Match Report
After last week’s second half capitulation against Convocation, the Vets made 7 changes to the starting lineup to play against … Convocation. The reason for the changes were mainly unavailability due to shopping, or perhaps disappointment that the scheduled visit of Sconner and Woolton Vets had to be shelved because of the weather. Convocation had been let down and offered a chance at redemption, albeit once more on Astro at the Geoffrey Hughes Memorial Ground.
This was a much more familiar opposition, back in the garish orange kit and without Iranian superstar wingers. The Vets plundered the senior 3rd XI entourage and started well, playing some quick passing football and managing not to give the ball way too often. The opening goal was hardly hewn from vintage Vets stone but it was impressive nonetheless, Birrell spreading the ball out to Allinson, whose pinpoint cross was neatly headed home by Lincoln. Convocation equalised with a well worked goal of their own, remarkable and possibly unique for the fact that it is not possible to lay personal blame on any of the back four. But the Vets were soon back in the lead, Allinson making his own space and finishing well.
It would be be most un-Rambler-like to suggest any correlation between Bagley, Warren and Sykes coming on at half time and the second half being lost 4-0 and the lead squandered. As Harthan (brought off at half time) generously, but probably insincerely, commented at the end of the game, correlation does not mean causation. Anyway, it was galling to throw away a hard-earned lead.
In the absence of the Chairman, nursing an injury back to health, this week the footwear spotlight shines on Simon Gorton, who wins the award for best ever Vets performance in a pair of school shoes.
Next week, another chance for redemption. Convocation away.