"You stop this fight, I'll kill ya'!" - Rocky Balboa, 1976
The build up to this day had caused much discussion, debate and emotion over the last few weeks. The realisation that this would be the last Ranger’s game for the foreseeable future and the last time anyone would ever see Peter. Given that the Rangers had struggled in recent months to get a team together it was somewhat bitter sweet that come the last game of the season there were 10 Ranger’s available and fit to play. Still, the decisions had been made and the squad consisted of Belly, Nev, Shiz, Mini, Pie, Hedderz, Mr T and Anton. Rascle was there to film, Peter to shout encouragement and Charlotte to bring some sort of order to the occasion.
There was a horrible sense of déjà vu, as come 7.10 the opposition still had not turned up and the referee was nowhere in sight. After last weeks void game it looked like this week could pan out similarly. Anton wearing Peter’s fabled number 8 shirt, looked like a bronzed Greek Adonis, shorts pulled high around his pulsating pecs, shirt tucked neatly into his underwear. The two odd white sports socks that covered just half of his shin pads topped off the ensemble beautifully. Mr T looked like he had never been away, sporting a stained DIY jumper that was a reminder of why Mr T had taken a sabbatical in the first place. Belly was wearing some new gloves, child size of course, deciding he may have more of a chance if there was more material than hole.
From the start of the game, the Ranger’s were guilty of not listening to advice. Given the decent balance of attacking and defensive players it was important to get a balance. However, after just the fist change this was thrown into chaos as Hedderz and Pie were replaced by Anton and Mr T, leaving the Ranger’s severely lacking in an outlet. The pattern was set for the first half. Thirsty were a good side, and with little danger of the Ranger’s looking like scoring they had the run of the pitch. They notched a handful of goals fairly easily and without response.
Some highlights of the first half included Mr T, deciding on numerous occasions the best course of action was for him to slide two footed across the pitch in a comical attempt to get the ball. Quite often failing to get anywhere near man or ball, it wasn’t even worth the ref blowing for a free kick as Mr T posed a threat to no one but himself. He continued in the same vain for most of the game!
Pie managed to foul himself quite early on in the game and hobbled off, with a sore ankle. On his return to the pitch a little later he also received a stray elbow in the conk which sent him reeling. This was the start of a few niggling fouls that would build up to an incredible crescendo later on in the game.
The subs were rotating well, but with little thought put on tactics. Nev, as usual was a main driving force, shielding Belly from the many attacks and proving runs into the corners. Anton, though often timid in the tackle was showing good footwork and looked as likely as anyone to score. Mini and Shiz tried to inject some attacking promise Mini repelling a few passes off the boards which just evaded Shiz.
The likely hood of the Rangers scoring was slim and it would only be through luck that an opportunity would arise. The Ranger’s found it difficult to string 2 passes together so were reduced to pot shots. Hedderz had a few sighters but couldn’t find the target. Pie came closest in the first half, cutting inside from the left side to hit a left footer at the keeper. Mini also came close after a long range shot was sent just wide and following up his own shot he was unable to finish.
Half time came and the Rangers were about 4-0 down. The main aim in the second half was to register for a small consolation, but also to be tactically cuter with the subs. The latter was achieved and more of a balance was possible, however the goal was still elusive. The niggling fouls continued as Mini was pushed in the back right in the corner in a potentially very dangerous position.
The Rangers did find more space and finally got themselves a lifeline when someone squared the ball across the face of the goal. Mini called and Mr T dummied the ball simultaneously rolling the defender to take him out of the game. Mini took a touch and fired into the corner for his 25th of the season.
This spurred the blues on a little as more space opened up. Hedderz made a bursting run down the right hand side and cutting inside unleashed an effort which smashed into Mr T like a mortar! The first clip below shows this excellent moment, and will provide much amusement for months to come. Have a watch; actions speak louder than words…
Thirsty were still dominating all over the pitch, and should probably have scored more than the 9 they finished with. Rangers grabbed another after good footwork by Anton meant me could provide the assist for Shiz who finished passed a stranded keeper. Shiz’s most telling contribution in the game. Or was it???
In the mean time the referee was threatening to send off the Ranger’s players for having the audacity to want to sub. No one was quite sure what he was mumbling into his chin, but safe to say he could have done with a tissue to wipe the excrement that was spewing from his mouth.
With minutes to go, a niggling battle that had been brewing throughout the second half came to a head when a tangle in the Rangers half saw Shiz receive a knee in the face and a bloody lip. Reacting as anyone would, Shiz expressed his anger physically leading to an unsightly coming together between all the players. In truth it was handbags and was stopped quite quickly. The second clip below shows the incident. Make you own minds up. Ultimately what this meant was a red card for Shiz and the other guy. A sad end to the season, especially for Shiz who is the embodiment of sportsmanship.
With 3 on 3 for the last few minutes neither side had the energy or inclination to score. Again Thirsty had most of the ball but the Rangers defence wasn’t really troubled. One goal was conceded in this period.
In the end the game finished without further incident. The defeat had no impact on the league position and the Rangers finished 3rd bottom.
Final score – Bramhall Rangers 2 Thirsty FC 9
Goals – Mini (1), Shiz (1)
