Bramhall Rangers 4 Puss In Boots 7
'I've never wanted to leave. I'm here for the rest of my life, and hopefully after that as well.' - England great and dull pundit Alan Shearer on leaving Newcaslte.
This week’s game was played under the heat of a powerful sun, in the midst of what have been some of the hottest days in recent history. Luckily the Rangers were able to put out a strong squad to cope with the temperatures which must have been in the high 20’s. Mr T reclaimed his position in goal and then Nev, Shiz, Pie, Rascle, Mini and Big Pete played in a line-up not seen since the first game of the season. Puss In Boots were the opposition and they would provide a stern test, sitting joint top of the league.
It could not have got off to a worse start. Big Pete laid off the centre to Pie who was immediately dispossessed and the Rangers were 1-0 down after no more than 5 seconds. Probably a record at Powerleague let alone for the Rangers. The next 3-4 minutes were not to sharp either, and more defensive frailties were revealed as PIB notched a couple more to leave Rangers reeling after a terrible start to the game. Mr T seemed like a lone ranger but could do little about any of the efforts.
The poor start seemed to shock Rangers into life, like a jolt from a defibrillator. Nev and Rascle tightened up the defence and Rangers went back to square one, with blocks and tackles to relieve the pressure and the old adage of just getting it clear. This gave them time to regroup and start from fresh. Shiz and Big Pete made foraging runs into the channels, often cris-crossing on the diagonals to pull the PIB defenders out of position and create space in the middle for Mini to exploit. This sort of attack gave Mini the chance to set the blues rolling; a pass was well controlled by Big Pete who released a perfectly weighted lay off to Mini who only had to get the shot on target to score. It was excellent link up play.
The defence was frustrating the PIB attackers who were playing good football but could not find a way through. After another attack broke down, Mini, Big Pete and Pie found themselves three on two, only a defender and keeper between them and the goal. Mini took the ball down the right flank and Big Pete was bearing down the middle. Pie was unmarked on the far side after making up some ground impressively, and called authoritatively for the pass. Big Pete’s run drew the defender away and Mini squared the ball to Pie who finished emphatically, first time, for a clinical goal.
In a second unfortunate event in two weeks Big Pete found himself the unwitting scorer of an own goal. In an almost carbon copy of last weeks OG, Big Pete tried to intercept a cross field pass but could do no more than divert the ball past a despairing Mr T dive. It was an unfortunate occurrence that Big Pete would put to the back of his mind, and finish strongly in this game.
Much of the last part of the half was scrappy and bitty as the heat took its toll. With the sides waning the referee took pity and blew for a well deserved half time. The score was 4-2 or thereabouts. The fluids were taken on board at the interval, and Mr T rubbed his sore hip better and Pie nursed a red raw skin after blocking a shot. The half had gone from poor to decent by the Rangers standards and they hoped to push PIB right to the end in the second half.
In fact, the second half played out much in the same way as the first, with PIB having more quality in possession but struggling to find a way through the resolute defence. The goals that they did get were well worked and little could be done by the Rangers. Mistakes were nearly eliminated in the second half. The frustrations of the PIB were obvious as there was a significant amount of bickering and infighting as they felt the pressure of the Rangers. Big Pete topped a performance that grew in stature with a well controlled finish. Mini controlled a bouncing ball, and after a few kick-ups, laid a difficult pass to Big Pete who controlled a left footed volley very well to nestle in the corner. Straight as an arrow!
Nev and Rascle often found themselves in forward positions too, and but for the run of the ball or a slightly better pass could have notched a goal themselves. Pie also created a chance for himself with a smart turn down the boards, but his control let him down and it was just out of reach.
Mini missed a chance when clear through, but made amends with his second of the game. Intercepting a throw from the keeper, it took a few touched to get it under control but then he curled a delicious effort into the top corner, just clipping angle of bar and post. It capped a good performance for Mini who was involved in all four goals.
Unfortunately the performance, as determined and gritty as it was, was hampered by the awful start to the game and it would have taken a marathon effort to pull level. The conditions were not conducive for a relentless assault on the PIB goal but the Rangers gave it a really good go. It is no coincidence that the team that played was the same that played in the majority of last season which was one of the better campaigns in recent years.
Unfortunately, with holidays and work at various points over the next weeks, at least one of Mini, Pie, Nev and Shiz will be missing and maybe others for the forthcoming games. Still, those who come in will be able deputies.
Final score - Bramhall Rangers 4 Puss in Boots 7
Goals - Mini (2), Pie (1), Big Pete (1)
Nev goal watch - 36
NB. CUT’s win last week has been altered to a defeat! Hurray for small mercies!
This week’s game was played under the heat of a powerful sun, in the midst of what have been some of the hottest days in recent history. Luckily the Rangers were able to put out a strong squad to cope with the temperatures which must have been in the high 20’s. Mr T reclaimed his position in goal and then Nev, Shiz, Pie, Rascle, Mini and Big Pete played in a line-up not seen since the first game of the season. Puss In Boots were the opposition and they would provide a stern test, sitting joint top of the league.
It could not have got off to a worse start. Big Pete laid off the centre to Pie who was immediately dispossessed and the Rangers were 1-0 down after no more than 5 seconds. Probably a record at Powerleague let alone for the Rangers. The next 3-4 minutes were not to sharp either, and more defensive frailties were revealed as PIB notched a couple more to leave Rangers reeling after a terrible start to the game. Mr T seemed like a lone ranger but could do little about any of the efforts.
The poor start seemed to shock Rangers into life, like a jolt from a defibrillator. Nev and Rascle tightened up the defence and Rangers went back to square one, with blocks and tackles to relieve the pressure and the old adage of just getting it clear. This gave them time to regroup and start from fresh. Shiz and Big Pete made foraging runs into the channels, often cris-crossing on the diagonals to pull the PIB defenders out of position and create space in the middle for Mini to exploit. This sort of attack gave Mini the chance to set the blues rolling; a pass was well controlled by Big Pete who released a perfectly weighted lay off to Mini who only had to get the shot on target to score. It was excellent link up play.
The defence was frustrating the PIB attackers who were playing good football but could not find a way through. After another attack broke down, Mini, Big Pete and Pie found themselves three on two, only a defender and keeper between them and the goal. Mini took the ball down the right flank and Big Pete was bearing down the middle. Pie was unmarked on the far side after making up some ground impressively, and called authoritatively for the pass. Big Pete’s run drew the defender away and Mini squared the ball to Pie who finished emphatically, first time, for a clinical goal.
In a second unfortunate event in two weeks Big Pete found himself the unwitting scorer of an own goal. In an almost carbon copy of last weeks OG, Big Pete tried to intercept a cross field pass but could do no more than divert the ball past a despairing Mr T dive. It was an unfortunate occurrence that Big Pete would put to the back of his mind, and finish strongly in this game.
Much of the last part of the half was scrappy and bitty as the heat took its toll. With the sides waning the referee took pity and blew for a well deserved half time. The score was 4-2 or thereabouts. The fluids were taken on board at the interval, and Mr T rubbed his sore hip better and Pie nursed a red raw skin after blocking a shot. The half had gone from poor to decent by the Rangers standards and they hoped to push PIB right to the end in the second half.
In fact, the second half played out much in the same way as the first, with PIB having more quality in possession but struggling to find a way through the resolute defence. The goals that they did get were well worked and little could be done by the Rangers. Mistakes were nearly eliminated in the second half. The frustrations of the PIB were obvious as there was a significant amount of bickering and infighting as they felt the pressure of the Rangers. Big Pete topped a performance that grew in stature with a well controlled finish. Mini controlled a bouncing ball, and after a few kick-ups, laid a difficult pass to Big Pete who controlled a left footed volley very well to nestle in the corner. Straight as an arrow!
Nev and Rascle often found themselves in forward positions too, and but for the run of the ball or a slightly better pass could have notched a goal themselves. Pie also created a chance for himself with a smart turn down the boards, but his control let him down and it was just out of reach.
Mini missed a chance when clear through, but made amends with his second of the game. Intercepting a throw from the keeper, it took a few touched to get it under control but then he curled a delicious effort into the top corner, just clipping angle of bar and post. It capped a good performance for Mini who was involved in all four goals.
Unfortunately the performance, as determined and gritty as it was, was hampered by the awful start to the game and it would have taken a marathon effort to pull level. The conditions were not conducive for a relentless assault on the PIB goal but the Rangers gave it a really good go. It is no coincidence that the team that played was the same that played in the majority of last season which was one of the better campaigns in recent years.
Unfortunately, with holidays and work at various points over the next weeks, at least one of Mini, Pie, Nev and Shiz will be missing and maybe others for the forthcoming games. Still, those who come in will be able deputies.
Final score - Bramhall Rangers 4 Puss in Boots 7
Goals - Mini (2), Pie (1), Big Pete (1)
Nev goal watch - 36
NB. CUT’s win last week has been altered to a defeat! Hurray for small mercies!
posted by Mini at 10:28 am
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