Spring 06 Fixtures and Results

Fixtures for this season up. Click on the 'matches' button on the left to see more.

Kick off next game is 6.30pm against Burnage Thursday, though they didn't make their first two games so they might be a no show.

Bramhall Rangers 1 Monkhouse Gladbach 12

Rangers Luck Runs Out

With no Mini this week you are left with a match report from me.

After last weeks disappointment, the Rangers lined up against Monkhouse Gladbach, who last season we had two close games against finishing in a draw and a close defeat. However this season it wasn’t to continue, as in the second half the Rangers’ luck ran out and the bemoaned a lack of firepower.

The team consisted of Fist returning for a stint in goal, Pie, Shiz, Piggy and Nev. Only 5, with people on holiday and otherwise unable to make it. Gladbach too only had the 5 players.

The first half was fairly close, and Rangers will feel aggrieved to have gone in 3-1. Gladbach scoring first when the Fist seemed to lose flight of the ball as the shot came in, and unfortunately letting it squirm under him. Gladbach’s second goal was also an unlucky one for the Rangers too – a long range shot took a deflection off Nev and sent Fist the wrong way. Piggy got the only goal of the game for the Ranger – good battling work from Shiz set up Piggy, who still had a lot of work to do before firing home. In fact they might have gone into the half time break with another goal - good work from Piggy was slotted home by Shiz, a goal which was harshly disallowed by the referee for being in the area. Only a couple of minutes later and a similar situation at the other end saw Pie attempting to sheppard the ball back to Mark in the area, only for a Gladbach player to drag the ball back and stick it past the keeper. Not sure how that wasn’t given as in the area, especially after the one down the other end only minutes earlier, but apart from two questionable decisions the refereeing was good.

So half time and 3-1 down. The Rangers felt pretty good about the first half performance, and were hopeful for the second half.

However it was not to be – every shot Gladbach took seemed to take an unfortunate deflection and roll past Mark. Fist took his customary ball in the crown jewels when ever he is net. Rangers had a few chances, but their lack of firepower was noticeable. Pie found himself in space one-on-one with the keeper, but could only poke the ball onto the outside of the post after deceiving the keeper with a cheeky drag back. Piggy resorted to a number of decent long range efforts, and Shiz was always there or there abouts.

In the end the final score perhaps flattered Gladbach somewhat, however without Mini, Justin and Lifey they were always going to struggle to get the goals to make a difference. Fist performed admirably making a return in net, the first half in particular he was impressive. Piggy battled gamely all game, but too many times tried to take the whole opposition team on instead of making the simple pass – afterwards he said he felt that the pressure of being the only recognised forward meant he felt he had to try to do something special, but admitted that sometimes it was the wrong option. Shiz and Nev as usual defended staunchly too, and I felt I did alright considering my lack of stamina. A couple of goals though I should have defended better for, but hopefully I can take something from it and learn. A sub also might have helped, as both sides noticeably tired in the second half.

Next week is a 6.30pm kick off against Burnage Thursday, however last night and the week before they didn’t turn up, so perhaps a default 10-0 win is on the cards? Despite the 2 defeats this season the Rangers are sitting second bottom, above Burnage Thursday who have had two 10-0 default defeats.

We also got the fixture list for this season finally, so I’ll hopefully get that uploaded over the weekend.

Final Score: Bramhall Rangers 1 Monkhouse Gladbach 12
Goal: Piggy (1)

Nev goal watch – 23 games

Winter 2005/2006 Awards

I’ve moved this back up the blog now I have updated it.
Sorry it’s taken so long, I have been waiting for Belly to provide me with details of the voting and comments.

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Hornsby’s ‘clean up’ at Awards

The latest Bramhall Rangers Awards ceremony took place on Friday 10th February 2006, to commemorate and commiserate a season of serious ups and downs. Two games forfeited, a three game unbeaten streak including a win against the then joint league leaders, and a final game against the runaway champions with only 5 players!
Belly was charged with organising the ‘ceremony’, which started with a meal at Sanjoy’s Indian restaurant in Stockport, finished in Winter’s, with the main attraction taking place in a particularly cold, supposedly haunted upstairs room in the Queen’s Head.

Unfortunately there were to be a few absences: Russ and Ann-Marie, Justin and El, Shiz, Lifey and Nev all unable to make it for various reasons. Here’s hoping for a bigger and better turn out at the next event – it makes it all the more enjoyable the more people who turn out!

There was an air of anticipation as people filed in the room and took their seats. Belly took this a little more to heart than everyone else, and actually started demolishing his before we got started!



Tension was everywhere – who was going to win player of the season? Would Piggy rightfully reclaim his crown as Coco the Clown? And who would be the proud recipient of the prestigious Anton Lowe Memorial Trophy? Piggy, more than anyone was nervous, and Big Rick was forced to drastic measures of massage to calm him down. Or something! Ahem…



So onto the awards…

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Paul Gascoigne sponsored Cry Baby Award
New this season! Awarded to the person who moans the most, both on and off the pitch.

Nominees:
Pie (3)
Lifey (3)
Hedderz (1).

Winner: (joint) Pie and Lifey

Comments:
For Lifey: “A moaning git”
For Lifey: “If he complains in court as much as he complains on the pitch when something doesn't go his way, it won't be long till he'll be in Strangeways being forced to sample some real " em charge.<>”



Chesney Hawkes sponsored One and Only Award
Another new award, based on the old One Hit Wonder Award. Awarded for that one special moment…

Nominees:
Mini (the only person to successfully pummel the speccy Canary)
Nev (one moment of brilliance)
Russ (one appearance this season)
Nev again (only outfield player not to have scored)
Mr T (two goals in a season for the first and probably only time)
Abrar Shah & Keith (one game only)

Winner: Nev (for two contradicting things!)



Coco the Clown Award
A favourite, if only to ridicule the person who gets it.

Nominees:
Pie (5)
Piggy (2)

Winner: Pie

Comments for Pie:
“The clown of the team”
“Appalling buffoonery”
“Provided endless entertainment with his falls and injuries. It’s amazing the man is still alive. Topped by the fake ball in the nadgers last week!”
“So much rolling around on the floor that at one stage the local council was thinking of using him to get an even finish on the re-surfacing work on the roads”



Sicknote Award
There can really be only two possible winners this season…

Nominees:
Russ (4)
Belly (3)

Comments:
For Belly:
“A very ill man. If he used his knees they wouldn’t be wearing away like they have”
“A true drain on the NHS!”
“Racking up an NHS bill capable of building a hospital”
For Russ:
“Not even a forged sick note from his parents!”
“How unfit can one man be?”

Winner: Russ



Most Improved Player
Now we get to the important awards.

Nominees: Nev (2)
Pie (4)
Mini (1)

Winner: Pie

Comments:
For Pie:
“Excelled in goal and become an able deputy but even a marked improvement in outfield games. Most improved temperament wise though.”
“Managed to calm it down a bit on the pitch.”



Golden Boot
No surprises here, the winner is Mini with 29 goals, a tally of just over 2 goals per game. No tin slipper this season.
Full listings:
Mini (29)




Player of the Season Award
The second most important award.

Nominees:
Shiz (1)
Mini (3)
Nev (1)
Piggy (1)
Pie (1)

Comments:
For Pie: “Always willing to take one for the team and fill in goals. Some great saves and comical moments. Shown commitment, passion and a willingness to improve.”
For Mini: “His boots say it far more eloquently than I could.”
For Nev: “Mr Consistency, again.”

Winner: Mini



The Defining Dr H Moment
A one-off award highlighting the best moment of Big Rick’s Bramhall Rangers career. But first some comments on his career:
“Joined the team when we needed experience and drive. Always eager to communicate.”
“Truly a player who will go down in the Bramhall Rangers Hall of Fame…or should that be shame?”
“I remember the couple of tournaments we played, where before and in between games he prepared with a number of pints of Guinness and a few cigarettes!”

The defining Dr H Moment is:
“Being hit in the head by a wild shot from Piggy, and spinning round to confront him about it.”

Big Rick was also awarded a special gold watch as a retirement gift on behalf of the Rangers.



The Anton Lowe Memorial Award
Belch was to pick the winner of the trophy, the person who would arrange the next awards. He said “I think it’s only fitting to award this to someone who managed to turn up tonight, and this season it goes to…Mini”



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After the awards had been made, we quickly made our way out of the Queen’s Head as we were all in danger of catching pneumonia! We moved to the upstairs in Winters, where we continued the evening.



A few various games (where Big Pete failed to follow the rules) and a little Charades…or was Anton showing us a traditional Latvian dance?



Perhaps we will never know…

And that was the awards for another season. Mini has been given the responsibility of arranging the next Awards, which should take place in roughly 14 weeks at the end of the Spring season – around the end of May.



May I just close by saying thanks to Belly for the evening, good luck to Mini for the next awards, and good luck to the Rangers in the upcoming season…

Brinny Yth. Returns 4 Bramhall Rangers 3

Rangers get caught short!

In the first game of the spring 2006 season, Rangers hoped to build on the progress made toward the end of the last campaign. In a league that doesn’t contain any outstanding teams, Rangers are confident of improving on their final league position of 7th. Belly will be missing for the majority (if not all) of the season whilst recovering from his knee injury, so a goalkeeper rotation policy will be adopted. Pie started the season in goal (wearing a technicolour dream coat!) against new comers Brinny Youth Returns, an unknown quantity. The outfield players consisted of Shiz, Nev, Mr T and Rascle (hoping to improve on his 2 appearances and injury hit winter season). Mini and a very eager Piggy made the attacking duo. Piggy’s eagerness was so consuming that he left the house minus his shorts! A sight if ever there was one! It’s starting to get to the point where Piggy could be charged with indecent exposure!

Starting the game against a skilful looking but relatively unfit Brinny, Rangers expected a close game. And that was how it panned out in this low scoring affair. The two sides exchanged attacks for the early parts of the game. Both keepers were not really troubled, but the goals came started after the first substitution. Rangers took the lead, after good work by Piggy and Shiz in the right hand corner led to Shiz playing an accurate cross right to the feet of Mini, who couldn’t miss an easy side foot from the edge of the box. Excellent link up play!

The game as a whole didn’t create that many chances, so it was disappointing to concede 2 goals in the first half. Brinny Youth registered the next two, capitalizing on slack marking and a failure to close down the shots. Pie could do little with the two goals. Rascle was coping well with the pace of the game and seemed confident in defence and also pushing forward as Nev covered all angles at the back. Shiz and Mr T created space with good movement. Piggy and Mini struggled to form the partnership that saw them score over 50 goals last campaign, with final passes and finishes going astray.

Before the half finished, Rangers found themselves back in front. All 3 goals for Rangers in the half were very similar and right out of the five-a-side training manual. Firstly, Piggy controlled the ball in the corner and played a pass off the back board for Shiz to poke home from close in. Just before half time Mini, in a similar position, took advantage of Brinny Youth’s relative inexperience and lack of knowledge of the rules, by lifting a pass off the back board, over the head of the defender for Piggy to catch on the half volley left footed into the goal. It was vintage Rangers.

Despite the lead, Rangers were never that comfortable. Brinny Youth were clearly tired and Rangers should have capitalised on that. The second half saw Mini and Piggy squander several chances and some one-on-ones. Mr T had a chance when he latched on to a Mini through ball, just ahead of Rascle. Nev fired a warning shot across the bow, and Rascle hit the post with a well struck left footer after a lay off from a free kick. The Brinny goalkeeper was also in fine form, and seemed to get better and better as the game went on. He played in a similar vein to Belly, showing no fear and using an ice hockey style. He performed well.

In football, if you don’t score you run the risk of conceding late goals to lose games. This was the case. Brinny, who had battled and pushed through the fitness barrier, scored two goals that probably could and should have been avoided. With Mini and Piggy pushing up into the space (of which there was a lot) Rangers were sometimes exposed and overrun in defence. Some poor communication and failure to cut out the shots was key to the defeat.

In the end the game ended with a whimper by the Rangers, and they will certainly need to improve to pick up points this season. In an amazing turn around, Cheadle Utd top the league after the first win (by default, in that opponents Burnage Thursday did not field a team). Rangers sit mid-table despite the defeat. Northern Canaries and Puss in Boots both surprise losers to The Griswalds and Monkhouse Gladbach respectively. This season seems like one where BRFC could achieve something, but a marked improvement needed.

Final Score: Brinny Youth Returns 4 Bramhall Rangers 3
Goals: Mini (1), Shiz (1), Piggy (1)

Nev goal watch - 22 games
*For comparison: Jon Stead (Sunderland) – 22*

Fixture Details - Spring 2006 Season

Ok the fixtures have been released. We don’t know kick-off times yet, but we know who we are playing on what date.

16/02/2006 Ben Espley
23/02/2006 Monkhouse Gladbach

02/03/2006 Burnage Thurs
09/03/2006 Cheadle Utd Thursday
16/03/2006 Puss In Boots Thursday
23/03/2006 The Griswalds
30/03/2006 Northern Canaries

06/04/2006 Ben Espley
13/04/2006 Monkhouse Gladbach
20/04/2006 Burnage Thurs
27/04/2006 Cheadle Utd Thursday

04/05/2006 Puss In Boots Thursday
11/05/2006 The Griswalds
18/05/2006 Northern Canaries

It’s same as for this season for most teams, with new opposition Ben Espley (who we face in the first game) and Burnage Thurs added.

The last game is 18th May, which will mean a potential awards date of 26th May, assuming we have it a week after the last game. Pencil it in your diaries now!

1st Game of New Season!!

Powerleague called to say the 1st game of the new campaign is:

Thursday 16th Feb @ 21:30 pm.

We will be facing a "new" team, so they could be really good or really pants. We should prepare for the former.

As discussed briefly at the pub last night and occassionaly in the past, it seems to have been agreed that throughout this season there should be a rotation policy for the goalkeeper. Belly's long term abscence means he is unavailable and it is unfair to make someone who does not really want to go in goal, do it for the whole season. Pie sacrificed himself last season for the most part, as did I. We are both willing to go in goals on occassion (not a problem) but not all season or half each.

Not only is this approach fairer, so everyone gets their monies worth and the excercise, but it is also useful for players to see the game from the perspective of the keeper, and maybe learn a thing or two.

Noone expects you to be Gordon Banks, probably more like Massimo Taibi, but peoples support on this would be appreciated. We have 14 games, so at most it will be one and a half games if all in the squad have a stint. I guess people can break this down how they want. Initial ideas were to put the "poorer" keepers in goal for games that we are either certain to win (CUT) or certain to lose.

Comments appreciated and availability for Thursday too.

Cheers.

Bramhall Rangers 1 Paul Stockton 16

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer!

They say that God is a vengeful God. God will strike you down. People fear God. Our God is a vengeful God. If this is the case then the BRFC boys must have done something particularly wicked in previous lives to warrant feeling the wrath of God on Thursday 9th February 2006. Going in against top of the league was never going to be an easy game, but God’s relentless bolts of lighting did their utmost to ensure the Rangers had little or no chance. It was a biblical clash between Paul Stockton, the Goliath of the league and BRFC, the David. Only in this scenario, God had equipped Goliath with a sub-machine gun, and cursed David with leprosy and a bout of dysentery!

Seven would make the journey to the battle ground. Mini was in the sticks to allow Pie an outfield game. Piggy, Nev, Mr T, Lifey and Rascle were also drafted in. However, even before the game the gods concocted to foil the plans. With Shiz already absent to complete his carpentry, a phone call from Lifey 15 minutes before Kick Off, confirmed his absence as previous engagements and time constraints kept him away. Depleted but nevertheless eager, it was still possible with 6. But alas, no! Jehovah’s powers rumbled in the sky and fire reigned from the heavens, depriving Mr T of one of the wheels to his Chariot of Fire on the outskirts of the holy land of Marple. Then there were 5. Staying with the theme of cars, Allah did his level best to remove Nev from the equation just the day before, sending him careening from the road at speed due to a pair of stray ladders! What had we done to deserve this? Calls to instate Charlotte as a makeshift defensive midfielder were dismissed, as she had forgotten her shin pads! 5 it would be!

Lining up it was clear this was going to be a massacre. Thrown to the lions! Standing before the Rangers were 6 quite athletic looking gladiators, who had run away with the league. It was not going to be pretty! As expected Rangers were on the back foot, not for the first ten minutes or the first half, but the whole encounter, breaking into the opposition danger area rarely.

Mini stood like a bread thief preparing to be stoned, and as the spherical objects reigned in from every angle he could have been forgiven for wanting to pack up and go home. In truth Mini saved a lot more than he conceded, keeping the score looking a tad more respectable than maybe it could have been. Nev was doing an excellent job in defence, taking short passes and distributing well into the feet of Piggy and Pie. Rascle, who had not played for a considerable period got a baptism of fire, but was impressive, showing strength and stamina to last the full 50 minutes. He also provided an outlet in attack on occasions, better connections on shots could have registered him with a goal. Piggy was busy, battling and fighting and looked the most likely scorer, just failing on a few chances.

Stockton’s keeper was stretched furthest when a strong throw from Mini, looking for Pie, took a wicked deflection off a defender which sent it spinning toward goal. Doing well to keep an eye on it their keeper gathered at the second attempt! So close!

Toward the end of the half, with Rangers trailing by a few, BRFC were gifted a chance. The Stockton keeper handled the ball outside the area, only for a penalty to be awarded. Piggy, who despite a good strike and goal record had not taken a penalty since the days of Vida (IIRC), was eager to take this. Stepping up confidently, Piggy struck the ball right footed. What a penalty! It flew a good couple of feet wide! Dragged horribly to the right of the keeper, who didn’t even move. Amen!

Half time came. Despite the onslaught it was just a respectable 7-0 to Paul Stockton. The Rangers were clearly and understandably jaded. Although outplayed in terms of skill, passing, movement and finishing Rangers were matching them for sheer determination and passion. That could not be faulted. A rallying call to keep going and not let heads drops sent the Rangers out, in search of that elusive goal.

As expected the game continued in a similar vein. Mini repelled efforts on goal with determination, the laws of probability dictating that the score would rise. Pie felt this was the opportune moment to showboat, and why not? Pulling some tricks out of the bag he deceived the opposition with some cute touches and cheeky flicks! It was party time for the Rangers!

With 5 minutes to go, Rangers switched keepers. Mini eager to get his 30th goal of the season and Pie eager to take a breather after a long hard game. Mini’s impact was immediate, buzzing around the pitch trying to get a goal or create a chance. He had a couple of chances but the finish eluded him. It looked like a big 0 for this game. But then, Piggy received a short pass from Mini and with more time and space than he had had in the whole game. The net bulged like Piggy’s tighty-whities in Cork! What a goal!

The game drew to a close, Paul Stockton riding out comfortable winners. Rangers were tired but had every reason to be, not giving up even into the final minutes.

Remember people, if you don’t say your prayers God with strike you down. And even if you do he will probably strike you down anyway…just for a laugh!

Final Score: Bramhall Rangers 1 Paul Stockton 16
Goals: Piggy (1)

Nev goal watch - 21 games

Report by Mini

BRFC Awards - Travel Arrangements

Ok.

After the debacle at the pub on Monday I just thought I would lay out how I plan to get to the meal on Friday night.

378 Bus
Departs (stop nr us) @ 18:45
Arrives (Stockport bus station) @ 18:57 (but we wont be going as far as the bus station so a bit earlier, say 18:55 - then short walk to Sanjoys for curry at 19:00)

or

372 Bus
Departs (stop nr us - doesnt go other end of Bramhall) @ 18:34
Arrives (Stockport bus station) @ 18:51 (but we wont be going as far as the bus station so a bit earlier, say 18:47 - then short walk to Sanjoys for curry at 18:55).


So personally I will be aiming for one of those. Feel free to join me if you want!

The 378 is my preferred method of travel so I will aim for that one!

Have a nice day!

Observations about football

Thought it was worth having a blog entry where people can write any general lessons they have learned. It's not supposed to be where people have subtle digs at anyone, just lessons they feel they have learned. Hopefully we may all get something and maybe even try out a few of other peoples to see if it makes a difference?

Here's my starter for ten:

1) You will be fouled, but that doesn't mean it was malicious! Just because you're fouled, doesn't mean the person intended to do it. Ask yourself how many times YOU catch someone when you thought you would get the ball instead? The ref has already punished them, so dishing out your own only makes the ref lose sympathy for our team and blatantly just escalates the situation and makes the opposition start deliberately fouling.

2) Letting the opposition know they've got you rattled/injured lifts their spirits. When things do start getting physical, letting the opposition know their dirty tactics are working by whinging to the ref / rolling around on the floor / shouting obscenities at the opposition, only encourages them further. Obviously, if you have a broken arm, or can't walk, you can't hide it, but if all you're going to get is a bruise, why let them know they hurt you? Dust yourself off with dignity, and make sure you go in hard (and win the ball) next time they have it

3) Shouting criticisms from the sideline (particularly at the keeper), only serves to distract the players on the pitch. A really obvious one, but one we still struggle on

4) When a team mate makes a mistake, shouting aggressively at them makes them feel worse and damages team spirit. The odds are they already know they've done wrong, so don't be too harsh, after all, we've all made countless mistakes, and most goals are generally the teams fault (i.e. closer marking of there defender may have meant the move was cut out right from the word go).

5) When the ball is heading to the keeper, always follow it up. Applies at both ends, with shots and defence. The most unforgivable thing I see in defence is when people just leave it for the keeper to pick up, it just skims the area, and stays outfield whilst the attacker (who didn't assume the keeper would get it) takes an open shot at the goal.

6) Arguing with the ref has NEVER worked, will NEVER work, and only serves to lift opposition morale. Again, when it gets to the stage where it looks like we're that desperate that we have to quibble over every 50/50 that doesn't go our way, the opposition know our confidence is draining away, and know just a little extra push, will send us crashing

7) Don't allow the opposition goalie an easy throw out. Our attackers closely marking opposition defenders should become a priority. People who are closely marked rarely get the ball passed to them, and attackers should leave it up to the defenders to play the games with the opposition keeper by making it look like someone is unmarked, then pouncing as soon as it's thrown and intercepting it. It's not the easiest thing to pull off, and should be left to people who have this as a skill. Loosely marked opposition defenders render traps like this useless for over the half the match in my experience. Defending really does involve everyone on the team, even if you're not the one actively trying to tackle the person with the ball!

8) For free kicks, no movement means no chance! People stood still when we have a free kick doesn't help anyone. Interestingly, in my opinion, attackers should be stood closest to our own goal, and defenders closest to the opposition, that way, both can run and swap position creating mayhem, and allowing the taker a chance of through ball.

9) If you want to stay back for a couple of mins (to run an injury off say), let a defender know he can afford to push up more. Goes to Mini's little bug bear of communication really is everything

10) If you're going to tackle a player, don't wait till the opposition get the ball under control. Common sense needs to be applied here i.e. the more skilful the opposition player, the more cautious you should be... but, the best time to tackle someone is just as they get the ball, their concentration is on getting the ball under control. If you hold back and stand your ground, then it only helps them as they can assess passing options, or give them the best chance to try their little trick and get past you.

Bramhall Rangers 3 Northern Canaries 8

Rangers made to sing like a Canary!

Rangers run of good form came to a shuddering halt last night, in the penultimate game of the season against rivals Northern Canaries. Confidence was high after recent results, and a well balanced team made the short trip to Powerleague. Belly was a willing cheerleader (nice pom-poms!), so Pie was in goal. Shiz returned with Nev and Mr T in defence. Piggy and Mini provided the attacking options with Lifey making his 3rd appearance of the season in the attacking midfield role. His last run out came in a 6-4 win over Puss in Boots. The omens seemed good at the start of the game, Nev also highlighting the fact that it was against this opposition that he scored his last goal for the Rangers, in September 2005.

And Rangers started very well indeed, quickly nipping into a 2-0 lead. Piggy got the first goal after excellent work by Nev and a great pass, soon followed by Mini getting his 28th of the season (Golden Boot here we come…wooooooooooooooo!), with a goal from an acute angle through the legs of the goalkeeper after a clever Lifey free kick.

Taking their foot of the gas, the Canaries clawed the game back level in quite quick time. Some shoddy defending and slightly suspect goal keeping left the back door open, which they duly took advantage of.

Games against the yellows are always a feisty affair (the BRFC warm up saw Shiz and Piggy kicking seven shades of pooh out of each other, which was amusing to watch!), and this game proved to be no different. Both teams were fired up with led to some strong tackles, strong running and niggling challenges. Both teams were lucky not to have a man sin-binned, Lifey for the Rangers struggling to keep his cool on a number of occasions. The game was played in with tension, the battling under pinning a respect for the opposition by both teams.

The Canaries did cope with the style of play better, and did manage to get into a comfortable lead just before half time. Rangers had a chance to get back into the game, a penalty awarded as the keeper left his area to make a save after Shiz had latched onto a Mini chest down. Lifey took responsibility for the penalty. Think Chris Waddle, think Gareth Southgate, think David Batty, think Paul Ince, think Roberto Baggio. I think you get the picture.

Heads were down at half time, as the Rangers were trailing by a couple of goals. Still in with a shout, but the aggression and passion needed to be channelled more effectively. There was no sign of a Nev goal; however, the defence as a whole were standing up tall, mopping up the loose balls which it is often said are worth a goal in themselves. Shiz was feeling the cold in his long pants (the big girls blouse!), but this was nothing compared to Lifey who it seemed had turned up in his pyjamas!

I neglect to mention Pie in the first half, however, during the second will get his fair share of coverage. Even in goals, Pie managed to suffer more injuries and falls than most. Taking a ball in the face (I think!) led to no small amount of writhing around, and a ball in the “Yvonne Goolagongs” was comical, as he let the ball trickle to the goal, ignoring cries of “Get Up! J! Get Up!”. Luckily the ball trickled wide, much to the relief of the Rangers. Later we were to learn that Pie had, in fact, not been hit in the Johnson, but the stomach, the theatrics to glean sympathy from the ref as Pie thought he had left his area. And he wonders why he gets the reputation as a diver!

This was not to be the end of the action for Pie either. Mini slotting home a rebound was followed by the second penalty of the game, this time for the Canaries. Lifey had encroached into the box and the spot kick was awarded. Protest ensued but it looked like a clear penalty. Dan, Dan the bespectacled-man, stepped up to take the kick which was superbly saved and held by Pie, diving to his right.

The main incidents throughout the rest of the half, involved Mr T being dumped on his coccyx, and Shiz being sent head over heels in a heavy challenge. Piggy was also sent sprawling by a late tackle from behind. However, Mini and Lifey had their fair share of scuffles in what was a very tough game for the ref to keep a hold on. Personally I think he did very well.

As the game came to a conclusion, both teams were flagging and as the whistle went, all players shook hands and knew they had been in a hard game. Learning to channel the aggression into effective football will be the lesson learnt from this week’s game.

Final score: Bramhall Rangers 3 Northern Canaries 8
Goals: Piggy (1), Mini (2)

*New feature*
Nev goal watch – 20 games

Awards Evening

It looks like it's going to be a quiet one this year, but the awards ceremony is taking place on Feb 10th. The plan is to go for an Indian at 7pm then onto the Queen's Head for the awards.
So far the attendees are Me, Amy, Mini, Charlotte, John and Piggy. If anyone else wants to go let me know asap as I will be booking the meal on Monday most likely.