Bramhall Rangers 4 Northern Canaries 9

"I'm going to make a prediction - it could go either way." - Ron Atkinson

After two pretty appalling weeks of football from the Rangers, there was determination to improve performances and earn some respectability. Unconcerned about the result too much, the focus this week was on trying to put right the wrongs and work on communication, passing and control and finishing.

Northern Canaries were the opposition, and they had also struggled this season with mixed results. Usually a feisty affair, it was the first time in a long while that BRFC could field a team purely of original Rangers. Mr T, who started for the Rangers many seasons ago in goal, took up that position. Outfield, Mini, Pie, Shiz, Nev and Rascle were present as was Piggy who had a point to prove after sitting out the previous week’s game. Would it have the Van Nistelrooy effect?

The warm up (often a good indication as to the mindset of the Rangers) was a more structured affair with passing and communication the theme. Rangers started the game well too, the determination clear to see with early battling getting the Canaries rattled. Mini opened the scoring, keeping up his remarkable record of finding the net in each of his last 13 outfield games. At the other end Mr T was called in to action on a number of occasions and was equal to the task.

The first half proved to be a topsy turvey game, with the ball pinging around the pitch. Both teams’ struggled to get a stranglehold on the game, and the Rangers were showing much more in defence and attack than previous weeks. Nev, suffering from a list of injuries and ailments was solid at the back doing the simple things. Rascle, fitness improving each week showed Shiz-like determination tracking back and Pie was holding the ball up and moving well down the flanks. Mini tried to create openings for himself and others playing alongside Piggy who was looking to improve on his disappointing tally for the season.

Half time came and the Canaries had edged just ahead. A couple of good finishes after Rangers had lapsed into old habits such as not tracking the one-twos or closing down the men were their undoing. Mini grabbed a second before the whistle, firing into the roof of the net after shrugging off a defender.

Content with the first half display, the Rangers needed more in the final third of the pitch. With this in mind they pushed up at the start of the second half and tried to force the issue. Mini struck the crossbar with a fizzing effort and Piggy fired wide. Mini also, failed to finish after an intelligent free kick from Pie. In attempting to push on, Rangers were exposed at the back and the yellows grabbed a couple of goals to get a comfortable lead. Straight from a restart though, the Rangers were thrown a lifeline by a piece of individual brilliance. The kick-off laid back was hit first time, right footed by Rascle from midway inside his half. It travelled at speed, always curling away from the keeper and rippled the back of the net. An absolute “humdinger”, which Hedderz would have been proud of! It was his first goal of the campaign and was one to savour.

The game didn’t have as much bite as previous encounters and was quite a mild affair. Only a couple of poor tackles were of note but nothing to get the blood boiling. One of these free kicks allowed Shiz to get his third of the season, only two behind Piggy. The ball found its way through to Shiz from a Mini free kick and he scored with ease from a tight angle.

For the Rangers, that was the last play of note, and the game ended without much incident. Mr T had been cat-like and left with his spuds in tact, and compared to last week Rangers could be reasonably satisfied with their performance. There is still much more to be done though, as Rangers look to improve on third bottom. A third new team, Omatha have joined the league and were defeated in their first game against The Griswald’s, so sit below Rangers. CUT were beaten again but seemed to put in an improved performance losing 11-15 to Monkhouse Gladbach. Rangers will be looking over their shoulders going into the second half of the season.

Remember, keep thinking about who you think deserves what awards this season, and pencil Friday 26 May 2006 - BRFC Awards Ceremony Spring Season into your diaries.

Final score: Bramhall Rangers 4 Northern Canaries 9
Goals: Mini (2), Rascle (1), Shiz (1)

Nev goal watch – 20
Pie goal watch – 10

* During the game, if in a challenge/passage of play, the bespectacled chap’s spectacles fall off his bespectacled head, don’t bend down and help him get them. Let him pick up his own freakin’ spectacles!

Football Matters.

Firstly can i take this opportunity to thank mini and pie for their continued support of the website. Mini's wordplay in match reports and pie's continual replies give us all amusement and much needed friday morning fare!

Onto other matters however. England Vs Jamaica. Its on saturday 3rd June at 2pm. Old Trafford. Tickets are on sale at 10am on 4th April. £25 plus booking fee per ticket. Pie, Myself and AM have already expressed a desire to see this match. Bearing in mind its 7 days before we start our world cup campaign, could be fun to see crouch!

Anyway, just a heads up. 4th April. Mark it in your diaries.

Website Updated

Righto had a little session fixing things and tidying things up on the site.

Fixtures, results and whatever are up to date on the Matches page.

Fixed the problem Shiz found, now I know what it is. This means the history page has its own page now, and at some point I'll try to add to it by finding the end of season summaries if I can (they must be on the blog somewhere!). I'll have a root through the archives (or if someone else can find them please send me a link or a copy).

Not worked out why the pictures aren't working on the squad page though - they exist on my web-space so my only thought is it might be a bandwidth problem with Geocities.

Not updated the Awards page yet. That will follow shortly.

If there is anything (do-able) that you would like to see please let me know and I'll give it a crack. Similarly if you find any broken links or anything not working I'll try (eventually) to have a look at it and try and fix it.

Bramhall Rangers 3 The Griswalds 15

Lightening does strike twice.

A sense of deja vu struck the Rangers this week, despite concerted efforts to put the last week’s debacle to bed. A slightly patchwork team did not gel in a game that will want to be forgotten for many reasons.

Shiz decided to have a stint in goal in the first half, hoping to use his fitness and running in the second to prevent a second half collapse. The plan was for Mr T to don the gloves in the second, but it didn’t pan out like that. Pie, Rascle, Mini, Nev and BT boys Shepwad and Abrar joined the team. Abrar was hoping to repeat the form shown in his last Rangers game when he notched five goals. Piggy was sitting this game out with a back strain and to rest himself after a disappointing personal performance the previous match. The Griswalds were the opponents and after a few seasons of mediocrity were pushing for promotion at the top of the league.

Rangers never really got going unfortunately throughout the whole game. A lack of quality on the ball was their undoing with inability to control, pass and shoot (the simple things) letting them down. The defence, usually so solid, struggled again due to lack of communication and awareness. There was little or no shape to the team who were often huddled in one area whilst Griswalds attackers stood free. It was schoolboy stuff.

The Griswalds took a healthy lead into the half time break, (IIRC) going in with an 8-3 lead. Shiz was exposed on a number of occasions but not being a regular keeper looked uncomfortable. A highlight of the first period did prove to be a save by the makeshift stopper. A shot deceived Shiz deflecting its way through. A slight touch sent it spinning slowly toward the bottom corner. Shiz turned, swinging a long leg to sweep the ball clear. Momentum carried Shiz toward his own goal, the ball trapped between ground, foot and post. Determined no to “let that bugger go in” Shiz found himself sitting on the ball, legs akimbo straddling the post. A more bizarre save you will not see!

The light hearted moments only detract slightly from what was a poor first half display. Mini grabbed the three goals, one after a good setup from Abrar. His third was a smart turn and a clinical finish of angle of bar and post to give the score some respectability. Stu had an opportunity and fired wide, as did Abrar. Rascle came closest to adding to the tally with a curling shot that hit the inside of the post and flew across the face of the goal.

Pie took a few knocks and bruises and did his best to hold up the ball with some powerful forward play but the support was often slow in arriving and the quality just wasn’t there. Nev was again doing a determined job in defence, and Mr T in his first game for a while was getting back into the grove. A problem for the Rangers was that Abrar was struggling to keep his footing and balance with no astros. He was slipping all over the show, even when just running. He showed some good touches but did not have the confidence that was shown last time he played. Ultimately he was to replace Shiz in the nets at half time, his play was suffering that much.

For not the first time the Rangers failed to score in the second period. Chances were limited to a few long range efforts and weak shots. Mr T was denied by double save from their keeper, but other than that he was rarely troubled. Abrar made some good saves but The Griswalds had more quality. They passed, controlled, moved and shot with more accuracy and quality. Rangers were awarded a penalty after Shiz pressured a defender into entering the area. Wanting to take it himself, Shiz aimed to add to his tally for the season. As with three or so penalties that had gone before, Shiz’s penalty was struck well enough but sadly lacked accuracy and was wide of the target.

Shiz and Abrar swapped again for the last three minutes but all in all it was a shoddy performance by mos,t if not all concerned.

The fact that the majority of the Rangers are unable to score a goal puts much more pressure on those who can. Even on a good defensive day Rangers would still need to score 6-10 goals to win a game, and with only two players who score regularly it is never going to happen. Even newcomers to the team can see the obvious failings in the team. No communication, a lack of shape, lack of movement, a lack of awareness and ultimately a lack of quality.

Final Score: Bramhall Rangers 3 The Griswalds 15
Goals: Mini (3)

Nev goal watch: 19
Pie goal watch: 9
Rascle goal watch: 6
Mr T goal watch: 4
(based on games played outfield)

National Lottery Lucky Dip

Last week we ended up with a couple of quid extra from people after paying subs.
It was suggested to use this extra £2 to buy a couple of lucky dip tickets for the National Lottery.

So we have the following numbers in the National Lottery Draw this Saturday:

Ticket A: 14 20 25 32 34 45
Ticket B: 13 19 30 32 39 47

Any winnings will go towards the end of season awards ceremony, paying match subs or anything you feel might be worthwhile.

Fingers crossed people!

Bramhall Rangers 5 Puss in Boots 14

A tale of two halves.

Rangers prepared for this game in a buoyant mood after a comfortable victory last Thursday. Guarding against complacency they managed to field a strong team this time round, certainly in terms of numbers. Pie took the goalkeeper gloves for the second time this season, Nev and Piggy restored to outfield positions. Shiz and Shepwad (Stu) both made appearances, as did Mini. The main change from the previous week was that Lifey dropped out to be replaced by Rascle for his second game of the spring season. The team was slightly heavy defensively, but strangely it was the defending (not necessarily defence) that fell foul this game. Puss in Boots (consistently inconsistent) had a squad of seven, and were looking for their first official win of the season.

The first half was a very balanced and even encounter, and if either team started brightest it was the Rangers. The initial sparring led to a couple of opportunities, but both teams and keepers were equal to the task. After five minutes or so the game opened up a bit. Mini, given time and space on the ball advanced over the halfway point. With no challenge coming he thrashed home a right footer, which swerved and dipped past the keeper.

Further opportunities were created (struggling to remember the order of goals) and Mini was able to double his tally. An excellent one-two with Shiz (works like a charm) saw a very difficult chance finished nicely by Mini. The ball moving across his body Mini hit it first time, left footed and it beat the keeper all ends up. Much of the plaudits to Shiz for the link up play. Puss in Boots found themselves back in the game, party due to a moment to forget for Pie in nets. A long distance effort seemed to elude him as he threw himself around the area, the ball mysteriously sneaking through his body. Nervous glances were exchanged as Jeremy Beadle was half expected to jump out from behind the hoardings!

At half time, the Rangers could be happy with their work. Rascle was showing improved fitness and power, and Nev was the usual consistent defender he has been. Shiz’s energy created chances for Piggy whose shooting boots must have been discarded with the tasty snacks. Mini completed a quick fire hat trick after a great pass from Shepwad, and seemed to rediscover the finishing that has somewhat eluded him in previous seasons.

The half time whistle, whilst a blessing in terms or being able to regroup and reenergise, is also a very nervy moment for the Rangers. There is an air of resignation that their will be a collapse of some sort, be it a panicky 5 minutes or a full scale capitulation. Horribly it proved to be the latter. 4-3 down was a decent position to be in, but in truth the Rangers never threatened to improve on that.

Some horror defending was at fault for certainly a handful of goals. Failure to play the simple pass, track the runners and clear the lines were schoolboy errors. Undone by one twos (which had worked so well in Rangers favour in the first) was a frustrating element of the game. Mini gave the game some parity by bagging two more. This took his Powerleague total to 106 goals for the Rangers. Rascle was unlucky when stretching for a through ball, and Piggy hit the woodwork a couple of times.

The whole direction of the game was transformed in a “crazy two minutes” as Shepwad described it up. Puss in Boots had scored, and Rangers settled into position to restart the game. Shepwad played a pass to the edge of the area where he hoped Nev would control and start the attack. A break down in communication led to Nev leaving the ball for Pie to collect in the area. Pie, not really aware of the situation, was not expecting the pass and the ball nestled in the bottom corner of his goal without a touch. His dive was late and of no use. It truly was one of “aunties sporting bloomers”.

A gloom descended over pitch 4, and was not to lift. From the resulting centre, Piggy (as is his will) ran and hurdled the ball on the centre spot, barely back healing it to Shepwad without any communication, and continued sprinting up the pitch. Shepwad, puzzled by this crazy play assumed Piggy was joking around or subbing and casually played the ball back to the centre. It was picked up by the PIB attacker who waltzed up field a scored the third goal in the space of about two minutes. From this point on the game descended into farce. Heads dropped and the Rangers players longed for the whistle. Nev and Pie exchanged places in nets, after another PIB goal, and lack of awareness led to the game kicking off with Nev struggling to put his gloves on. Another clip for Dennis Norden’s, “It’ll be alright on the Night” was seen when Nev struggled to deal with a back pass. The ball slipped through his legs and with limbs flailing he dragged the ball clear, only to get his foot tangled in the netting! It was like Noel Edmonds had achieved a team Gotcha!

Pie showed great enthusiasm for the brief period he was on and created a great chance for Shepwad when he could have shot himself. Rascle and Shiz gave 100% to the end, but things outside their control were the undoing of the defence.

In truth it was one of the most sorry second half displays from the Rangers we have seen. Spectators Belly and Charlotte could not believe their eyes. Disappointment was again expressed at certain members of the team putting others under pressure by dilly dallying on the ball, and in the end it was another harsh lesson, but I doubt the Rangers (or certain players) will learn from it.

Final score – Bramhall Rangers 5 Puss in Boots 14
Goals – Mini (5)

Nev goal watch – 18

NB – See below for details of BRFC Awards Spring 2006.

BRFC AWARDS CEREMONY - SPRING 2006

Fellow Rangers!

An early post I know, but I wanted to make sure people had it pencilled into their diaries to ensure a decent turnout. As has been noticed over the last few seasons the core of the Rangers has been depleted recently which is why it would be great to have a really good do at the end of this season.

Looking at the fixtures, the day most amicable for the meal and awards would be Friday 26th May 2006. This is the start of the May Bank Holiday weekend, so if people have plans/want to make plans for the rest of the weekend they have plenty of time.

Obvioulsy the more the merrier. Ask girlfriends, fiances, boyfriends (!) retired players if they would like to come. Even if you haven't played many or even any, it would be great to see you there.

Put it in your diaries:

Friday 26 May 2006 - BRFC Awards Ceremony Spring Season!

I look forward to seeing you all there!

Bramhall Rangers 9 Cheadle Utd Thursday 1

A tale of two keepers.

Rangers approached this week’s game against Cheadle Utd with professionalism, hoping to extend the unbeaten run to two games given the default win from last week. Cheadle Utd, who had earlier in the season benefited from a no show were equal on points and are usually the ones to prop up the table at the end of the season.

Rangers continued with the goalkeeper rotation policy, Piggy taking the gloves in the first half, hoping to rejuvenate the team after the break and punish tired legs. Nev, always willing to hurl himself around for the Rangers, was also going to get his first competitive stint in goal, hopefully after ending his long (but as you will see, decreased) goal drought outfield. Mini, Pie, Shiz were the other regulars topped with a sprinkling of Lifey and Stu, in his second consecutive game.

Cheadle looked more determined from the outset this time around, maybe finally wanting to no longer be the East Stirling of Powerleague. The game swung back and forth for the opening 5 minutes at quite a high tempo. Neither team took control of the proceedings, it was often like pinball. After the opening exchanges, Rangers did eventually punish the Cheadle defenders for standing off. Mini collected the ball in his own half and advanced into the space. Unleashing a right footer the keeper was fooled by a dummy by Lifey and the ball squirmed under his body. Soon after Lifey got his first of the game, a solo effort ending with a good finish.

Piggy was handling the ball well and it would not have been obvious it was his first game in that position. Great judgement and no small amount of luck led to some important saves, the post coming to his rescue on a couple of occasions. Cheadle managed to get a goal back though, very fortunately, as Nev tried to cut out an attempt the ball deflected off his shins and sent Piggy the wrong way. As is said most weeks, if you defend as much as Nev does, and put yourself in the line of fire, deflections are only to be expected. More often than not Nev’s interventions dispersed goal scoring opportunities this game, which was another defensive master class.

Disappointed at conceding a goal Rangers pushed forward. Stu was again proving to be an able link up man, picking up the ball deep and creating opportunities with simple passes. Shiz’s energy was infectious, chasing down every ball and getting into some excellent positions in attack. Pie was looking to continue his goal scoring form from the friendly and moved the ball around well. Strength in the challenge was a great bonus as the Cheadle players were decidedly smaller and slighter than the big man.

Come half time and the Rangers were 4-1 to the good (IIRC). Lifey had scored his second of the game with a cool finish. Team work was the feature of the other first half goal. Although Mini will be credited with the goal, it was a great ball into feet from Stu that gave Mini the ball with his back to goal. Laying off to Shiz, and then a sharp turn to receive the ball back made an opening. Shiz threaded the ball through the eye of a needle and Mini poked it home from just outside the box. Great goal!

Piggy was congratulated on an excellent stint in the sticks and Nev took up the mantle, aiming to go one better and keep a clean sheet. In the worst possible start this was threatened. A ball from Shiz from the KO put Stu under pressure on the edge of his own box. Too much time led to indecision and he was dispossessed and the attacker poked the ball under the despairing Nev. A poor start. But, there was to be a reprieve as the whistle was blown. The Cheadle player was adjudged to have entered the area. It was inconclusive, but the Rangers were thankful for the decision. After that it was one way traffic. Piggy was hungry after his uneventful first half and was to bag a quick fire hat-trick. The pick of Piggy’s goals came when Pie battled through numerous challenges and hacks at his ankles, shrugging off the defenders. The ball ran through to Piggy who finished with a deft touch.

Shiz was gifted a goal after some very unselfish play from Piggy, squaring it across the box for a tap in. A carbon copy was scored by Mini for his third, after Pie picked him out with a quickly taken free kick. At the other end Nev was determined to keep the shots out, repelling everything that came his way. The game got a tad feisty as Cheadle’s number 8, frustrated at the way the game was panning out, was called up by the ref for repeat offending and back chat. The Rangers kept their cool throughout.

Defensively it was an excellent performance, and Nev was indeed able to claim the clean sheet. Attack wise, Rangers could and should have had more goals. Mini was guilty of missing a few sitters more often than not after passes from Pie who himself would like to have scored and nearly did with a dipping volley. Piggy had one of his best games for a while with great goalkeeping, forward play and tracking back.

The result lifts Rangers to 4th in the league behind Monkhouse Gladbach on goal difference. A big plus for Rangers, as a team, but especially the defensive players and those that have been in goals is that Rangers have the best defensive record in the division with only 17 goals against (an average of just over 4 a game). Next week sees a game against Puss in Boots who are currently just behind Rangers. However, their two wins have only come courtesy of default. The season promises much.

Final score: Bramhall Rangers 9 Cheadle Utd Thursday 1
Goals: Mini (3), Piggy (3), Lifey (2), Shiz (1)

Nev goal watch – 17*
*Amended to games Nev played in and didn’t score, rather than just total games played since Nev’s last goal.

(Saturday March 18th – Mini and Charlottes House warming party – all invited!)

Bramhall Rangers 8 Stockport FC 15

Rangers shot down in friendly fire!

As predicted this week Rangers opponents and new comers to the Thursday League 6 Burnage Thursday were absent, as they had been for their previous two games. This was a positive for the Rangers, in that they were credited with an automatic 10-0 win, but more importantly lifted a few places clear of the bottom of the league, to the lofty heights of 4th bottom. Amazing really since they haven’t won a “proper” game and have struggled for players in the last few weeks.

Powerleague, to their credit, managed to arrange a friendly for the Rangers against Sunday League side Stockport FC. This was important as there were some ideas that were to be worked on and the obvious benefits of playing regularly to get fit. Looking at the tables, Stockport FC, a very capable side, are sitting pretty at the top of League 2 (of 6) on a Sunday so were certainly going to prove a test for the lowly Rangers.

The team was once againthreadbare. Hedderz decided not to play in the friendly despite the early KO, Mr T was on a tight schedule, Rascle was nowhere to be seen and Belly was still on the injury list. Only four regulars made the game, those being Piggy, Pie, Shiz and Mini. The fifth berth was filled by Shiz’s work colleague and temporary flat mate Stu.

It was always going to be a relaxed affair, as friendlys always are, and the quality gap showed through for most of the game, with slight of foot, quick skills and one-two's unlocking the Rangers defence on a number of occasions. The rotating goalkeeper policy for Rangers gave players, who usually wouldn’t see the game from the keeper’s perspective, a chance to have a go. Shiz, Piggy (and Stu) all proved competent in goals, Shiz particularly using his head to break down attacks. A Piggy throw out which nearly hit the netting above the pitch was an amusing interlude.

Rangers were not totally outplayed, though did go in 10-3 down at half time. Pie had finished coolly and powerfully from the right of the goal after a Mini through ball, and Piggy had scored after several rebounds. The pick of the first half goals was a cheeky Mini back heel to deceive the keeper. Rangers, particularly the strikers worked on closing the defenders down early from keeper throw outs and this proved a good tactic. Although the quality of the opposition meant that often they were done for skill, against less able opposition this will be an important tactic to pursue.

The second half, and the Rangers put up more of a fight. The score in the second finished 5-5, so was a much better showing by Rangers. This was in no small part helped by the fact that Stockport FC were reduced to 4 men midway through the half as one of their players had to play in another game. Shouts of "Where's he gone!?", Where's my man!?" from Piggy alerted us to this change. The rest of the Rangers goals (in no order) came from Piggy, Mini got two after link ups with Piggy and a great pass off the boards from Shiz. Pie slotted home his second and showed finishing which was reminiscent of early seasons at Vida. Hopefully the form can be taken across to league matches. Shiz also grabbed a goal, sniffing around on the edge of the box and guiding home a left footer after a pull back from the side. Stu showed great composure on the ball and a fitness level above the average for the Rangers. Although not registering a goal he was instrumental in breaking up attacks and spraying the ball around. Certainly would be a player we would like to call on in future games.

The ref let the game flow and recognising it was a friendly was not too picky with niggling infringements and let the game go on.

A good run out for Rangers, let down mainly by the inability to capitalise on the extra man, mainly due to a lack of communication and ability to find the space.

Final score: Bramhall Rangers 8 Stockport FC 15
(Official score: Rangers 10 Burnage Thursday 0)
Goals: Piggy (2), Shiz (1), Mini (3), Pie (2)

Nev goal watch: 24