Match Report
This new groundsman is good. Although he couldn’t quite save the front pitch this weekend, the back pitch was good enough to allow Repton 4th XI to travel and play in an entertaining game agains the Vets. In fairness the pressure was on as a 6 hour round trip and a £400 minibus were at stake if the game had been cancelled, but the pitch stood up well.
There were two equally disappointing news events immediately before kick-off. The first was that the Skipper had passed a late fitness test after an embarrassing fall from his bike midweek, the second was that Matty Gray had phoned to say that he couldn’t find the right changing rooms at Repton, even though he could see that the pitches looked in good nick.
“I’ve never ever played Repton at home” he said, a statistic that looks good for a while yet. Of course this announcement sent a a shiver of worry that others might have been misled too, though the email trail seemed to be pretty clear.
Four years ago the 1st XI endured a hail storm at Repton that caused play to be halted for ten minutes. Rogers and Power were there then, so were able to reassure the opposition that what Merseysdie had to offer was mild in comparison.
By the time of the Liverpool version of the hail, the Vets had seen Mornington miss a hat-trick of glorious chances and scuff a couple home. After the hail another bounced in off his head, then came the goal of the game, a swift break down the left flank by the away team and a glorious looping header that Banks wouldn’t have stopped.
The second half was just as competitive, but the Ramblers built on their lead and allowed themselves the luxury of trying out Bodey’s grandiose claims to be a midfielder. This was a bad move as he scored twice and actually did some running. Some more goals bounced in off the striker, Repton scored a deserved second and the weather held off. In the meantime Chairman Rogers performed one of the most ridiculous tumbles ever seen at Moor Lane as he ran into the opposition box. Although there was no yellow card, he really should write a letter to himself to apologise to the club.
After the traditional winless November, it was nice to see a stylish performance and some well worked goals. Back to local rivalries with a game at HOME to West Kirby Wasps next week.