Match Report
Liverpool Ramblers 1st XI 4 Manchester Grammar 0 1st XI (Holt x3 Shields x1)
Saturday morning came and a strong Ramblers squad made the short trip down the East Lancs Road over to Manchester for what is always a great fixture against MGS. The facilities are always fantastic and the pitches gleamed in the glorious September morning sun. The game kicked off frantically after what can only be described as a “brief” warm-up, unusual in this modern Ramblers era and hasn’t been seen since Russ Halls Cigarette and Lucozade approach circa 2010.The Ramblers made an erratic start combining some good energy with some wayward passing which we certainly couldn’t blame on the surface. After a tricky opening 15 minutes the Ramblers began to gain control and counter attacks were starting to cause the MGS back four some real problems. After a good through ball Louis Holt found himself in a one on one with the MGS keeper and poked the ball smartly passed him to put us one up. The confidence was growing amongst the Ramblers team and Jonny Shields was starting to cause real issues behind the high MGS backline. Soon after the Ramblers went two up after a great cross which was met by Louis who produced a very well angled finish .At this point the Ramblers had a firm grip on the game with the defence looking solid and attacks backed up with plenty of energy from the middle in the form of Gendall and Kinners. Amongst the Ramblers attacks during the first half it is worth mentioning a spectacular Roberto Carlos esq effort from Ben Phillips who was unlucky to see his effort cannon back off the post. At half time the Ramblers were two up and knew that the game was there for the taking and that the next goal was going to be vital in order to kill off a plucky MGS.
MGS made a strong start to the second half pushing the ramblers back towards their own box but during this time created few opportunities and in truth were limited to some tame shots from outside the area. A Ramblers crusade up the pitch resulted in Johny Shields picking the ball up on the left hand side of the box before twisting the MGS defender and finishing lethally, 3-0 and the odds of an MGS comeback were lengthening massively with only around 20 minutes left. Throughout the afternoon the defence had been marshaled expertly by Wise, Doherty and Duffy by keeping the fullbacks in check against some tricky MGS wingers. With little time left a poorly timed challenge gave Diego Holt his hatrick from the spot and there was certainly no time for an MGS comeback.
Overall another mature performance with a commendable clean sheet, and the impressive Brett Phillips got the opportunity to don the very stylish new all white kit.
Ramble on.