Game played in horrible wind and rain on a boggy pitch but every player got on with the task in hand. 1-1 at half time after Mike gave Lyde the lead before Tokes finally got a goal for Lyde (sadly into the wrong net). 2nd half was dictated by Lyde when Yan was felled, Doughtz slotted home a penalty. 2-1 quickly became 4-1 through Mike and Doughtz before Mikes hat trick really sealed things. Chew scored a screamer to bring things closer but Ian’s late header sealed the 6-2 win for Lyde. Never seen a bunch of blokes run to the showers at that speed after a match. It was freezing and soaking. Game played in great spirits and controlled well by the referee
Season: 2021-22
Dynamos vs Unathletico Vets
Walkover as opposition could not raise team
Yate Town Vets vs Ashley Vets
Game played at SBL School with Yate winning this fixture 7-3
Game played in good spirit and enjoyable on a lovely winter morning.
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.
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.
HC Voyager 50s vs Reclinosaurs
With 3 late drop outs including the keeper, things looked bleak pre-match for the Reclinosaurs. Luckily Big Al volunteered for the gloves and Tony persuaded a couple of ex-Ramblers to turn up last minute. Biccy tinkered with the formation again, going for a sweeper system. Given that our last result was a 10-0 reverse, there seemed to be little to lose. What followed was a tight game. Reclinosaurs had the better of the first half and went in 2-0 up at the break. Gaffers scored a superb individual effort and then supplied a perfect corner for Mark to head in. This was replicated almost exactly soon after HT, but that was the end of the ‘Saurs domination. The last 40 minutes was largely a rearguard action punctuated by the odd break. Voyager pulled one back after big Al was left one one one, then the sides traded penalties before a great wind-assisted strike finished the resistance. EB had a great game and received his bespoke souvenir plate to mark 50 appearances for the franchise at the end, Thanks to Voyager for reffing, great to get the game on despite the downpours overnight.