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
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
6 Comments:
Nice report as always Mini.
However I would like to take you to task about something. I was pretty disappointed with my second half performance, I thought I was pretty poor to be honest. I was at fault for probably two of the goals in the second half - one from dwelling on the ball and then rushing my pass across the area (something as a footballer you should never do!) and the second from my poor tracking of my man. The first half I felt I played quite well really. I think the problem was I started off in the second half and then it was quite a while before I came on, so I struggled to get back into the game. I took myself off then after only a few minutes (and giving goals away) and then didn't get back on again after this.
But anyway its the win thats the important thing in these games and we got that and thats what matters.
Its touch remembering everything so thats why if I get things wrong people should put comments on.
Fair enough about your own assessment, but I think games like this can be writen off as we shouldnt be judging ourselves against CUT, but teams like Omatha, Canaries, Monkhouse.
I'll admit to getting more and more desperate to read the match reports as the weeks go one... maybe I should listen to Stu more when he says I need a girlfriend :)
Anyway good team performance I felt. I didn't realise you'd spent so little time on the pitch in the second John, I'd have happily subbed to balance it out if I'd known... my awareness of extras like this took a dive this week after the energetic start robbed my brain of much need oxygen :)
A big mention must go out to a general improvement in defensive performance from everyone (Piggy - you are picking up their runners much better, Russ - gaining in fitness and awareness of when to sub is also improving tracking immensely). We've obviously got room for improvement, but the last couple of matches I've not been as worried about the back as usual as I've gained confidence in others to be up to the task. This has allowed me to push up more and help in attack, as generally people are good enough to hold the play up for a few seconds in a counterattack and allow me to sprint back to help.
The next two matches will be tough though, and we'll have to be on top form in all areas, with a no ball is a lost cause attitude to grind the results. Then we have "The Derby" to look forward to against the Canaries... can we finally come out on top in the traditionally very close matches we have? Do exoctic birds live in the jungle!
I always judge a match by my own feeling on how we'd have faired against a better team, and Nev's reaction. Nev is impossible to please. But he does see the game, like me, from right at the back. As such we probably get to see more of the attacking errors, altho you lot get to see more of the defensive ones i feel. We, once again, didnt play bad. Good passing, good link up play. People are starting to call for the pass. It helped that we played a team who once again left us acres of space. The thing that stops us roaring away with these matches is that we dont use that space. Shiz was using it last night and managed to get 2 goals (i refuse to let you have that 3rd one shiz!). Had we had either of the strikers ghosting into those areas then we might've gotten more.
There's still the question of match stamina. We can all last to the end of the game now. What i mean is when a few of us, myself included, sometimes get too tired to run forward. Me and Nev are often happy to sit back when we could do with 3 up, and one covering back. And we're still getting overturned by 3 on 1 situations when defence fails to track back.
We all know where we're failing, and as you point out we're improving with every game we play. We're getting more use to what we all do. No-one expected a loss to CUT. And i think a few of us were annoyed that we only won by 4. I dont for a second believe we'll win anymore this season! We lost 14-5, 15-3, and 9-4 to the last 3 teams. Still, when we raise our game and cut out mistakes, there's always that slim chance of turning them over.
A special mention i feel goes out to myself and Nev. We're becoming a force to be reckoned with at the back. And its giving the team confidence to attack, ie. Shiz. Piggy is rasing his game. Still making silly errors, and still not getting himself into the right types of space when asked. But improving by the game. Mini has found his dancing shoes, and they're getting red hot it appears! Pie is being pie. When he's good he's very good, but lets hope he doesnt hit a bad day! ouch..
And the Fist is proving to be a brick wall at the back. Who cares 6 went in when he saved a hell of a lot more! His calls to the team are sounding less gay by the game, and i can now hear him point out unmarked players. The understanding between defence and goalie are almost as good as the days of belly. Defence knows when to leave a guy and someone will cover. It makes me feel all gooey inside..
Anyway, Rangers awards, god knows who to vote for!! Most improved?! the only box you cant tick is Belly!
Indeed.
Russ, if you read this can you send me the crest image so I can make up some certificates. I have emailed but no response. Cheers.
BTW - "A special mention i feel goes out to myself and Nev. We're becoming a force to be reckoned with at the back." - can you get a Nike special edition Rascle 16 hat specially made to fit over that expanding head of yours?
:)
I'm working on the Nike hat and horn. Anywho the image you need is at http://www.rascle.co.uk/badge_blueBG.gif
Oh, and whats all this moderator poo about?!
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