Match Report
Pep Eastwood was away, leaving his very small shoes to be filled by Birrell. With the possible exception of persistently fouling the opposition’s speedy forward, Birrell’s main contribution was to revert to a more traditional 4-4-2 formation, much to the relief of Allison, in particular.
Cooke, still recovering from a back injury, volunteered to go in goal. He played surprisingly well. So much so that Halkyn didn’t seem to appreciate that he in fact ‘plays’ outfield. Cheers, Dom! Next time Ramblers are short of a ‘keeper, however, they should look no further than Soffe, who let slip that he used to play in goal for Marine AFC. Hmmm.
The venue was Deesside Leisure Centre which has an ice-rink, in case you didn’t know. Despite the long journey, Ramblers arrived with plenty of time to spare. Even Harrison was on time, despite taking a detour via Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
Halkyn Vets are a “young vets”, as observed by Attrill, who made an assured and impressive debut performance in central midfield. Attrill was partnered by Allison’s mate, Jacko, also making his Ramblers debut and also very impressive.
Halkyn started brightly and tested Ramblers with a series of long balls. The back four of Soffe, Birrell, Allison and Ollie (whose surname is a state secret) held strong. It soon transpired that the long ball was the only weapon in Halkyn’s armoury and within 20 minutes or so Ramblers started to dominate, particularly in midfield where Attrill and Jacko formed an effective partnership.
Ramblers played some very good football, especially down the left wing where 008 Ollie and Brown combined well. Up front Chow and Harrison looked sharp and dangerous.
The opening goal came shortly before the half from Jacko, who neatly chipped their keeper after a clever lofted through ball from Attrill. As I said, an effective partnership.
In honour of the absent Eastwood, the half time team talk was short. More of the same with a few more shots please, said Birrell.
Chow duly obliged – his second half display was arguably his best of the season so far. No goals but lots of attacking intent. Despite a period of sustained pressure, which included approximately 47 consecutive corner kicks, Ramblers could not bag a second.
Soffe and his mate Dave, making an encouraging Ramblers debut, had lots of joy down to the right-hand side. Dave showed remarkable restraint after he was bitch slapped by an angry bald Welshman. The referee, who saw the incident, told the Halkyn defender that he had put him in an “impossible position” and then proceeded to do no more about it. Quality refereeing, sir.
More pressure from Ramblers. Chow was unlucky not to score from distance. Mike, deployed on the left wing, had more joy than on the right.
With 15 minutes to go and against the run of play Halkyn equalised. Jacko thought he had more time than he in fact did and was dispossessed about 30 yards out. The Halkyn striker hit it hard and high and caught Cooke off his line. Neither Jacko nor Cooke can be faulted. Jacko, in particular, should have received a shout.
The final minutes were end-to-end, with both sides having chances. Nonetheless, at the final whistle Rambers were left with a sense of disappointment.
After scalding themselves in the showers, Ramblers gladly accepted the invitation for beers at The Melrose Inn. Think of the pub in Shameless and you’re almost there. Despite the burnt out cars in the car park and police helicopter circling overhead, the atmosphere was surprisingly friendly. Chow sagely observed that they don’t make pubs like this anymore. Indeed they don’t.
MOM – Jacko with Attrill a close second.