Match Report
Match Report – Ramblers v HAC
Sunday morning dawned and brought with it one of the most prestigious fixtures of the season against the Honourable Artillery Company and a fitting venue at arguably the world’s most expensive sports pitch perhaps only second to Crewe Corinthians. Security was understandably tight in line with the Ramblers reputation but after some skilled negotiations from Mornington we were in!
Down to the bunker to catch up and regroup after another round at London’s most prestigious nightclub. The HAC were out in force looking the part with about 20 lads warming up in the sleet and rain whilst the boozy ramblers assembled. Richie would have been proud, as most of the warm up had been done in Infernos the previous night. With lunges and dancing checked off the list all that was left was to pepper Mr Bagpoooos with a few hand breakers prior to kick off.
The game kicked off with the Ramblers having the luxury of 2 subs including Harry Howat (who by all accounts made a very impressive debut at Infernos) and seasoned pro Mornington. The team looked strong with a wealth of attacking quality in Shields and Holt backed up by a solid core. The pace of the game was swift with the HAC closing the Ramblers down quickly and forcing the odd error in possession but nothing that was rocking the Ramblers boat just yet. As the game began to settle down chances were created by the Ramblers with Jonny Shields beating the offside trap and narrowly missing the target. Then Kinners went clear and missed, perhaps bereft of confidence after the rollicking that the teary-eyed Charterhouse Groundsman gave him after turning his manicured lawn into a second rate council pitch. As the tide in the game looked to be swinging towards the Ramblers the HAC dealt a killer blow with a devastating attack through the middle resulting in a low shot from the edge of the area which found the corner of the goal. Shortly afterwards the HAC got their second goal of the afternoon with a lovely finish following a misplaced pass. In response a fresh Bradshaw hit the crossbar from a free kick and amongst that the Ramblers created some decent half chances. For the first time in many years the Rambles deserved far more from the first half and were unlucky to not be at least on the scoresheet.
The Ramblers started the second half with real intent and looked strong breaking forward down the wings. Williamson looked cool in possession, switching the play when necessary and keeping the pacey HAC winger at bay. As usual the back four was being marshalled well by Duffy and Doherty whose communication was excellent throughout the game. After a calm period in the match a ricochet off Bradshaw in the penalty area presented itself perfectly to the HAC forward who stroked the ball home to put the match out of reach. Despite this the Ramblers gave it there all for the last 20 minutes and created some good opportunities. After a switch of play from the right to left Harry Howat squeezed in at the back post to test the keeper and Shields pounced on the rebound to take his second goal of the tour and give the Ramblers a much deserved goal. The HAC took the cup 3-1 in what had been a very enjoyable match and capped off another successful tour.
Up the Ramblers