League: Grant 35s Div 6
Avon Retreads vs Red Star 35s
Red Star 35s: Red Star produced arguably their best performance of the season, registering only a second win in this relegation six-pointer. With two banks of four, Red Star had much of the early play and got two goals on the board in the first 35mins. Retreads probed effectively in the last 15 mins and were perhaps unlucky not to snatch a goal back. A switch of formation in the second half allowed Red Star to regain their grip in midfield and some fine finishes, a couple of which may-or-may-not-have-been crosses, quickly gave them a 5 goal cushion. With plenty of fresh legs to bring into the game Red Star continued to create chances, and although Retreads converted a penalty to reduce the deficit, a sixth and a seventh from Red Star saw the game out and get a huge three points which lifted them off the foot of the table. Fair play to Retreads for battling until the end and for playing in the game in a true Corinthian spirit. They also reffed the game themselves and both of their refs were very fair to both teams throughout.
Backwell Ath Vets vs Red Star 35s
Red Star 35s: Backwell yet-again edged a tight encounter between these two well-matched sides. The pick of the five goals was Backwell’s second, a sweetly-hit volley from outside the box that rifled into the top corner. Possibly the best strike this correspondent has seen in 10+ years playing in the league. Backwell’s third, a swift counter-attack put the game to bed but a scrambled goal from Red Star’s Gareth Thomas, his second of the game, made the last 5 mins interesting. It’s always a pleasure to play this team as they epitomise everything’s that good about the Corinthian spirit of the league, but just once I’d like to get a win against them. Until next season lads…….
Red Star 35s vs Thornbury Town Vets
Red Star 35s: Another tough morning for Red Star. Having gone toe-to-toe with a well-organised Thornbury side for much of the first half we were undone by a ball over the top which was well-converted by a pacey forward. It could have been more had it not been from some fine keeping by stand-in goal Al Dennis. The second half was a more one-sided affair. Red Star failed to capitalise on their chances and Thornbury made sure of the tie with three more goals without reply. Their backline held up very well. It was a game played in a very good spirit, but one slightly overshadowed by the losses of one Red Star player very-early in the first half to a dislocated collar bone, and another in the second half to concussion, both from entirely innocuous situations. The BRI should have a Red Star on the door.
Filton Ath 35s vs Red Star 35s
Filton exacted revenge for their defeat earlier in the season in what proved to be an ill-tempered game. Red Star had much of the play, and eventually took the lead with a goal that was ruled onside after considerable protest. Further chances followed for Redstar but they failed to capitalise and extend their lead. Some probing forward play for Filton always looked to be threat but it was the introduction of their second half substitute for Filton which changed the game. His marauding runs down the left wing started causing all sorts of problems and eventually helped force an equaliser. Filton continued to press and a Red Star foul just outside the box presented the chance Filton needed, despatching a smartly taken free-kick found the top corner. Red Star pushed back for what would have been a well-deserved equaliser but with the final passes going astray it was not to be their day. But that’s football for you. My thanks to their manager Gary for always being decent to deal with.
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.