Bramhall Rangers 0 Puss In Boots 10

"I worked hard all my life for this.Those who say I don't deserve anything, that it all came easy, can kiss my arse." - Argie fatboy druggie Diego Maradona.

It looks like the Rangers didn’t turn up for this game, the score line suggests as much. In fact, the few Rangers’ that were in the country and fit (as in not crippled by injury rather than the bodies of Greek gods!), turned up to play Puss in Boots in what was a quite one sided game. The story of the day was the return to action of Belly. After 8 months on the sidelines, Belly made only his 36th appearance for the blues, 33 games after his last against The White Russians in a 14-8 defeat in the 1st game of 2006! Wanting to test the knee, Belly started in an outfield position for the first time since an 11-3 victory over Cheadle Utd as far back as 09/06/2005…when men were men, footballers wore short shorts and playing football for the Rangers was still new and exciting! He was joined outfield by Peter, Mini and Rascle and Mr T retained the gloves. It was 5 against 7 for squad size and would prove to be thankless task. Mr Shiz was spectating after visits to the chiropractor (some sort of sex doctor we think!), Nev nursing an ankle injury and Pie was on a scouting mission in Australia for the next Mark Viduka or Vas Kaligaracos!

Rangers started the game well, and Belly was off like a rat up a drain pipe for the first two minutes. Then he was too tired so had to swap with Mr T in goal. It was an inauspicious start to the game as Belly had literally chased the ball down straight from the kick and then nearly passed out with exhaustion. If you think I’m exaggerating I’m not, I’m really not! Still, the stamina of Mr T and Belly in goal proved to improve the Rangers defensive capabilities. Mr T, who himself hadn’t played an outfield game since a defeat against The Griswalds in Spring showed no rustiness as he slotted nicely in behind Mini and Peter (oh, sailor!). Rascle, showing excellent fitness was coping well after weekly bouts of badminton proved he likes to bash cocks! (Naughty!).

The inevitable did occur after maybe 6-10 minutes when the PIB managed to edge in front. Rangers were defending solidly but with little outlet or ability to hold the ball upfront it kept coming straight back. At half time the game was 4-0 but, were it not for some excellent blocking by all the team and Belly making some decent saves it could have been more. Probably unlucky not to score everyone in the team hit the wood work at least once. Mini did have the ball in the net at one point, a shot rebounding off the boards’ over head height and Mini leapt to nod it in the bottom corner! Mini’s weak ankles were prominent as he crumbled in a couple of 50/50 challenges but he was disappointed not to be awarded a free kick for a knee high challenge midway through the first half. Mr T was in the mix and took a solid looking strike in the midriff and the trademark “ooooommmmpphhhh!” reverberated around Powerleague.

It was probably the second half in which most of the Rangers chances came. As PIB pushed on sensing blood, a little more space opened up and a few more chances were created by the Rangers. The PIB keeper was in fine form parrying away a number of Mini and Peters efforts. Rascle also found himself with a scoring opportunity but was unable to convert. Peter was looking for the perfect goal, and took one too many touches on a few chances. However, he did manage to force some excellent saves with great first time efforts and snap shots. All in all it was an improved performance from Peter, who had taken on board some of the advice from Mr Shiz and Mini.

Defensively, all the Rangers could be proud of their performances. Some excellent tracking of men to cut out passing opportunities and prevent scoring chances. Rascle and Mr T were excellent at this and Peter and Mini were pegged back into defence too restricting the attacking opportunities.

Moving in to the last few minutes and the PIB were comfortably 10-0 in front. Mini got a lucky ricochet and was through one on one with a chance to salvage some pride. As with the theme of the game he shot wide, but his momentum carried him through where he collided awkwardly with the onrushing goal keeper. Both lay in identical poses on the floor holding their ankles as the ball broke free. Mr T had an open goal to score and directed the ball towards the net. Rascle rose in glee with a shout of “Mark!”, and all seemed to stop to watch the ball move toward its target! “Clunk”…the ball struck the post for the umpteenth time in the game for the Rangers. Margins in football can be cruel sometimes, as numerous PIB goals had been scored in off a post so that made it harder to accept. As the game restarted from the keeper, the final whistle went with Mini trying to run off the injury.

Next week will see a similar team face new boys Weekend Wanderers in a 19:00pm KO. The Ranger’s need to get a few goals to start the season and put this game behind them.

Final score – Bramhall Rangers 0 Puss in Boots 10
Goals - N/A

NB. Rangers awards tonight at the Mango Lounge @ 19:30pm. Come round to Shawcross St before hand if you like!

*****AUTUMN 2006 – THURSDAY DIVISION 6 FIXTURES******

31/08/06 v Puss in Boots (21:30pm)
07/09/06 v Weekend Wanderers (19:00pm)
14/09/06 v Monkhouse Gladbach (20:30pm)
21/09/06 v Brazilians (20:00pm)
28/09/06 v Buxton Robins (21:00pm)
05/10/06 v Omatha (21:30pm)
12/10/06 v Cheadle Utd (19:00pm)
19/10/06 v Puss in Boots (20:30pm)
26/10/06 v Weekend Wanderers (22:00pm)
02/11/06 v Monkhouse Gladbach (20:30pm)
09/11/06 v Brazilians (21:00pm)
16/11/06 v Buxton Robins (21:30pm)
23/11/06 v Omatha (21:00pm)
30/11/06 v Cheadle Utd (21:00pm)

For your diaries!