Opposition unable to field a team.
League: Over 45s
Recliners FC vs Easton Cowboys 45’s
Another tough day at the office for Recliners who were soundly beaten by Cowboys. With a couple of key players not turning up and the manager introducing the revolutionary ‘Christmas pudding’ formation just prior to kick off, there was an air of trepidation before KO. Things went well for 20 minutes, Recliners dominated, but when Jase found himself 2 yards out with an empty net ahead, he scuffed the shot wide. Could this be ‘one of those days?’ Cowboys came into it and scored two good goals on the counter, before Dan pulled one back after great work from Jase on the left. After HT there was another spell of Recliners pressure but a breakaway lead to a penalty which Cowboys excellent midfielder tucked neatly away. The last twenty minutes saw a host of chances for both sides. The Cowboys keeper was in great form making several splendid saves. The coup de grace came in comic fashion as Gaffers slipped over whilst dribbling the ball out of his own area, gifting the Cowboys their fourth. Game played in a good spirit, Cowboys management dealt with some whinging about the referee swiftly, otherwise there was barely a foul in the game.
Nailsea Vets 45s vs Easton Cowboys 45’s
The match was moved to Easton Cowboys as a home fixture for them at their request.
The first half was excellent for the neutral both teams traded goals with the half time score being 3-3 in a open game.
2nd half Nailsea were much better organised and ran out comfortable 6-3 winners. Congratulations to striker Martin Sidebottom who scored an amazing 5 goals with Andy Moore scoring the other goal for Nailsea.
Barely Athletic vs Nailsea Vets 45s
A decent game that ebbed and flowed throughout.
The younger legs of Nailsea ran out deserved winners.
Barely goals from Roly and Kevin Davies.
Red Star 45s vs Easton Cowboys 45’s
RED STAR MATCH REPORT
Red Star’s unbeaten start to the season continued, but a point snatched from the jaws of defeat was perhaps less than optimum after dominating the second half. Having said that, the Cowboys defended resolutely and their keeper made a number of good saves, a draw at least avoids the bitter taste of defeat.
The Cowboys took the lead through a very cool finish midway through the first half and were looking dangerous, but Red Star slowly grew into the game, creating several good chances. When the equaliser came through a crisp strike by ‘The Black Knight’ Waj it looked like the lurid Greens had the initiative, only for this notion to be swiftly dispelled. Cowboys took the lead again when a long free kick sneaked through the Red Star backline, running on for a smart finish by the Cowboys striker. 1-2 down at half time.
Red Star brought on Windy and Slopey, their 12th and 13th men for the second half and, with their help, launched a series of assaults on the Cowboys goal. These proved mostly to land wide of the mark to varying degrees (with and without keeper assistance), Windy and Slopey actually then conspiring to waste at least 5 minutes for protracted ball retrievals. The last ten minutes saw more corners than a box of Rubik’s cubes, each coming agonisingly close, amidst frantic penalty box mayhem. Dramatically, into the very last moments, Red Star finally drew level, when a fine in-swinging delivery was bundled in by Dan at the back post for a well deserve equaliser.
Good game in a good spirit in good conditions. We at Red Star were saddened to learn of the recent loss of a long standing Cowboy. It was an honour to be able to join in with the pre-match commemoration of a Corinthian career.
Swift FC vs Shipham AFC
Swift: Superb game on a lovely pitch, fair to say both attacks were on top! Could have been a hatful more goals at either end. Great game played enjoyed by all.
Shipham: We’re getting better – we scored two goals and didn’t let as many in. Just another 5 matches and we should get a half decent result! We missed another penalty too – and were just as generous in front of goal as we always are. Decent game played in the right spirit on a fabulous flat and dry pitch at Fry’s.
Bryan Munich vs Rapid Dementia
Bryan Munich made their debut in the top division against a superb Rapid Dementia side at Shirehampton. It was a splendid, tough-tackling advert for over 45s football with both sides making great chances. Matt Bennett got 2 for Bryan in the first half and Rapid got a penalty given at the start of the second. Then the onslaught began but Bryan managed to just about hold out. Great game of football and we look forward to visiting Rapid late in the season.
Rapid made the trip to Shirehampton to once again find the Portway closed (is it ever open?) despite this we managed to kick off on time. The pitch was lovely, the warm up good and once again we were delighted to be playing against an evenly matched Bryan Munich! With only Jase Curtis semi fit to play up front Rapid made hard work of creating clear cut chances and despite some tidy football, rarely threatened the Bryan goal. A stray pass from Gregory at the back led to the Bryan first goal, and this was quickly followed by a second, a lovely chip from the Bryan striker!
The second half brought a much better performance out of Rapid, an early Penalty set the tone and three superb chances were thwarted by Bryans outstanding Goalie! However it wasn’t to be our day and their goal, like the Portway, remained closed to visitors!
Excellent officiating and good fair opponents contributed to a very enjoyable match and Rapid look forward to hosting (and hopefully gaining some points) in the return fixture!