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
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
posted by Mini at 9:30 am
3 Comments:
On the subject of "Nev Goal Watch", I thought it was the number of games Nev had played in, and not scored since his last goal, not just the number of games since his last goal. Its not as if he's got much chance in scoring when he's not on the team sheet for a game now is it?
Its just the number of games that have passed since Nevs last goal.
I know he cant score in the games he hasnt played. If you fancy going through the fixtures and picking out the ones he hasnt then let me know the numbers and I will alter it.
Ok, quick count and games played and not scored in are 16. I will ammend the Nev goal watch for tomorrows match report.
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