Match Report
The Ramblers were without two of their most dangerous weapons for the start of the game in Mornington and Power, the interpretation of “dangerous “and “weapon” I shall leave to the reader… The stand in skipper’s rallying cry before kick-off was based largely on their absence, making sure that we didn’t give Mornington any ammunition to batter me with via Whatsapp for the next week.
Draws are for Bores was the predictable response later on from Jordan, so mission not quite accomplished. Gendall the Duracell Bunny asked how many we had as he had a chest infection. The stiff rebuke from the stand in skipper left him in no doubt that he would not be getting the hook, he still ran more than anyone else. Bagpuss and Finnegan were called up from the Twos, concerns about whether they would be up to the step up in class and intensity were soon dispelled when Bagpuss hit a goal kick over the halfway line, and Finnegan kept hold of the ball and brought the midfield in to play. Both things confused their fellow Vets no end and it took a good 20 minutes for minds to adjust. By this time the Vets were one down. A clearing header from Bodey picked out an on rushing midfielder with some aplomb, and he was too good to pass up the gift. The Vets rallied and in what can only be described as a unicorn moment, Clay was put through one on one, and finished coolly. One clear cut chance, one goal, what was this we were witnessing? Finnegan had to withdraw with a poorly rib and RvP was thrust up front, think Mornington with an aerial presence and you’ll get the idea. The visitors then took the lead again when Bodey backed off the on rushing midfielder, and finally decided to stand his ground when he was in the clubhouse. Another cool finish from 12 yards out and it was 2-1 at half time.
The half time oranges were non-existent, as was the tactical acumen to figure out how to get to grips with the opposition’s four up front. So on came Psycho for Rushie, with Finnegan performing Lazarus like abilities to re-enter the fray for Jones. Despite this, the Vets started to get to grips with the game, and deservedly equalised with a “worldie” A lovely move was finished by Killen, outside of the left foot, on the half volley, in off both posts. A good save from Bagpuss after a swift Northop break kept the scores level, before King whistled a free kick just wide of the top corner, and the oppo keeper pulled of a truly great save to deny Jones a winner. A good game played in the right spirit with a draw probably a fair result.
Attendance: the Pressie’s dog and Lesley when she needed a smoke.