Match Report
On a typically wet Blackburn morning, the ramblers lined up against a somewhat depleted QEGs first XI.
Made up of students, old boys and a teacher, QEGs still amounted to only 10. To balance things up B. Phillips played the first 45 on the opposition side. Conversely, the ramblers were out in full force and confidence was high.
Ramblers started the brighter, exploiting a possible lack of fitness amongst the QEGs faithful. Total football ensued, with Bagpuss dictating play from his own box. Despite this, Louis Holt appeared to be increasingly frustrated with the lack of long ball football.
Midway through the first half, QEGs finally succumbed to the pressure. A powerful run from B. Handley drew a stonewall penalty. Hot in form, T. Martin just managed to get it past the QEGs PE teacher. With chances beginning to flow, 15 minutes later, that man again, Tom Martin slotted home a lovely pass from Shields.
A motivational half time chat from the skipper saw the ramblers bounce back on to the field. Shields swamped with Phillips to again make the numbers. This swap appeared to be the catalyst for a QEGS resurgence, could Ben Phillips be the reason for QEGs’ first half woes?
Steeped in controversy, QEGs pulled one back all thanks to a rambler. Drafted in from the 2s, the unknown rambler broke the unwritten rule – never to score against the yellow and blue. The spotlight for this goal however, has to turn to Bagpuss. All looked calm, until a storming Bagpuss charged out of his box to meet the ball. Just like that, Ramblers’ goalless season came crashing down along with the keeper. I believe no contact with the ball was made.
A nail biting last fifteen showed the Ramblers’ spirit. Chances were flying, none more so than by a pull back to Louis Holt. The striker, who so far couldn’t buy a goal, had the keeper at his mercy. Defying physics, from the three yards out louis managed to miss the target much to the disbelieve of Blackburn and the surrounding areas. Luckily, Louis’ embarrassment was short lived as Phillips showed he wasn’t to blame, and sealed victory with a cool left foot finish.
Overall, another good showing from the Ramblers. A season that continues to be filled with hope.