Fixtures - Summer 06 Season

Fixtures for this season are now up in the usual place. Earliest kick off is a 7pm one, and latest is a 10pm game against Northern Canaries last game of the season (late August)!!

Just to note one game is for Sunday 11th June (the day after Markstock!).

Bramhall Rangers 4 The Slim Jims 5

"I know what is around the corner. I just don't know where the corner is." – Self-styled racist Ron Atkinson

Thursday 25th May 2006 saw the beginning of the 5th season at Powerleague for the Rangers, and started with the same team that had come together for the majority of the previous seasons games. Mr T was in goal, Rascle and Nev made up the defence, Pie and Shiz the midfield roles and Big Pete and Mini the striking options. The opposition were previous division 6 promotion winners Slim Jims, who had been relegated from the division above. The games against them are physical affairs, but usually close, Rangers having come out on top once previously and forcing a draw in two of the last four meetings.

The Slim Jims got into their stride comfortably and with the help of some suspect refereeing were able to get into a two goal lead. As expected the game was physical with both sides giving 100% in the challenge. Despite conceding a couple of goals the Rangers did not collapse, even though they were struggling to break through at the other end. A few long distance efforts were blocked or comfortably saved. Rascle had a chance to score with a shot on the turn but didn’t connect properly. Nev also hit the outside of the post in his 31st game for the Rangers, after a good burst down the right wing.

Big Pete and Mini tried to make the most of the morsels that were thrown their way, but little time on the ball and the lack of good supply meant they could not capitalise.

At half time the Rangers had failed to register, and were 3 goals down (IIRC). Slightly shaken by the physical play the half time break was welcome as it gave them a chance to gather their thoughts and take a breather. Coming out in the second half they were much more accomplished going forward. Shiz and Pie seemed to have a second longer on the ball and were able to feed the passes into the attackers. Rangers got back into the game when Mini fed the ball to Pie in the corner. He took a touch and spotted Big Pete making a darting run. The pass was perfect and Piggy finished coolly.

The goal gave Rangers a boost and for several minutes they were camped in the Slim Jims half. The keeper made a number of excellent point blank reflex saves and kept the Jims ahead. Then came the Rangers second goal. Shiz battled hard in the corner and along the boards and with an out-stretched toe was able to direct the ball down the line. Mini gave chase and with little opportunity to take a touch before it went into the area flicked the ball in from an acute angle with his left foot. Rangers were back in business!

The Slim Jims did manage to get a goal to make it 4-2 and seemingly make the game safe, however they did not predict the resilience and bouncebackability of the Rangers. After the Slim keeper and defence had blocked another barrage on the goal, the ball fell to Mini who took a touch with his right and fired the ball into the bottom left corner, across the goal keeper. It was 4-3 and the Slim Jims were beginning to get worried. A bit a tension grew as they sensed, as did the Rangers, that the game was not over.

Shiz, who felt he doesn’t get the licence to run and run against the more disciplined opposition was not able to influence the game in the last third, yet was breaking up play well in the centre midfield. Big Pete seemed to be relishing the physical battle which as encouraging to see and really got stuck in culminating in a lashing back heel horse kick into the crotch of a Slim Jims player! Pie was also able to use his stature more effectively and was willing to go in with strength against some similarly built players.

Mini, who felt the chances would come, was able to seal his hat trick and bring the game level with about 8 minutes to go. Cutting out a throw out, and managing to eventually dig it out of his feet, Mini advanced one on one and finished calmly to the bottom right for his 8th in two games, much to the exasperation of the Slim Jims.

The last stages of the game were nervous with neither side wanting to make a mistake that would lead to a winner. Rangers had a couple of chances with Big Pete coming close, and Mr T was having a very able game in goal coping with the efforts that came his way. Unfortunately the mistake was made by the Rangers. A Rascle/Nev combo pulled down a Slim Jim on the edge of the box and from the subsequent free kick, slack marking led to a goal. Set pieces are not a way to be conceding in 5-a-side.

There was little time to get back into the game, and as the whistle went Rangers were disheartened as it was a point dropped. Slim Jims will be very relieved to get the maximum as they were pushed to the end by a resilient Bramhall, who can be satisfied with their performance.

Rangers have now scored a total of 397 goals as a team, and the question on everyone’s lips (well, mine) is who will get the magical 400th? Surely it will come in next weeks encounter with the Puss in Boots.

Final score: Bramhall Rangers 4 Slim Jims 5
Goals: Mini (3), Big Pete (1)

Nev goal watch - 28

Summer 06 Season

The first game of the new season, Summer 06, is tonight.

8.30pm kick off against the old nemesis The Slim Jims.

We should find out the rest of the times for the season, so check back here over the weekend when I'll upload them.

A quick note too for nest weeks game (Puss In Boots are the opposition). We are currently already down Shiz and Mark (who are holidaying with Anton) and Russ who is also otherwise engaged. Me and Mini have to word out to a couple of people and should be able to get a couple of ringers in plus Lifey hopefully.

Bramhall Rangers 10 Northern Canaries 8

"There's no in between - you're either good or bad. We were in between." - Gary Lineker

The battles against Northern Canaries have become a highlight of the season for many of the Rangers, as they can often be a good marker for how the Rangers are progressing, or not, as the case may be. This meeting drew the curtain on a season of mixed emotion for the Rangers which saw them finish on their highest points tally since joining Powerleague, beating the 14 achieved in spring 2005.

Rascle was the only absentee, wisely choosing to sit out the final game before the Manchester Run, however, he did lend his support with Mr T’s flame Dawn, and the ever supportive Charlotte who our thanks should go out to. The Canaries were under-strength and had pulled in a ringer who we had come across before in a friendly against Stockport FC. No subs meant it was going to be the best opportunity Rangers had had for a long time to finally get one over on the Canaries.

Starting well, the Rangers crept into a two goal lead. Mini, whose shooting boots eluded him the week previous, was quick to register with a couple of decent finishes. However, there was never too much distance between the sides as the Canaries battled well and were never more than 2 goals behind. Some dubious marking allowed them in, despite Mr T’s best efforts; doing well to get behind the powerful efforts.

Mini crashed in one of his personal favourites of the season. A lay off from the centre from Pie after a Canaries goal, and Mini had more time than expected on the ball. Taking a touch to get it out of his feet then hammering a swerving, dipping right footer into the roof of the net from the half way line. Very pleasant!

Big Pete was able to register too, and Mini and him were linking up with much more success. Great awareness allowed Mini in for another after a squared ball from Big Pete. He got a goal himself, and was bleeding for the cause. A cut hand meant Big Pete had to have a brief foray into the blood bin, but he was soon back at the half time break and eager to get more goals.

IIRC it was 5-3 at half time, and Rangers were happy, but hoped to put a bit more daylight between them and the depleted yellows. The key was to be more clinical in front of goal and not become over confident. Rangers and Canaries traded goals at the start of the half, Big Pete amongst them for the Rangers picking up the loose balls after strong running from Shiz and good vision from Nev, with his trademark long passes. Still though, the two teams were close, and at one point the Canaries drew level at 8-8. A first goal for Anton will be a great memory for him though, and well deserved. Battling in the corner by the gate, Anton was able to dig out a cheeky left footer which squeezed in. Seemingly overcome with emotion not seen since the liberation of Auschwitz, Anton subbed off to be mobbed by the adoring fans!

Pie suffered a leg injury after a tangle of legs on the floor, and a heated exchange between him and Rascle on the touchline did nothing to help the Rangers, and everything to give the Canaries a boost. It was an embarrassing exchange.

Fortunately, Rangers didn’t suffer too much from the verbal tirade and were able to seal up the win. Pie added his 4th of the season with a strong run and finish on the left hand side and Mini pick-pocketed a yellow’s defender and finished calmly. Big Pete was able to seal his hat trick at the death too which was good to see - a strong performance from the striker. Shiz was unlucky not to register, however contributed to the game in many other ways, as did Nev who had a couple of decent efforts well saved by the keeper. Mr T communicated well throughout and the ball seemed drawn to him.

All in all it was a good performance and a deserved win. It means Rangers finish 3rd bottom which is better than average. Will it shape the way the awards will go? Only time will tell…

Final Score: Bramhall Rangers 10 Northern Canaries 8
Goals: Mini (5), Big Pete (3), Pie (1), Anton (1)

Nev goal watch - 27

Spring 2006 Summary
The news that Belly could be absent for a long period has been made easier to take with the emergence of Mr T as a very able deputy. Also, new depth was found in the squad with the last of the original Rangers Anton running out in the blue and white. A little more confidence on the ball and strength in the tackle will see Anton shine through as a very useful addition. And it would seem he has caught the Rangers bug!

Shiz has added an attacking element to his game that has not been seen in previous seasons, and Pie also has rediscovered his scoring form after a season of woe in front of goal last time out. Big Pete, despite a disappointing start to the season, finished with 15 goals equalling his tally of the summer 2005 season, but more importantly developed other areas of his game such as awareness and using his power.

Rascle, improving his fitness weekly has formed a strong partnership in front of Mr T with Nev, and is always looking for areas to better himself. A surprisingly good touch and calmness on the ball under pressure are a couple of his best assets. Nev himself has been a revelation this season. Although that goal drought will continue into summer 2006, it would be impossible to count the number of opportunities he has snuffed out at the other end which are equally if not more important. Always striving to play better and never content with mediocrity, Nev has been a stalwart this season.

Nev has now overtaken Hedderz in the all time appearances chart with his 30th game for the club, whilst despite playing 28 games less has seen Anton draw level with him in the scoring charts. Pie’s rediscovery of his attacking form in the last 4-5 games has meant he has put a little gap between him and Shiz, on 27 and 22 respectively.

Mini had a personal goal of beating the 39 goals scored in the spring 2005 season. Due to a couple of poor games this was not achievable and despite sensing a possibility of getting 9 in the final game, 5 goals meant it was to be his second best haul with 36.

The awards take place on Friday 26th May, and it will be interesting to see who is deemed worthy after this topsy-turvey season!

Football Tours Abroad

Had an e-mail from some company that apparently organises Football Tours for top Premiership and foreign clubs (supposedly).

They want our business...!

Here's the e-mail:
"Football Tours Abroad

Have you thought of an end of season tour abroad, or a pre-season bonding trip?

Look no further, we specialise in tours to Prague, but we can offer other options on request.If you check out our website you will see that we have organised very successful tours for English Premiership, and top foreign clubs, and we are now looking to offer our expertise in giving amateur and semi-pro teams the opportunity of enjoying the same experience.

The attached flyer shows various options, and we would be happy to discuss your requirements.

When telephoning or emailing please quote :- Tom Midlands.

We hope to be of service to you.

www.pscltd.co.uk/prbreaks.htm"

New Year Cottages

As I mentioned in the email I sent out, here is the topic for cottages, to save a mass of emails.
Just add your comments on the cottages, etc.

Had an update - Justin and El are interested, so that makes 9 people.

Bramhall Rangers 4 The Griswalds 11

"The ref was vertically 15 yards away." - Kevin Keegan

It was the same team again this week for the penultimate match for the season against league leaders The Griswald’s, who the Rangers had beaten twice in the past. The game was switched from its initial 18:30 slot to a later and cooler one at 20:00 at the request if The Griswald’s. Rangers are only hopeful that in future teams will be willing to switch for us as this has not proved to be the case in the past.

It was still warm, which would be a test on the stamina of the Rangers, but they put in a decent performance and managed to get their goals from other areas of the pitch. Rangers took the lead through a good right foot finish from Piggy. His 11th of the season came after he showed power in the attacking third.

This was about as good as it got for the Rangers in the first half as The Griswald’s superior quality shone through. They picked up a number of goals after good interplay and one from a free kick after Mini was slow reacting.

Mini was denied a couple of goals in the first half. One was deemed a hand ball after Mini deftly lifted the ball over the keeper. The hand of god? No, even better than that…the hand of Mini!

His second was less obvious why it was disallowed. Nev and Mini were causing problems on the edge of the area and a shot looped up off the keeper. Their defender tried to shepherd it back to the keeper but Mini nipped I to nutmeg the goalie for what looked like a perfectly good goal. For some reason it was disallowed. At half time the ref said it was because someone had entered the area, but when we pointed out that it was actually one of their players, he shrugged and said “well it was someone”.

(IMO this was one of the poorest reffing performances for sometime. He was frequently in the way of the ball, deflecting passes and clearances, missed a number of over head heights, clipped ankles and generally didn’t seem to have a serious hold on the game. When two teams arrive to play in dark blue and slightly less dark blue and the ref is too lazy to get bibs it can be an indication of how the game is going to go. This is not to say it affected the result though, as he was equally bad for both teams.)

Mr T was making some excellent saves in goal and has just got better and better in that position. Maybe a contender for MIP, the defence is getting more confident each week. Half time saw the Rangers 4-1 down (IIRC) but for a disallowed goal and some good goal keeping it could have been closer.

The second half went much the same way as the first, with missed opportunities and lack of a cutting edge. The Griswald’s extended their lead but Rangers popped up with a couple of goals to keep them on their toes. Piggy grabbed his second of the game, and Pie also who is beginning to find his form scored after the keeper seemed to have made the save. The ball span over the line for Pie’s third of the season.

This was in contrast to another attempt by Mini, who managed to chip the keeper only for the spin to work the other way and bring the ball out. It was just not going in for Mini this week, and it would be only the 3rd outfield game in his 56 game career in which he would not score.

Shiz kept the heat on Piggy in the goal scoring charts with a good goal and his 8th of the campaign, after Mini and Piggy had linked up well to give him the opportunity.

Late in the game, the Rangers could have had a couple more. Rascle who was making his last appearance of the season found himself free on the edge of the box but somehow contrived to spoon the ball over the bar and nearly over the netting. Fellow defender Nev, who with Russ had both had solid games, also came close and shaved the post with one of the last efforts of the game.

The Griswald’s sealed promotion with this victory, but were made to work by a resilient Rangers team. Due to Monkhouse Gladbach beating Omatha Rangers slipped back to 2nd bottom but a victory next week and other results going their way could see them jump two places to finish the season on a high.

Final score: Bramhall Rangers 4 The Griswald’s 11
Goals: Piggy (2), Pie (1), Shiz (1)

Nev goal watch - 26

Rescheduled Fixtures

Our fixture tomorrow (11th May) has been put back from 6.30pm kick off to 8pm, due to The Griswalds struggling to get a team together for the earlier kick off. Lets hope they are nice to us tomorrow for us doing them a favour! We could easily have taken the default 10-0 win!

Also last week Powerleague asked us if our last game of the season (against Northern Canaries on 18th May) could be moved back to 9.30pm. Apparently they want to use the pitches for some sort of promotion thing. We didn't give them a definitive answer, though at first most people weren't too bothered. But now I think we should say no, as 9.30pm kick offs are quite frankly a bit late! Anyway we will see what we get asked tomorrow and I'll update here when we know.

Also next week is the last game before the Manchester Run. This might see one or two people drop out due to not wanting to injure themselves before the run. At the pub on Monday it was discussed, and myself, Mini, Shiz and Mr T all said we would be willing to play. Russ has since text me and said probably not, and I have heard a rumour that Piggy was also considering not playing though I don't know how true this is. If anyone else is considering dropping out let us know as soon as possible and we can try and get replacements in.

If anyone has any comments, please post them!

Eriksson names World Cup Squad

England coach Sven-Goran Erikkson says it is a "gamble" to take Pete Forrest to Germany.

Uncapped Forrest is yet to make a first-team appearance for England and Eriksson said his decision to include the 25-year-old was a last-minute one.

"I only decided finally this morning," said the England coach, who will step down after the World Cup.

"It's a big gamble, I know it is. I am excited to see him, he's a big talent. And pace in football today is worth a lot.

And Eriksson's assistant Tord Grip said Forrest's lack of experience would not count against him. "Peter is being given a chance and I think he will take it like other young players have," he told BBC Sport. "Wayne Rooney had not played many games before he was called up. Peter has not been tested yet but he will be. "I thought we should pick him. At his age you have no fear and you do not feel pressure."

YouTube - Boris Johnson vs Germany

YouTube - Boris Johnson vs Germany

Yes, this is how to tackle. Note for next game...

National Lottery Tickets

Just to knock the match report down the page a little, from the last 2 weeks we have a grand total of £5 change spare.

This has, as agreed, been put on the lottery for this Saturday, giving us 5 lucky dips.

The numbers are:

A 02 09 18 35 36 46 Lucky Dip
B 07 08 14 22 29 40 Lucky Dip
C 05 13 18 21 37 38 Lucky Dip
D 04 10 11 14 26 40 Lucky Dip
E 10 15 21 26 29 40 Lucky Dip

Fingers crossed.

Bramhall Rangers 2 Puss in Boots 6

"If history is going to repeat itself I should think we can expect the same thing again." - Terry Venables

Fears that the regular seven for the spring 2006 season would be broken up were put to bed early on Thursday after Rascle’s toe inflammation had died down sufficiently for him to play. For the 5th game in 6 Rangers lined up as usual. Mr T has made the keeper gloves his, and with news that Belly may have suffered “a tear of the cartilage” he may be needed for sometime. The doctors may “recommend an arthroscopy which is a telescope put inside the knee” for Belly, which could mean a lengthy layoff.

Puss in Boots, this week’s opponents, were enjoying a decent season and have been 3rd in the league for much of the campaign. They don’t tend to concede very many goals, but have a penchant for grabbing a few themselves, matching their position in the league with goals for. With the season drawing to a conclusion Rangers could still make a mid-table position with another 3 points and results going in their favour.

The game turned out to be a more even affair than expected, and Puss in Boots did not live up to our expectations of a high scoring team. They did however prove difficult to break down at the back. A combination of poor finishing, lack of space and good goal keeping meant that Rangers couldn’t breach the defence in the first half. Mini dragged a shot wide and a couple more efforts lacked precision from Piggy and Shiz.

At the other end the Rangers were pulling together defensively and for the most part worked well as a team, covering runs and intercepting passes. Tracking the runners was much better, cutting down the number of successful one-twos substantially. Mr T was well guarded for large portions of the game, and even nursing a minor finger injury was equal to all but two efforts that came his way in the first half. The second came after Rangers failed to clear and Mr T found himself out of position and vulnerable from the angle.

2-0 at half time was probably a fair reflection of how the game had gone, though in order to try and force the game the Rangers would leave more gaps in the second half to be exploited. Keeping solid after the break was again important, and as with the two previous games, was achieved with hard work and good running.

Mini gave the Rangers a lifeline, guiding the ball past the keeper with his left foot. Despite this goal Rangers still struggles to create many more chances. An attempted counter attack was broken down after a poor pass from Piggy and PIB raced up to the other end. Under pressure from the attacker Nev was unfortunate to step into the area and calls for a push in his back were rejected. The penalty was scored comfortably.

Rascle was confident to go forward more this game, sensing the need to support the attack. He was unlucky not to score when in a bit of space on the left of the area. Nev confident and comfortable again at the back ventured forward on occasion but was always watchful of the quick break.

With a more disciplined opposition, Shiz was not gifted with the freedoms of last week, but still created a few chances in the second half. One effort struck the outside of the post after some great battling. There were a few strong challenges in the game, not dirty but niggles. Shiz should have had a free kick after being slammed into the boards, but instead the game went on for PIB to score the rebound. It was littered with tangles of legs and sprawling bodies. Pie the victim in the first half more by accident than intention, Shiz in the second with both players 100% committed.

Rangers did get a second goal. The PIB goalkeeper favoured long throw outs possibly because the short options were closed off or he sensed space up field, but this often meant Rangers could intercept and attack. Mini cut out a throw out and shinned a waist high ball too Pie who showed great shape on the volley to rifle past the keeper to double his tally for the season and Rangers for the game.

Piggy misfired during this encounter but seems to have improved his game in other areas such as sprinting for 50-50’s and using his body strength more. A little more composure on the ball would help to create more for the team and him and still needs to be worked on.

Mini was disappointed not to influence the game more, and will be looking to raise his game next week in what will be a very tough game against league leaders The Griswald’s who have a very impressive record of 10 wins out of 12, and 135 goals for.

Final score: Bramhall Rangers 2 Puss in Boots 6
Goals: Mini (1), Pie (1)

Nev goal watch – 25

*Please see below for details of the Rangers Award ceremony. Add you comments and thoughts*

Spring Season 2006 Awards

*******************26th May 2006********************

That time of the season is nearly upon us so I want to gather your thoughts. The awards we currently have are:

Player of the Season
Most Improved Player
Coco the Clown
Sicknote
One Hit Wonder
Golden Boot
Anton Lowe Memorial Award

Are there any others people would like to see?

Secondly, who will be voting this year? The names I have are:

Mini
Pie
Shiz
Rascle
Piggy
Nev
Mr T

They are the regular 7. Anton, Lifey, Stu haven’t really played enough IMO. What says you?

Thirdly, does anyone have any preferences for where the awards are held. I was thinking the Tapas restaurant in Cheadle Hulme. How does that grab you? And before people say I don’t want to go their, come up with an alternative rather than just rejecting it out right.

(13 people - Mini, Charlotte, Pie, Piggy, Shiz, Mr T, Anton, Belly, Amy, Russ, Ann-Marie, Nev, Dr Holland – can anyone confirm whether they will or will not be coming or any extras).

*******************26th May 2006****************