Match Report
The vets welcomed Northop for an international fixture on Saturday. It was noted on arrival that the visitors looked younger and fitter than the last time we played them, must be all that fresh air and goats wandering the streets of Llandudno. A little taste maybe of what we do to other teams morale when we arrive, well when Andy, Gendall and Chester arrive. The pitch at Moor Lane looked pristine after the midweek rain, perfect for a quality game of football, which amazingly is what it got. Both teams looking to get on the front foot, with the home team shading the first half on possession and chances created. Also amazingly the first half finished 0-0. It was like a proper game!
The second half as is often the way got a little more stretched. The Ramblers taking the lead when squeaky poked home at the second attempt, not the tidiest goal we’ve scored this season, but they all count.
A second was added soon after from the spot, after Chester was clogged, the referee foolishly waited to see if I would score the bouncing ball before awarding the kick. He doesn’t ref us often. The big ginger lad despatched the penalty to take his tally for the season to 39. So by my calculations that’s 343 chances created for him this season.
The visitors got back into the game after Thomas cynically hacked down their midfielder 15 yards out. He did have time to shout for a penalty, look at the referee, and throw his arms in the air before going down. I’m not saying he wasn’t sure it was a penalty, but he hid his face with his shirt whilst running back. Referees are not for changing their minds though, if they were they wouldn’t be referees, they would realise its a thankless job and change their minds about it.
Northop tried to rally, but the home defence stayed solid and the game was played out without too much danger to the home goal. A good performance against good opposition played in a competitive but friendly spirit. Maybe the fixture should have a trophy similar to the Calcutta Cup. The Jason Spencer Trophy has a nice ring to it.
Another victory chalked up in a so far successful season. On we go!