Bramhall Rangers 10 Cheadle Utd Thursday 6

"What disappointed me was that we didn't play with any passion. I'm not disappointed, you know, I'm just disappointed." - Kevin Keegan

As all the great managers will tell you, and the great teams will show you, continuity is key to a successful team. The Arsenal back four of the nineties with Dixon, Adams, Keown and Winterburn or the Utd midfield of Giggs, Keane, Scholes and Beckham were all part of great teams. Rangers have managed to field an unchanged team for 5 games this season, the most recent being last night versus Cheadle Utd. It is no surprise that with this has come with an upturn in results and improving performances, due in no part to the ever increasing understanding of fellow team mate’s weaknesses and strengths.

The game this week was by no means vintage Rangers, however, they were able to get the job done and were perhaps a little more comfortable than the score line suggests. Clashes with CUT give chances for a few more players to get on the score sheet and try a few different tactics.

The first half was quite an eventful affair. Rangers were able to take a comfortable lead with a couple of goals from Mini. One came from a delicious on-two with Shiz, working the ball well and creating the chance for a simple finish. Mini also scored after being released by Rascle, who was able to find some decent passes all evening. Here’s a stat for you, in the 54 games Mini has player he has only failed to score in 2 of the outfield games he has played.

Shiz took on more of a midfield role, directing the play from just in front of Rascle and Nev, making darting runs to support the attackers, whilst providing valuable cover at the back. He was rewarded with two first half goals. One was a solo effort with a pacey burst down the line and a stabbed right foot finish. The second came in a similar fashion, but with a more comfortable finish.

Cheadle Utd have improved steadily over the seasons, but these games must surely be taking their toll. They were able to keep in the game with a powerful finish from a very tight angle, and a second goal after the Rangers failed to clear. Mr T was playing well, and communicating to his outfield players well. All in all the communication has been a lot better in the last few games which is good to see.

Before half time, Rangers were awarded with a penalty. The CUT defender had stuck a leg into the area to divert a cross from Piggy. Needing a goal to boost his confidence, Piggy stepped up to take the resulting kick. Piggy went for power, straight down the middle and was denied by a save from the keeper. The ball was cleared. If Juan Roman Riquelme can do it, so can Piggy!

Not disheartened Piggy did get the goal he craved, and this will have settled a few nerves for the shot shy striker. Pie was looking to double his tally for the season and had promised “I guarantee I’ll at least double my tally for the season tonight…” That would remain to be seen. Pie found himself out wide quite a lot of the time, and would come into the game more in the second half as some gaps opened up.

Half time came and it was 7-2 to the Rangers, a comfortable lead with which to go into the second half. Maybe this lead led to some complacency, or just people were committing forward more as they sensed a chance to break ducks or achieve personal goals, the second half did not go quite as well. There was no mammoth collapse, but CUT did push the Rangers, and actually won the second half by a tally of 4-3. Included in their goals was a penalty after Mr T in his 37th Rangers game, was judged to have left his area to collect the ball. Mr T was unlucky not to make the save; just enough power on the shot enabled it to find its way through after he had guessed the right way.

Mini, as seems to be the case, failed to add to his tally in the second half, which he was disappointed with. However, Piggy stepped up to the bar and was able to complete his hat trick. One goal came after a lucky ricocheted found its way into his path to fire home. The second was after a cheeky back heel by Pie when Rangers were two on the keeper. Choosing to pass was very unselfish and Piggy did the rest. He had finally made double figures and maintained just ahead of Shiz in the golden boot charts. 83 now in total for the blues.

A historic moment also saw Shiz claim his first ever hat trick for the Rangers. Well done Mr Shiz! The third goal was rather fortunate; a shot from Piggy which looked on target took a deflection off Shiz’s derriere and nestled sweetly in the bottom corner. A quick check with the ref confirmed it was Shiz’s goal. It was Shiz’s 7th of the season, his best total to date, beating the 6 goals he got in the summer 2005 season.

Pie started to influence the game well in the second half and was unlucky not to get himself a goal. Working the flanks well, quick feet and a nifty turn often opened up space for himself and others. All that was lacking was the final finish or pass. Nev was sprinting to the end, and given a better ball right at the death could have ended the goal watch. Rascle, again preferring the long shots, was content to sit back and allow Nev and Shiz to roam forward, which Shiz did with bottomless amounts of energy. Nev and Rascle have become solid defenders this season, with Pie often providing excellent cover. Having more confidence in the players behind you gives the attackling players the opportunity to push forward more, which they have been doing. Hard work and learning from mistkaes and playing to their strengths has enables Rascle and Nev to really come good.

Rangers have picked up 51 points in total in their Powerleague career (games actually played) and only Pie and Mini have been in the side for all of those points. In a cruel twist of fate, Piggy sits third with 48 points just ahead of Shiz with 44. With last night’s victory, Rascle has overtaken Hedderz into 4th place, with 38 and 36 points respectively.

A less than brilliant performance from the Rangers, but a victory none the less. With the awards ceremony only weeks away, who has been you player of the season or most improved player. The last few games may go a long way to determining the outcome.

Final score: Bramhall Rangers 10 Cheadle Utd Thursday 6
Goals: Mini (4), Shiz (3), Piggy (3)

Nev goal watch - 24

Bramhall Rangers 7 Omatha 6

"If you can't stand the heat in the dressing-room, get out of the kitchen" - Terry Venables

The last few weeks has seen a steadily improving Rangers team find rediscover their confidence and belief that they can pick up points. This Thursday saw them pitted against new boys Omatha, who become the third team to fill the void in the league. They had enjoyed a few of victories in previous games against Monkhouse Gladbach, Cheadle Utd and PIB, but were defeated against The Griswalds. It would be a tough game as they looked like decent players and had a bit of strength sprinkled in.

Rangers lined up with the same team they had used for the majority of this season, the only change was Shiz returning to the side in place of Anton who had enjoyed his first ever game the week before. There had been a heavy downpour in the hour before the game making the conditions difficult, but the Rangers coped well, and played an excellent game.

Mini again proved to be the pivotal attacking player for BRFC, taking any chances that came his way comfortably. Currently in a rich vein of scoring form everything seemed to go his way. He opened the scoring, picking up a loose ball after a pass off the boards from Shiz and fired low under the keeper. His second was more fortunate; an attempted clearance cannoned off his shin into the bottom corner, again, coming after good work from Shiz.

Omatha were not without their own efforts on goal and proved more than capable in attack. Often with patient build up and strong running they kept level with the Rangers for the half, a couple of powerful Hedderz-esque strikes from their big guy were impressive. Like Rangers have often been, they were caught out at the back when committing too many men forwards. A quick throw from Mr T fed Mini who finished coolly in a one on one.

All of the Rangers were finding space in the opposition half and could have had a couple of goals each. Piggy often found himself in shooting positions but delayed too long or took the wrong option. Shiz, full of running was creating many opportunities and was unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions. Pie was still looking for his first of the season, but was having more joy than usual, coping well in the conditions. Rascle and Nev were the key defensive lynchpins, allowing Shiz to roam. Nev was unlucky not to score as he dragged an effort wide of the post. Rascle mishit after a pass was squared across the box, but it was great to see everyone getting in an around the onion bag.

Half time was looming and it was 5-4. Mini had picked up the goals for the Rangers, but in truth it was a great team effort that had got them into that position. Hoping to go in level which would have been a fair reflection of the half, they were unlucky to go in 5-4 down.

A deficit it was at half time, but confidence was still high as there was a lot of room on the pitch and the Omatha defence did tend to stand off their men, in comparison to the Rangers who for the most part were tight and getting quick tackles in and preventing easy throw outs.

The second half was underway, and the Rangers started well (yes! well…) and limited Omatha to long range efforts. Just as Rangers were looking to get back in it there was a howler to top all howlers, from goalkeeper Mr T. After breaking up an attack Shiz played a soft pass back to Mr T in the area. The ball was rolling to Mr T and wasn’t even on target. What comes next is anyone’s guess, as the Rangers turned away to get positions. Glancing back Mr T could be seen lying outstretched attempting to claw the ball back without luck. Somehow he had managed to scoop the ball round the post and dump it in his own goal! It seemed harder to do that, than pick it up! I imagine the wet weather had something to do with it! It will go down as a Mr T OG. (Maybe Mr T can shed some light in the comments box!)

Understandably heads dropped for a short spell, until Rangers sensed than Omatha were not punishing them as other teams had. With the half moving on, Rangers were thrown a lifeline. Shiz was released down the right hand wing and with good control and vision picked out Mini, unmarked on the edge of the box, who scored his 26th goal of the season.

With maybe 10 minutes to go the game was evenly poised. Omatha had just the one goal lead and seemed too eager to push on. They left lots of gaps at the back which could be exploited by the Rangers. Chances came and went. Pie, who had not scored for over 10 games, hit the woodwork with only the keeper to beat on two occassions, and Shiz had an effort saved by the keeper. Mini and Pie were falling over each other to score but in the end neither did! It seemed that the game was slipping away.

Then came a moment of cool, calm finishing. From a man who had not scored since a goal against White Russians on the 17th November 2005, Pie’s relief was evident after he smashed the ball home to level things up. A burden was lifted from his shoulders! Praise be!!

It looked like a point a piece would be the final outcome. However with only 4 minutes on the clock, Piggy who had worked hard without reward played a well weighted pass down the left wing. Shiz, still running, outpaced the defender and cut inside and opting for power he struck the ball sweetly into the top corner for his 4th of the season and 18th in total for the Rangers. Could the unlikely happen and the Rangers snatch victory from the jaws of defeat?

With the clock ticking it was like the Alamo for the Rangers, throwing themselves into tackles and blocks. Mr T was making up for the earlier error with some splendid saves, showing great determination in front of his admirers on the touchline. This effort was typified by a last ditch tackle by Mini who sprinted the length of the pitch to prevent a last minute equaliser!

The final whistle signalled the end of the game and Rangers 3rd win of the season (of those one was a default win). It was the first victory Rascle had been part of for 16 games since an 11-3 win over Cheadle Utd back in August 2005. 17th time a charm!

Great desire, fitness, finishing and communication were the key to this win, and those things need to be taken into next weeks game against the above mentioned Cheadle Utd.

Final score: Bramhall Rangers 7 Omatha 6
Goals: Mini (5), Pie (1) Shiz (1)

Nev goal watch - 23

Bramhall Rangers 6 Monkhouse Gladbach 11

"I never make predictions and I never will." - Paul Gascoigne

The last few months have been pretty torrid for the Rangers, unable to buy a win, or even a point. This weeks opponents were Monkhouse Gladbach who had beaten Rangers comfortably earlier in the season. With a stronger team this time round Rangers thought they would give them a game. This proved to be the case.

The team was the same as the previous two weeks save for one change. Shiz was unavailable, and into the breach for his first ever Rangers game was Anton, a lean, mean fighting machine. He became the 17th player to turn out for the Rangers, and his debut had been 5 seasons in the making. Mr T in goal, Pie, Rascle, Nev, Piggy and Mini were present to guide Anton through the game.

The first half of this game was a very even affair, Monkhouse Gladbach perhaps surprised that Rangers were putting up a fight rather than rolling over and dying. Chances were plentiful for both sides, and Mini was amongst the goals straight away, pegging back Monkhouse on a number of occasions.

Rascle was playing the creative role in supplying several decent passes into feet, for both Mini and Piggy upfront. Anton surprisingly was not afraid to bomb forward to provide another option and he could have had a hat trick. His best effort was after a one-two with Mini when he saw a sweetly struck effort cannon off the underside of the bar.

The score at half time was 5-5. Rangers took the lead just before the break, Mini finishing with his left foot after a lofted pass from Pie. This was Mini’s 5th of the game too, as for the 3rd game this season Mini was the only scorer for the Rangers. At least two of Mini’s other goals this half involved good interplay from Rascle who, like Anton, was gaining in confidence. A prayer said by absent Ranger Hedderz at the Temple of Nike in Athens, seemed to be working for Rascle, if not for the Rangers as a team.

Mr T had one of his best games in goals or the Rangers and was helped out greatly in defence by Nev and Pie, the latter taking a few knocks for the cause. The most blatantly poor aerial challenge left him flat out on the deck, and has resulted in a bit of a shiner the morning after. It was reminiscent of Terry Butcher for England, minus the blood, bandage and drama…actually it was nothing like Terry Butcher for England!

Despite no one else troubling the scorers, all the Rangers seemed to pose more of a threat in attack. Nev also had more shots this game than those that had come before. Tending to favour the long distance efforts, a few bounced awkwardly in front of the keeper. With Mr T his communication was vitally important, organising the defence, and always being available for a pass.

The second half didn’t start with the usual collapse, whether this was down to a changed routine or not is anyone’s guess. Despite not falling apart the game did slowly slip away from the Rangers, as a goal here and there extended the lead for Monkhouse until they were relatively comfortable. Only one goal was registered for Mini/BRFC in the second half, a jabbed finish after Rascle’s persistence had bundled the ball through to him.

Gladbach are a reasonable team, but the showboating and “Olay!” that accompanied some of their play was not appreciated by the Rangers, considering the closeness of the game. It will certainly be remembered for the next time they meet, and will lead to a few juicy tackles.

A defeat again, but this game did not come with the stigma of a terrible team effort. Everyone played close to his ability, Mini enjoying his most fruitful game since an 18-3 victory against Cheadle Utd in the Winter 2005 season, when he bagged seven. Piggy failed to register in what was a spacious game for the strikers, and struggled to get his shots away. The 3rd game he has done so this season. Anton can be proud of his performance, and hopefully won’t have to wait another couple of years until his next outing.

Final score: Bramhall Rangers 6 Monkhouse Gladbach 11
Scorers: Mini (6)

Nev goal watch – 22
Pie goal watch – 12
Piggy needs velcro - 3

Bramhall Rangers 3 Brinny Youth Returns 11

"I would not be bothered if we lost every game as long as we won the league." - Middlesbrough and Oz fat boy Mark Viduka.

For the first time since 22/09/05 – 29/09/05, Rangers were able to field an unchanged side. Those games involved the now retired Dr H, and Belly was in goal. The outcome for the Rangers in both games was predictable, losing both by margins of 10 goals or more.

This week was the start of the second half of the season, so newcomers Brinny Youth Returns were the opponents. Despite their relative inexperience they were doing very well, sitting joint top of the league with The Griswalds. They are a very skilful team, with a lot of individual flare, often the sort of team Rangers struggle against. Pushing them close in a 4-3 defeat first time out, Rangers were hoping to go one better. But BYR were more experienced and wiser now and when it came to quick feet, passing and movement were very comfortable.

Rangers did match BYR for the first half. Despite falling behind on two occasions, Rangers pegged them back both times. Piggy rediscovered his shooting boots to get both goals, with some clinical finishing taking his total to 80 for the blues since Powerleague began. It was a great display of shooting, which begs the question why not every week?

BYR were matched in the first half, and couldn’t break down a resolute defence with Shiz pulling the strings. Mr T in goals was directing the play with good communication and Nev was sturdy at the back. Mini struggled to find the scoring touch this week and had a few efforts saved or narrowly miss. Piggy crashed a half volley onto angle of bar and post. Rascle and Pie both made good runs down the flanks, and showed strength but struggled to get a stranglehold on the game. Pie limped off toward the end of the half with his customary injury. The whistle went and it was all square.

Half time is normally a very sobering experience as often the game is already away from the Rangers, however, this week there was a sense that we had done well and deserved to be level. Eager to start the second half well, the team were fired up. It started quite well, soaking up the early pressure but then the mistakes crept in. Failing to follow the runners on one-two’s and standing to far off the attackers and tempting shots allowed Brinny to pull away. At the other end Rangers threatened little, and were pegged back for the most part. It seems that after Rangers go 2 or 3 goals behind they are resigned to defeat, and that is when heads drop and panic sets in. This was no different. Chasing the ball (like schoolboys) is when the team loses its shape, others have to cover and risk their man coming free. Not good at communication at the best of times, when players go wandering there is little hope of salvaging anything from the situation.

Rangers pulled another back, but it was too little too lat. An opportunist goal from Mini turning and hitting instinctively was his 121st in a Rangers shirt. Chances were few and far between though, as confidence was sapped.

Pie limped off at the start of the half again with a “pulled hamstring”, and the other moment of note was a lash out by a BYR player at Shiz after being dispossessed by a combination of Pie and Shiz. The whistle for the end of the game was blown nearly straight away, denying Shiz the Chance to “cream him against the boards”, which was probably for the best.

In discussions after the game, Shiz and Mini, thought that there need to be some changes to the Rangers routine on match days. Here are the suggestions:

1. Before the game, we do not get the balls out for an unorganised kick about that does no one any favours. Instead we will all take 5-10 minutes warming up, doing stretches etc. This will reduce dramatically the number of injuries that players get (Pie especially – which to be fair is bordering on the comical. One or two a season is unlucky, one or two a game and you have to ask serious questions). Some players do this already, so we should all give it a go.
2. At half time, rather than basically all grinding to a halt, relaxing and cooling down, we will get the balls out and pass the ball around, to keep alert, keep moving, motivated and thinking. This will mean that when the second half starts every one should be 100% prepared and ready.
3. At the start of the second half, we will aim to have our best defensive team on the pitch. This would probably be Shiz, Nev, Rascle/Pie and Mini (using this game as an example). Once we have ridden out the first 5 minutes, then we can look to build on it.

Any other ideas, are much appreciated, and please add them in the comments box.

Another game to chalk down to experience, Rangers slipped a place in the league to 2nd bottom, after Omatha defeated Cheadle Utd. Monkhouse Gladbach are still in sight after losing to Puss in Boots and sit two places and three points above the Rangers.

Final Score – Bramhall Rangers 3 Brinny Youth Returns 11
Goals - Piggy (2), Mini (1)

Nev goal watch – 21
Pie goal watch – 11

*New feature* The "Piggy needs velcro" watch - 2 (see comments)

NB. See below for some stats.

Mini’s Statistical Extravaganza! (REVISED)

"I've told the players we need to win so that I can have the cash to buy some new ones"- Chris Turner (former Hartlepool and County manager)

As the person responsible for the end of season awards, I thought I would take the time to calculate a few stats for people to peruse. When I say stats, they aren’t really, but people may be interested none the less. When I say people, I mean Pie and Rascle who usually like this sort of thing.

Since starting at Powerleague we have had no fewer than 16 players turn out for the Rangers, enough to field a match day squad for a full game. Of those players, 13 have scored a competitive goal for the Rangers…can you guess the three who haven’t?

In the four and a half seasons, Rangers have amassed 355 goals for, which averages out at just under 79 goals a season. The most free scoring season was surprisingly the first one, Spring 2005, when Mini, Hedderz and Piggy were all firing. The poorest season for goals for was Autumn 05 when a measly 56 goals were scored (when Piggy won the Tin Slipper).

Pie is the currently leading the appearances chart for BRFC, with 56 competitive games to his name, quite an achievement. Piggy and Mini sit 2nd and 3rd with 51 and 50 respectively. The now retired Dr H amassed 14 games and notched up 10 goals in that time.

Hedderz currently sits third in the goal scoring charts despite not playing for the majority of the last 2 seasons, and Pie is 4th behind the three recognised goal scorers with Shiz hot on his heels. In a cruel twist of fate, Nev sits behind OG’s in the all time scorer’s chart, and with Jon Stead breaking his duck this weekend cuts a lonely figure in the goal watch.

Mini boasts a goal scoring ratio that any striker would be proud of. 120 goals in 43 outfield games giving him an average of 2.8 goals a game, level with Hedderz who also has a 2.8 average. Piggy gets 1.56 a game on average, just ahead of Mr T’s 0.16 goals per outfield game!

A run down of appearances and goals scored (in brackets), also showing goal ratio, is as follows (up to and including Thursday 30th March 2006 based on outfield games played):

NAME APP(G) RATIO

Pie – 56 (23) 0.52
Piggy – 51 (78) 1.56
Mini – 50 (120) 2.8
Shiz – 46 (17) 0.36
Rascle – 38 (8) 0.2
Belly – 35 N/A
Mr T – 33 (5) 0.16
Hedderz – 27 (76) 2.8
Nev – 23 (1) 0.04
Dr H – 14 (10) 0.71
Lifey – 8 (8) 1 1.0
Others – 8 (8) 1
OG’s – (2)

I will try to keep a track of the stats over the seasons, and will stick it in a spreadsheet so it’s easy to add to. I will try mentioning some milestones in the reports and at the end of season awards to make them a bit more interesting. If you have any queries, spot an error or want something calculating then please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate. I will look at getting the spreadsheet put up on a stats page in the future.

I hope you find this interesting.

Mini

NB. There were two games in Summer 05 that were not accounted for, and these have not been included in any calculations.