Match Report
Liverpool Ramblers AFC 1stXI vs Whitegate (H)
Garrison Cup
19.11.19 – Result 11-3
Liverpool Ramblers were back at it again this week with another thrashing of a slighter older and more wise team to last week’s youthful Cambridge side. With the hangovers from Monday out of the way the 1st XI were back to focus on their football in the scouse field of dreams.
Ramblers set up in a formation that the the club had not been accustomed to in its 137 year history, one that would bamboozle Mike Bassett, 3-1-4-2, with experienced headed Holt Jr. Captaining the side.
The first 15 minutes saw Ramblers dominate the possession of the ball as D Wise, Breezy Phillips and L Whittingham dictated the tempo of the game. Ramblers looked constantly dangerous whilst breaking down the backline of Whitegate. Bradshaw, Parker, Faulkner and co. continued to rattle the opposition with their youthful pace. After a few missed sitters (mentioning no names J Shields) the team were well in control. The opener came from our one and only Skipper, L Holt, as a ball played through to him saw the static caravan score with a beautiful finish over the keepers head. 1-0 Ramblers.
The dominant performance continued. F Cowper was quick to make it 2-0 with, yes again, ANOTHER quality strike into the top right corner with only his second touch of the game. Clinical. 2-0 Ramblers.
Ramblers were looking impressive, and confident! While adopting a new style of play the team oozed class from pass to pass as they built up play from keeper to defence, midfield and then attack. The toffee’s should take note! Once again, Cowper received the ball on the half-turn and continued to drive at the defence before scoring, yes you guessed it, another screamer. 3-0 Ramblers.
As play proceeded to be controlled by the boys in yellow and blue the scoring did not stop there. Ben Breezy Phillips added to make it 4-0 with a goal of the season contender. As the white pele received the ball in the box, turning his defender with the right foot and then caressing the ball with his left foot to curl into the top left corner. A beautifully worked move with a splendid finish and yes this is still in the first half of the game. 4-0 Ramblers.
F Cowper quickly sealed his first half hat-trick off the bench with an easy tap in, after unselfish play from B Phillips saw him play the ball through for an easy one on one with the keeper for FVC to finish making it 5-0 Ramblers.
As the scoreline showed, Ramblers were controlling the game with ease. Players started to flourish in their positions with D Parker after his scoring duck made it 6-0 with a neat finish into the bottom corner, no flicks or tricks involved would you believe it! A relieving but slightly strange scream of “GET IN’ saw him add to Whitegate’s misery.
An own goal from a notable great piece of play from Bradders Bro saw the team go 7-0 up right before the half time whistle.
An interesting team talk saw the side change dramatically with 7ft Dad Duffy and commanding centre back L Doherty heading the line of the attack for the ramblers. Which is where the scoreline got confusing.
The second half was much tamer to the first, as ramblers conceded 3 and scored 4. J Bradders Bro scored one with his left foot would you believe it, D Parker scored another one and his weird GET IN shout still continued, L Holt finished off his second of the map following a a great run and cross from L Whittingham.… And finally, even L Doherty got on the score sheet!
Despite the second half dying out of attacking prowess Ramblers continued to show their determination leaving every inch of grass covered on the pitch. Once again, it was another convincing display by the Ramblers as the game was well fought with great ball possession and perseverance.
A last mention must go out to B Phillips for his 4 assists of the game and Cowper’s first half hat-trick.
Sexy’s dream continues to come true…
1st XI Ramblers 11 – Whitegate XI 3
Goals:
F Cowper (3)
J Bradshaw (2)
D Parker (2)
L Holt (2)
B Phillips
L Doherty
Assists:
B Phillips (4)
L Holt
J Bradshaw
L Whittingham