Match Report
Shrewsbury School 1XI 0 – Liverpool Ramblers 1XI 4
Goals: Kinsey, Handley, Martin, Bradshaw
The Ramblers arrived at Shrewsbury once more for one of the season’s most prestigious fixtures and in surprisingly good health following a summer of tough pre-season training overseen by George and co. The summer transfer window had been busy and after losing star striker Mornington it was up to the club to invest and in came big money signings Handley,Holt,,Williamson and Phillips to provide some reinforcement to the old guard.
The team lined up in a Jürgen Klopp like 4-3-3 formation with Holt,Martin and Phillips spearheading the attack .The Midfield trio consisted of skipper Hooper,Handley and Kinsey. With first team legend Rusty being released during the summer overhaul Williamson slotted in at left back alongside the imposing Duffy, Wise and slightly less imposing James Milner esq Bradshaw. In goal was of course Bagpuss excitedly donning his new all black kit.
In recent years we have been guilty of slow starts at Shrewsbury with the hot weather and high pressure overwhelming us and often leaving a big job on for the second half. This year the weather was kind to us and we were quick out of the blocks, the passing was slick and the ball was being worked into good wide areas with the full backs getting quick distribution from Wise and Duffy. The Midfield looked strong and as usual Kinsey and Hooper worked tirelessly to retain the ball and break down any Shrewsbury attacks. New signing Handley looked very comfortable on the ball and won important aerial and physical duals throughout. With plenty of attacking options in Holt,Martin and Phillips we felt sure that a goal was coming and it did after a lovely move through the team resulting in a back heal on the edge of the box to overlapping Kinsey who coolly slotted fom the left side into the right of the goal (1NIL RAMBLERS).The Salopians rallied to keep calm but the Ramblers were smelling blood and after some good work down the right hand channel the ball came wide to Handley who from a tight angle rocketed a shot passed the keepers near post. The goal came at a crucial time in the match and set us up nicely for the half time break.
Half Time Ramblers 2up
At the start of the second half we found ourselves in the unusual position of being 2-0 up. The team talk was calm ,the lead was deserved and confidence was flowing through the team. Late arrival Doherty came on for Wise in a like for like swap bringing fresh legs to the back line.The Salopians had changed to two up front in a bid to try and unsettle Bagpuss and it was game on with Shrewsbury chasing .
The second half initially was fairly even with some half chances from a Bradshaw free kick and some decent long range strikes from Hooper and Handley.Then the ball rolled out to Martin on the left who hit a dipping 30 yard curler into the top corner (UNBELIEVAVLE JEFF !),certainly a contender for goal of the season and with that killed off any Salopian dreams of a comeback (3-0).
The game management was excellent towards the end and credit to Duffy, Doherty and Wise who had marshaled the defense excellently all afternoon. Shrewsbury who to there credit were neat on the ball but they just couldn’t get through the midfield as the power and quality in there was too strong for them resulting in ambitious through balls which didn’t amount to much at all. Finally through some great work on the left hand side from Williamson who linked up with Holt who had been unlucky not to score during the match played a cutback to Bradshaw who hit a side footed fading shot into the right hand corner – FOUR NIL game over.
A great result through a tremendous team performance and one of the best for many years especially away at Shrewsbury. A Big effort from some of the new players who were excellent all game and made a vital contribution to the win. Following the game we received the usual top hospitality in Quod with a great spread layed on, many thanks to Shrewsbury as always. A great day and night was topped off with Bagpuss making a unexpected entrance at Bar Lounge where the party continued.
Ramble On