Match Report

Goals scoredPaul Munyard (1)

Man of the match
Stuart Medcraft

Team
Stuart Medcraft, Alex Quinn, Chris Vicelli, Richard Martin, Dean Weaving, Robert Marling, Dan Trevarthen, Graham Rix, Paul Munyard, Tony Bush, Danny Sarling.

Subs
John Orme, Ryan Smart, Terry Bush, Dariusz Szymanski, Gavin Mayo.

Cup final day. Landsdowne’s second consecutive final. Unfortunately last year was disappointing as they lost 5-0 against a very good Parkside team. Today’s opponents Militia, a team Landsdowne have faced twice previously the first a 3-1 for Landsdowne and the second a 3-1 win for Militia so based on the results this should be a close game. Based on league position Landsdowne would be slight favourites.

Before the game Landsdowne players were quietly confident knowing that if they played the type of football they were capable of they could and should win their first final! The game started and it was clear Militia were up for it, they were working very hard for each other and winning the majority of the 50-50 challenges. Landsdowne needed to get themselves up for a very tough battle. Milita had a few changes to take the lead but Medcraft pulled off a few very good saves to keep his team in with a change. It was Landsdowne who took the lead, a powerfully struck free kick by Viecelli could only be parried by the keeper; it was well followed up and Yard managed to get his left foot to the ball before anyone else, 1-0. Come on!!!

Credit to Militia they continued to battle, they weren’t playing the prettiest football but were creating changes with a long ball approach and more importantly were not letting Landsdowne play. It was a long ball that got them back in the game, a mix up in Landsdowne’s defence as they tried to play the offside trap saw the Militia forward one on one with Medcraft, he spread himself well but was beaten with a good strike. 1-1 at half time.

Smarty wasn’t too happy as his team had failed to play any football, they needed to relax and have some composure on the ball, unfortunately Militia continued to win the physical battle in the second halve. Neither team impressed the fans nor did the game have many changes. The second halve seemed to fly by and it was Militia who grabbed the goals to the decide the game; the first a late tackle by Marling in the box giving Militia a penalty. The keeper came forward not looking overly confident, he didn’t strike the ball well but it passed through Medcraft legs, 2-1. Smarty made some changes to try and get his team back in the game; Marling for Orme, Trevarthen for Mayo, Sarling for Smart. Unfortunately Militia stayed firm and as Landsdowne pushed forward looking for an equaliser they grabbed another goal to secure the win and the cup final. Final score 3-1.

Unlucky boys, it just wasn’t meant to be! We never really got started and seemed to lack that extra bit of fight needed to cope with a tough Militia side. The important thing is we have had another great season; another final and hopefully a 3rd place finish in a tough div 4 league. Hopefully it can be third time lucky........