League: Bristol Corinthians League
Red Star 35s vs Avon Retreads
After a night of heavy rain the pitch at Keynsham looked closer to Sea World than Somerdale. The puddle on the penalty spot was so large that when Red Star forward Tom Sewell tumbled in the RNLI were put on standby to stage a rescue. A vicious cross-wind meant the game was a scrappy affair but Red Star managed to carve out a handful of decent chances, and just before the break Pat Brown latched onto a through ball and powered his way through the Somme to give Red Star a deserved lead at half time (Assist: Large puddle). But football is a game of two halves and Retreads quickly piled on the pressure after the break, hitting back with two quick goals both of which made good use of the additional elements of earth, wind and water. Red Star lost a bit of their focus and shape and Retreads took hold of midfield, scoring another two to effectively put the game out of reach. A consolation second goal for Red Star from Martin Bolton was deserved but it was too little too late. It was a game played in an excellent spirit despite the treacherous conditions, and a thought should be spared for whoever’s washing the kit. We look forward to the return fixture in May. Talks are ongoing to sign the puddle on loan.
Banjo Munchenbadback vs Frampton Ath Vets
Disappointing second half performance from Banjo saw them fall to another defeat. Despite challenging conditions both sides played some good football but the pace and finishing of Frampton won the day convincingly.
Nailsea Vets 50s vs St Brendan’s RFC OB
Conditions weren’t ideal on a blustery morning so instructions were to keep the ball on the deck. Nailsea started brightly controlling much of the play in the early exchanges but gifted St Brendans an opportunity on 15 minutes losing possession on the edge of the box. St Brendans striker fired a great shot from 18 yards out to put them 1-0 up. Lee Cogan equalized for Nailsea from the penalty spot after a pen was awarded for handball and it felt like just rewards on the balance of play. As half time was approaching it looked as though the score would remain even until St Brendans keeper made a wayward clearance straight to Darren Jones who side footed into an empty net. 2-1 Halftime.
Playing against the wind in the second half seemed to suit Nailsea as several chances went begging. St Brendans continued to threaten but stand in keeper Steve remained solid. Nailsea’s dominance finally paid off as Nelly shot from a tight angle on the left and the clearance from the defence fell to Jerry who slotted home from 12 yards out to make it 3-1.
With 15 minutes remaining Nailsea manager came on for a rare run out. Immediately St Brendans pulled one back (3-2) – inspired substitution! Nailsea restored a two goal cushion as Nelly was involved again firing in from the left to make it 4-2 Nailsea. Alex Plenty scored twice in the final minutes to give Nailsea a 6-2 victory; deserved on the balance of play and chances created.
Good luck to St Brendans for the remainder of the season. We always enjoy some banter and a pint with these guys after the game.