before Saturdays game was about the lack of numbers for this game. Wednesday saw only 8 players available and a much missed Skipper scrambling for players. Step forward J Mornington who graciously said he would return to the fold and help out his old team. What was noted was the Vets response to this, instead of being vexed there were many offers to drive him to our fixture!!
Saturday came with a strong squad that were itching to lace up their boots on a surprisingly good looking pitch at Moor Lane. The line up was interesting, and with a 3-4-3 formation goals were up for grabs! Fat Cat in Net, back three Rolls Royce Combo of Duffy and On-field Skipper Liam, assisted by Dave Birrell drafted in on loan from the 3’s. Midfield – Phillips and Ed White the 2 wing backs, Lee took the Dan Wise role, Kinners usual, and a free roaming role for Jonny Shields behind a front 2 of Static Caravan and Mornington – the team were not expecting pace up top today so were instructed to play to feet.
I can’t really remember the order of the goals! I spent most of the game gardening and repairing divots!
First half analysis:
Ramblers started by playing slick football on a tricky pitch, good possession using the ball quick and fast. From a great footballing move, Shields was put through 1:1 and scored with a cheeky lob over the advancing keeper. Lots of our play was coming down our right hand side with Burrell and White having great joy. A good cross saw Mornington slip his marker at the back post to slot past the keeper. Next goal was again Mornington, a Shields slide pass played through left foot finish into top corner! Fourth goal was again Mornington curling it into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. To many observers this was a miss hit that fluked into the corner, but according to our striker “I gave him the eyes”, believe him or the other 10 who said it was a poxy finish! Another for Mornington topped off the first half. It was actually a good finish, again a great cross from the right and it was back heel flicked into the corner. It was going to be the goal of the game until the 2nd half performance. I also think Static Caravan got in on the act which was pleading to see! Nice one Holty!
Half Time 6-0
Second half analysis:
Started same as the first half, Mornington got another with a lucky massive deflection! Static Caravan again scored slotting nicely and Ed White is credited with a goal although the dubious goals panel will be sitting tomorrow. Then came the final 3 goals. Shields with what I would say is the goal of the game. Clubhouse end, in swinging vicious corner with pace and low that went straight into the opposite top corner! A great goal. Our 2 centre half’s then got in on the act, Duffy with what can only be described as an Andy Gray style diving header at the far post after a deep corner eluded everyone! Liam not to be outshone scored what we are describing as a looped volley! Corner comes over he “smashes” a volley into the top corner hitting the bar and keeper on its way in! Then came the moment of the game. A true Rambler moment of gentlemanly football. Feeling sorry for the opposition Birrell who had been solid all afternoon thought he should give the opposition a consolation gift. Throwing the ball straight to there centre forward who duly lobbed me from 20 yards. No one shouted or moaned. I think many were silently congratulating him on his efforts. D Birrell a “True Rambler”!
A few observations!
Good interplay between the midfield and attack. Jonny seemed to like his floating role and Static Caravan found the net again!
Keeper and 3 man defence very assured in playing our from back and retaining possession. Kept their angry centre forward quiet (apart from that throw in).
Kinsey only moaned about being injured 4 times in one game. New low score for him.
Played well on break. Nice passing and quick interplay.
And in our 5 goal squad players own words “Mornington guarantees you goals. 8 in 2 home games for 1s this season”
Ramble On!