Match Report
This felt like a test of our early season form before kick-off. The kick-off itself was preceded by a minute’s round of applause for our recent Past-President Nick Kennedy, who had received a fine send off the day before the match, going to meet his maker with his Ramblers tie on and a Gin and Tonic in his hand. He would have enjoyed this game.
Although we have had success against the Old Boys of St Mary’s, they come out on top more often than not, and even in our successes we have largely played in a counterattack fashion. With all of this in mind no motivation was required pre- game, and that showed early on as the vets made a number of competitive challenges to let the visitors know they meant business. Alongside this though some good stuff was being played and the home side deservedly took the lead from a cool finish from Mornington. Yes, you read that right. His second was an even better finish following a fine flowing move. 2020 really is a strange year. The loss of Chester to a tight hamstring brought forward the much anticipated debut of Kinsey for the Vets, but more of him later….
The usually influential Phil was being snuffed out by a tenacious display from Killen at right back, rendering Power a spectator in the first half, one shot wildly off target the only thing to bother him, and by bother I mean he had to go and get the ball back.
The 1st half was also notable for Clay spending some time in the sin bin for a tackle. Yes, you read that right too! The Wilmslow warrior had been unleashed. To be fair it was a tad clumsy rather than malicious, but some time to consider what had turned him into such an angry man was probably a sensible decision from the ever excellent Barry refereeing. Even with 10 men the Ramblers were the more dangerous side and went in comfortably 2-0 in front at half time.
The Chairman, who had sat out the first 15 minutes of the second half, got the 3rd with a cool finish after a fine save from Thomas. Accusations that his finish was two fingers up to the skipper for subbing him were confirmed after the game when he commented on my decision to give him the hook. Well if that’s the response he’d best get used to it! A deserved 4th was added when yet another dangerous Clay corner hit me about a yard out. Normally the type of thing I do into our own net….
With about 15 minutes to go Kinsey left his mark by having two players sent off for the same tackle on him. It’s a good job they booted the one up in the air who is used to falling off horses, I suspect anyone else would have woke up in traction this morning. If you could give more than one red card for a tackle then they would have got two each. The game was seen out without a single shot on target to trouble Nigel. He should have worn the white kit, no need to worry about washing it.
Three teams who beat us last season have now been seen off. Upton Magnates are the next who also ran out winners last year. On we go.