Bramhall Rangers

Your County Needs You!

2008-04-15T15:00:00.000+01:00

Getting to East Midlands airport

2008-01-08T19:06:00.000Z

Had a look at national rail, national express, ryanair and EM Airport.

1. the terrovision coach to Liverpool does not operate to EM Airport leaving Nat Express or train.

2. Nat express would require you to go from Manchester - Leeds - Sheffield - EM and takes about 5 hours and costs £27. Looks very inconvenient.

3. Train costs £30 from Stockport (no railcard)

4. I'm OK cos I can get a 1 way ticket to Loughbrough from Sheffield for £7. For once working in Rotherham comes up trumps!

5. So......for you the best solution so far seems to be get £12.90 train ticket Stockport-Sheffield, then use a cheap day ticket (bought in advance) Sheffield -Loughbrough at £7 and I can meet you in Shef -Lough train.....there's a possibility of getting manchester-Sheffield Nat express and trying to get train from there but they don't connect well and there's a possibility you'll miss the train. And you don't save much.

6.skylink.com show routes from loughbrough stn to EM Airport. There's one at 2220 (best) and one at 0220.

7. Think EM Airport is open 24hrs but can't find much info on that.

Belly's Stag Do

2007-10-22T13:49:00.000+01:00

The time has come for us all to discuss potential dates and locations for Belch’s stag weekend.

There are a couple of things we need to consider.

Firstly, location location location.
A number of suggestions have been raised, including Amsterdam, Prague and Krakow, however the general feeling is these are too commercialised now and too stag-do-esque for our needs.

Justin suggested Gdansk in Poland (incidentally this was shown on Michael Palin’s show last night and looks a nice city). Another place suggested to me is Berlin. Any thoughts on these or other locations?

Due to the teachers in the group we have to look at two potential timeframes – either the February half-term week or the Easter period. I am not sure exactly what dates these fall into yet, but what are peoples thoughts.
Two things spring to my mind – firstly Anton thinks that around Easter would necessarily be great for a city in Poland or somewhere similar due to how religious it is – a lot of places basically shut down. However it would to my mind make more sense to go during Easter break as it is closer to the actual wedding, Feb to me seems to far away.

Please let me have your thoughts.

Football this Thurday 2nd August. Put your names down

2007-07-29T18:04:00.000+01:00

Just a quick note to say that if people are interest in Football this thursday then put your names down so we know numbers. I will, also, be sending out an email to the group.
Names so far. Me, Shiz, John, Jon, Chris, Andy(work), that 6 already so if you can let me know asap. Closing date is Tuesday 4.30pm at the latest, as I need to book it.

Football 4-5 A-side

2007-07-20T20:14:00.000+01:00

Another encounter of the old Rangers team converged on Burnage to once again do battle and relive the old days. A good game was had, with many player including myself feeling the heat. Boy it was hot and with temperatures reaching boiling point on the pitch i felt that all players were giving it their all.
Some good debutes from Liam and Jon and I hope they can both join us again on the 2nd of August. If people are up for the next match let me know as soon as possible so we know numbers. I know some other work mates that will be available that week. Lets get names so theres no last minute rush and we can have proper teams set-up.
Neil, get yourself sorted for the 2nd mate...we need you in the sticks.

Burnage Football 19th July

2007-07-07T13:02:00.001+01:00

If anyone is up for a game at Burnage on the 19th July 6pm, please let me know in good time. Not critical that we get numbers right now but the sooner the better and first come first served.
I have had confirmation from Justin, Me, Mini, Jon, Andy & Shiz. That is 6 players that I can remember saying they could play. We would again like to play with 10 to have a full game but I myself am happy to play with 12. However, for now we can just try and get 10.

BURNAGE Why have 10 man when 7 will do.

2007-07-05T20:49:00.001+01:00

Being it is my attempt at the blog we all know it will be short and with event gaps big enough that even John could score though. Please feel free to post your own.
Even as the rain throw it down it was actually the traffic that was killing me spirits. What a day, not only did we loss 2 players though decisions out of thier control but when I arrived late at The Rugby Club we had lost Jim as well.
However, that was as negative as it got we now had Shiz and John to lighten the darkness with their dazelling skills. The game started 10 mins late but we made the most of it pitting the teams against one another to fit the odd number of player. In typical fashion the team of three were having a rout with goals from all manner of places. The conditions were wet which is the only fact that I can see to explain how I managed to scuff the ball as it lay on the goal line, not score and end up lying on my back. We played some good football and I was suprised when the hour was up, which shows that at least one person had a good time.
All factors considered I was shock anyone turned up at all but I think that through difficult circumstances we has a good, fair and skillful game. That is ofcourse if we don't mention Mini's clear dive, after John's tackle. Shame on you Mini Man.

Burnage Football Thursdays

2007-06-26T18:01:00.000+01:00

Gentlemen, I have contacted Burnage Rugby Club and they have availability for Thurdays. The times range from 6pm-7pm and 9pm-10pm. Its not an Ideal time as it could have been half an hour later but purhaps it will focus peoples minds. Now, I have not booked anything yet until I can get at least 7 to commit. I can then arrange for some extras to step in. Justin also made the comment today that the pitches are a little bigger than Power league so we should be looking for 12 for a good game. Anyway we can aim for the 5th July so if you can leave a note on this page it would be helpful. I will also be sending out reminders via email. As I said not Ideal but these places get booked up at those prime times.

Preview Indus..

2007-06-21T07:06:00.000+01:00

Sorry, working hours have left me with little time for editing! But i'm grabbing snatches of time here and there. Here's another nugget of comedy to keep you happy in the meantime. One for all you Indus fans!

Preview 2

2007-06-19T23:13:00.001+01:00

I'm still working on the video gents, but its taking a while! So here's another inexplicable incident from the friendly to tide you over!

Pete-o-phile!

Rangers Vs Indus - coming soon..

2007-06-18T23:15:00.000+01:00

Sorry gents, but i installed a new editing program only to find it made a complete balls up of the footage! So carving through it again. But just to reassure you that i AM editing it, here's a brief glimpse...

Hopefully posting the full match in 2 parts soon!

Bramhall Rangers 2 Thirsty FC 9

2007-06-15T09:33:00.000+01:00

"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)

Joy and sadness at rangers swansong.

2007-06-15T00:42:00.000+01:00

Full report will be posted later by another team member, but the media frenzy whipped up by high level celebrities meant these images could not be held back. After negotiating image rights since 8pm this evening, Bramhallrangers.com, and hedderz.com/rangers are proud and saddened to bring you the following final game exerpts..

Mr T falls like a hornsby..

Shiz gets his first red in his last match. Disgraceful scenes by the opposition.. You decide.

Media coverage grows....

2007-06-14T14:06:00.000+01:00

In the build up to the last ever Ranger's game this evening, several celebrities expressed their sadness at the end of an era, but also reminisced over some of the more memorable moments:

"They'll be back!" joked Arnie in an interview with the Florida State Journal, however, an upset Pat Sharp, star of TV's Fun House wasn't convinced:

"It's been a whole lotta fun, there were prizes to be won! Unfortunately the Ranger's fell short and picked up none of them. After so much pain will they ever play together again?" Sharp queried, in a diary room expose on Celebrities Dancing In the Jungle 7 - X-Rated.

Meanwhile, sporting the Ranger's never used away kit at a private training session, celebrity fat man Rick Waller seemed disappointed that he would never get to make his Ranger's debut.

"If the call came, I would be there like a shot", confessed Waller. "It looks like the boys will never get to see my silky skills, and whilst disappointing, it is probably for the best".

With such media coverage and support as this, the Ranger's will need to be on the top of their game to get a result tonight and finish on a high.

(After his interview, Waller devoured all of the pre-match pasties. Anton was heard weeping in the corner after missing out on his 657,886th consecutive meal)

The end is nigh...

2007-06-08T10:31:00.000+01:00

“If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story." - Orson Welles

The Ranger's continued stumbling to the finishing line after another twist of fate conspired to make their final few games as disappointing as possible. After being unable to field a team two weeks ago and a disappointing defeat last week, the Rangers were left without opponents this Thursday.

Bredbury Athletic, who had defeated the Rangers 9-2 last time out, were a no show. The game, schedulewd for a 21:30 KO was to be the penultimate game of the season, but for one player should have been a game to remember.

For a long time Chris Wood has been on the fringes of the Ranger's, and after being denied his debut by being asked to work late last week, his first and probably only opportunity to play, was snatched cruelly from his grasp.

The "result" does mean that the Rangers are 6th (out of 8) place finish this season going into the last game.

One can only hope that next weeks momentous game goes ahead at 19:00, to bring the curtain down on what has been 8 wonderful seasons at Powerleague.

Back in 2005, when players wore short shorts, goalkeepers wore flat caps and we had a modicum of respect for Peter, the Rangers started their long road to glory with a hard fought 6-4 defeat against East Didsbury. Mini notched the only goals. He will be trying to confirm his place in the record books by scoring the last Ranger's goal next week.

The following week saw a massive 16-3 victory over what were to become rivals Cheadle Utd. Hedderz, Pie, Rascle and Shiz all opened their account but it was Mini again who stole the show, notching a never to be beaten (only equalled) 8 goals.

Peter was not to make his Ranger's Powerleague debut until the 3rd game, an 8-8 draw against The Griswalds. It was a goalscoring start, notching a hat-trick.

Later that season saw the introduction of some experience into the line-up. Dr Holland made his debut, also scoring in a 19-4 defeat against 8-carrot Gold.

Hopefully the Rangers will be given the opportunity to play out their last game, and there will be a show of old timers on display. Requests have come in from Chris Wood, Anton, Mr T to make an appearance. Hedderz and Rascle may also show interest, and as for Dr H anything is possible. With only 8 places up for grabs in the squad there will be some tough decisions to make.

One things is certain though, it will be an emotional day. Expect some tears...

Bramhall Rangers 3 Northern Canaries 11

2007-06-01T09:04:00.000+01:00

"With 3 games to go, would the Rangers have an upturn in performance and results, and finish their Powerleague season and career on a high?" - Pie, in his report on last weeks no-show against Cheadle.

The answer to the question above is a resounding no! Despite being able to field a team this week, the Rangers performed very lacklusterly. Perhaps it was the heat. Perhaps it was the lack of games in the last couple of weeks for a number of players. Perhaps it was even the knowledge in the back of everyones minds that it was more or less the end of the Rangers... What ever the reason, the Rangers never really got going.

The team was as follows: Belch in net, with Pie, Mini, Shiz, Nev and Jim outfield. Despite the rain earlier in the day it was suprisingly very warm and humid. Belch commented that he was struggling with the heat just standing in net, so wasn't surprised the outfield players were struggling!

The first half finished quite close, with the Canaries 3-2 up. However the game wasn't as close as that on the pitch, but for some excellent defending from Shiz and Nev, and superb goalkeeping from Belch, the Rangers could have been out of sight. Poor tracking, and a lack of thought about passing and attacking options limited the Rangers. Jim scored both the Rangers goals with good finishes, but there wasn't a lot more to praise for the Rangers.

The second half wasn't any better, in fact it got a lot worse. The Rangers never really got going, the tracking and marking got worse and the attacking options were really none existent. Mini did crash home a third for the Rangers after good strength and persistence, but that was all there was to show.

Two games left for the Rangers now, lets hope they can go out with more of a bang!

Final Score: Bramhall Rangers 3 Northern Canaries 11
Goals: Jim (2), Mini (1)

Bramhall Rangers 0 Cheadle United 10

2007-06-01T08:54:00.000+01:00

A late report for this one, mainly because there was nothing to report!

Despite the game being a winnable one against Cheadle, injury to Piggy and Belly, combined with the late kick off ruling out the usual ringers, meant the Rangers could only muster up four players - Pie, Mini, Shiz and Nev. As a result the Rangers forfeited the game, Cheadle got the 10-0 default win.

This forfeited defeat meant that, despite the good first half to the season where the Rangers sat in second place with 4 wins from 5 games, they had dropped to the bottom of the league!!

With 3 games to go, would the Rangers have an upturn in performance and results, and finish their Powerleague season and career on a high?

Final Score: Bramhall Rangers 0 Cheadle United 10

Upcoming Rangers Events

2007-05-29T13:44:00.001+01:00

Two events upcoming.

Firstly, there is the Bramhall Rangers Invitational against Indus Milan. The pitch is booked for 4pm.
Current team for the Rangers is Belch, Pie, Mini, Shiz, Lifey, with hopefully Nev too. Rascle is hoping to film the game, Charlotte and Piggy will be in support (and possible refereeing the game too!).
Current team for Indus Milan is Flower, Newton, Sharma, Sanghvi and Adams.

Secondly, with this season being the last (at least for the foreseeable) the End Of Season Awards will also be an End Of Era Awards too! This will now take place on Saturday 16th June. Venue not confirmed yet, but hoping to be Frankie & Bennys in Stockport. Any suggestions for awards for not only the final season, but also for the whole time of Powerleague are welcome.

Rangers vote to quit?!?!

2007-05-23T11:03:00.000+01:00

Looking at the results of the poll the voting has gone in favour of calling it a day for next season. 9 votes to 7 said we should have a rest.

However, it would seem that there has been some dodgy voting as 16 Rangers don't even exist.

If there are 7 people who have voted to carry on and they can be available every week then go for it.

However, with recent weeks and the struggle to get players this week it seems BRFC will be justified in calling it a day.

Bramhall Rangers 5 Not A Clue 9

2007-05-18T10:50:00.000+01:00

“Sometime when the team is up against it and the breaks are beating the boys, tell them to go out there with all they got and win just one…” - Knute Rockne (Pat O'Brien) in Knute Rockne: All-American (1940)

In the week that there was talk of this season being the Rangers last, there was a game against Not A Clue. These had replaced Eat My Goal who the Rangers had dispatched as part of their 4-game winning streak in the first half of the season.

It was all change again for the Rangers, as Pie, Shiz and Lifey returned to the Rangers team at the expense of Hedderz and his two ringers Chris and Phil. Belch, who is running (and walking) the Manchester 10k run on Sunday, decided to sit out and watch the game from the comfort of the sidelines along with regular number 1 fan Charlotte and Big Pete, who was still nursing his skipping injury. Jim took over the goalkeeper’s jersey, and Mini and Nev made up the other players.

The first half was tough battle – the Rangers regularly found themselves on the back foot and yet defended steadfastly. NAC were a good team, quite quick in both attack and defence, though not the most organised. Somehow the Rangers found themselves 2-0 up with goals from Mini and Lifey, before Pie took a ball to the face to send him reeling. While he subbed off to regain some of his composure, Rangers continued to attack when they could, Nev coming close to scoring his second in two games when Lifey slid him in, unfortunately he just delayed his shot a little to long and sent it the wrong side of the post. Pie returned to the action, and was immediately involved as a sharp one-two with Lifey left the Rangers number 5 with a chance to finish, which he took to register 11 goals for the season, and put the Rangers 3-0 up.

Despite the scoreline the Rangers weren’t having it all their own way. Shiz and Nev in particular were doing their usual brilliant defensive performances making last gasp tackles, and Jim was having a game even Belch would have been proud of. Some stunning saves denying the NAC players. As the first half wore on it was looking like Ranger would keep NAC at bay, until mistake from Jim let a fairly soft shot from a tight angle squirm between his legs. It was unfortunate for the Rangers keeper, however the Rangers hit back fairly quickly through Mini to restore the 3 goal lead.

4-1 to the Rangers at half-time mainly secured due to the heroic defending and goalkeeping. Would the second half follow the same pattern?

The answer is no! NAC found themselves a couple of extra gears and a hell of a lot of pace in the second half and proceeded to rip the Rangers apart. This, coupled with diminishing fitness levels, meant the Rangers were never really in the game in the second half. Lifey did notch his second and the Rangers fifth with a nice bit of footwork and good finish from a tight angle, but it was nothing more than a mere consolation.

Still the Rangers can look back on a good defensive performance in the first half, Jim played excellently in net and at times we played some good football. There was perhaps a reliance to play a more difficult pass at times, and the lack of the second sub perhaps hurt us too.

The future of the Rangers is still up for debate, but this season still has potential. A good performance next week against Cheadle could see things pick up again.

Don’t forget this Season’s Awards (and perhaps the last ever awards ceremony) on Friday 15th June. I am planning on having the meal at Frankie & Benny’s in Stockport, moving onto the Crown (I think its called) and the Railway for beverages after.

Final Score: Bramhall Rangers 5 Not A Clue 9
Goals: Mini (2), Lifey (2), Pie (1)

Should this season be the last for the Rangers?

2007-05-17T10:09:00.000+01:00

Given that regulars Shiz and Belly will be either calling it a day or only playing the odd one next season, the heart of BRFC is truely diminishing.W

e have already lost Hedderz to one game a season and Rascle it seems has been forced into unofficial retirement. Mr T has also moved on to other hobbies.

With Shiz not playing next season we will more than likely lose the services of Grim and Stu, and late KO's (which will probably continue) will mean the likely hood of getting ringers like Jim difficult.

Should we commit to another season (14 weeks at £5 each) where we could well be struggling for a team with only Mini, Pie, Peter and Nev as regulars and the off chance of Lifey? Where will we get a regular keeper from and people to make up the numbers.

Next season is also summer so many people will miss weeks due to holidays etc (I will be away for at least 2 and you guys have Spain).

Would it not be more sensible to finish this season with as many regualrs as possible and then regroup, see if it looks like we can get teams each week and start again the seaosn after next if there is interest?

Make a decent shindig of this Rangers awards and have some overall awards?

I would hate to see the Rangers be flogged like a dead horse and only 2-3 of the regulars playing each week and missing game etc.What are your thoughts. I guess we have a month or so to decide.

Bramhall Rangers vs Indus Milan

2007-05-14T12:17:00.000+01:00

The Rangers have been challenged to a game by Indus Milan. This is a group of Pie’s mates from Uni.

The game will take place on Saturday 2nd June, anticipated kick off time around 3pm or 4pm at Powerleague, to be confirmed.

Current Rangers team consists of Belch, Pie, Mini and Shiz.

The Indus Milan team currently confirmed is Flower, Adams, Sanghvi, Sharma and Newton.

Latest information suggests the game may well be filmed for the archives by filmmaker extraordinaire Rascle!

More information as we get it!

Bramhall Rangers 6 Torpedo Emissions 8

2007-05-11T11:04:00.000+01:00

"That's how you do it!" - Mr Nev 10/05/07

A patch work Rangers team put in a decent performance in what was a close encounter. Pie was absent with the sniffles, Peter had suffered a pulled muscle in his ribs from skipping….yes skipping!, Shiz was attending a conference on line dancing and Rascle was continuing to single handidly run Sudexho by working from 4am right through to 11 pm without breaks. An absentee list as long as your leg, unless you are Heather McCartney!

Still, Hedderz made a rare appearance, running out for the first time since 12-6 win over Cheadle Utd when he bagged a goal. Fortunately, Hedderz was able to convince two ringers Paul and Chris to make their Rangers debuts. Belly as usual was in the stick, Nev and Mini the other regular Rangers. Peter was a willing cheerleader.

The game was close, and despite struggling to cope with the early pace, Paul and Chris settled well and proved able players. Torpedo Emissions were a decent side and IIRC fielded the same players as last time out. They were able to take the lead and seemed in control of the game with the Rangers struggling to find the target despite a lot of space for both sides. Belly was unlucky in that the ball deflected up off him and into the net. Rangers fell further behind but gave themselves a lifeline when Paul found himself free on the edge of the box and fired home through the keeper’s legs.

The game was quite stretched and although Rangers never looked totally in control there were some excellent passing moves including Hedderz and Chris, who linked up well but just failed to execute the killer pass or shot. Towards the end of the half Mini played a pass to Hedderz and (as usually happens at least once a season!) crumpled to the floor after turning on his right ankle. An odd crunch signalled that Mini would have to hobble off and it would remain to be seen whether he could return. Peter supplied some ice and after a rush of adrenaline and some off field jogs Mini deemed himself able to continue at about 75% capacity. Hoping to wait until half time before returning the needs of the team and a tired Hedderz saw Mini return for a cameo at the end of the half.

Great pressure in one of the corners forced a mix-up between defence and keeper leading to a penalty to the Rangers for infringement. Mini, being closest to the spot after just running on greedily took the ball for the pen. Despite being unsure of his right ankle and foot Mini despatched the penalty, as usual to the left as the keeper dived right. If any teams made notes this is where he always puts them!

At half time it was 4-2 or something similar. Nev was having a particularly good game both in defence and pushing forward. Belly also up to his usual standard was managing to keep the Emissions at bay (so to speak!) however, midway through the game managed to rip a couple of big holes in his child-like gloves. This didn’t seem to hamper his performance though.

The second half was an equally tight affair, and Torpedo were adept at passing the ball around without making to many inroads. Their possession football at the back and middle of the park was not hurting the Rangers but equally the Rangers were struggling to claw back the deficit as they could get hold of the ball for too long and when they did chances were squandered. Trying to push on for goals the Rangers were more exposed at the back so the lead widened slightly.
Torpedo were getting the luck of the draw and a speculative effort from distance took a massive deflection off Hedderz’s massive thighs and with Belly committed to his left the ball swirled and spun and dropped in Belly’s bottom right corner.

Going into the final push Rangers clawed their way back. It came from an unlikely source too, Nev pushing forward found himself able to fire off a shot from the far right side across the keeper and in off the post. It was a clinical finish. A cry of “that’s how you do it!” echoed around Powerleague and was the boost that the Rangers needed to spur them on.

Immediately after this, lady luck shined on Torpedo again. Pinball around the edge of Belly’s box and failed clearances put Rangers under pressure. Despite two smashing tackles from Nev and Hedderz the ball just wouldn’t be cleared. Belly was trying to maintain composure and advancing out of his goal the ball bounced up and struck Nev on the shin deflecting it goal wards. Again Belly was wrong footed, and despite what looked like a push on Nev to propel the ball, it slowly crossed the line and the goal was given.

Going in to the final 7 minutes or so, Mini was more of a hindrance than a help with his dodgy ankle so switched with Belly. This extra freshness proved a good input outfield. In the sticks Mini was beaten twice, once through the legs after coming out to meet the attacker and the other after diving to soon to prevent what should have been a regulation shot.

Just before this change Chris was on the receiving end of a powerful drive into his Johnson. An eye watering “oompffhhh!” was heard and he actually crawled off the pitch. After that brief stoppage and the change of keeper Rangers pushed on with nothing to lose. Hedderz managed to get his first of the game firing low though the keeper’s legs. After counting his meat and two veg Chris returned to the action, obviously fired up. He finished well after another crafted move and Torpedo were nervous as Rangers were staging a comeback.

The final memorable action of the game saw Chris sonically fouled right on the edge of the area after being through on the keeper about to shoot. What normally would have been a pointless free-kick was expertly dispatched with the outside of the right boot for Hedderz second of the game.

Unfortunately, this was the last action. Had the game gone on for five more minutes the Rangers may have salvaged something. In the end it was a heavily deflected goal and a disputed OG which was the difference between the two sides.

Our thanks to Chris and Paul for coming to our aid, and special mention to Nev for scoring his first of the season and drawing level with OG’s in the overall scoring charts now only one behind long term absentee Mr T.

Next week will be an interesting one. With belly, Shiz, Rascle and Hedderz committed to the Manchester 10km Rangers will only have Mini, Pie, Peter and Nev as regulars pending fitness tests. A call for Rangers ringers will have to be made.

Final score – Bramhall Rangers 6 Torpedo Emissions 8
Goals – Hedderz (2), Mini (1), Chris (1), Paul (1), Nev (1)

Bramhall Rangers 3 Puss In Boots 13

2007-05-08T22:14:00.000+01:00

Just a short report this week, seeing as no-one else has been bothered!

We struggled to get out of second gear for this one, and PIB showed why they are running away with the league - good movement, quick passing and great communication. Hopefully we can learn something! PIB play twice a week and try to train at least once too, so perhaps its no surprise that they are fitter and better organised, and ok we might not match their preparations but we can give them a good (and better) run for their money, like we did way back in the first game of the season.

We were perhaps a little unlucky in that we were expecting the extra sub in Lifey, but in the end he couldn't get out of work and down to Powerleague in time, and one or two people were struggling playing without a rest (I note Piggy here, who for two games on the trot hasn't subbed off in the second half - think about it Pete, you generally seem to be running on empty 5 minutes into the game, so playing for the whole of the second half isn't doing yourself or the team any good).

This was also the first game this season in which we have conceded into double figures, before this 9 has been the maximum. I know it sounds obvious, but if we can keep the opposition scoring down to a minimum we can really do well this season.

I think it was just an off day for the Rangers. At least I hope it was. Earlier this season we played (and lost) to PIB (though took them close), then had a run of 4 wins which pushed us up to second. Hopefully another run can do the same for us again!

Final Score: Bramhall Rangers 3 Puss In Boots 13
Goals: Mini (2), Pie (1)

Bramhall Rangers 3 Thirsty FC 6

2007-04-30T10:39:00.000+01:00

"It was a game of two halves, literally!" - Chris Powell

Just a short report for this game. It was the same team as last week, with Grim again joining the usual 6.

The first half was a really good game - the Rangers having the upper hand with some excellent defending and at times some fantastic attacking football. I took a while for the first goal, chances came and went before Mini opened the scoring with a deft finish. Pie was then sent through to cooly place the ball past the keeper, and though Thirsty pulled a goal back, a goal from Grim made it 3-1 at the break. The general consensus was we were doing well, and just to keep it going.

It had been a good fair game up until then however the second half would prove to be a different affair. A lack of fitness started to take its toll on the Rangers, and when Grim had to retire from the game due to injury half way through the second half we never really recovered. Added to this some bizarre refeereeing (including blowing for a foul, everybody stopping except for the Thirsty player who shot and scored anyway but then deciding the goal should stand!!) it really was a second half to forget...

Surprisingly despite the 2 losses on the trot, the Rangers are still holding onto 2nd spot in the league, albeit only on goal difference to the Canaries (the Rangers are the second top goalscorers in the league this season!)

The next game is against runaway leaders Puss-In-Boots, and the Rangers will be hoping to push them again like in the first game of the season.

Final Score : Bramhall Rangers 3 Thirsty 6
Goals: Mini (1), Pie (1), Grim (1)