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Relics vs Plains Rangers - CNS Cup Semi-Final 28th August

All teams gathered at Ferguson Park home of Otumoetai FC for the semi-finals of the respective cup competitions. The Relics to play Plains Rangers. If the last two meetings between these sides had anything to go by it would be a close match. Draws resulting both times during league encounters.

The game kicked off late due to an overun on the previous match and so both teams were eager to get started. Coach Morrow had a game plan, putting Stretch “our big man” on their giant captain.

The early share of play belonged to the youngsters Plains Rangers, who were using their speed to good effect without actually doing any damage. The Relics back five of Leetcher, Mackem, Kitten, Brough and Bradford were kept busy fending through balls and high balls thereby keeping the youngsers to long shots only.

After 15 mins, as usual, the Relics had got to grips with the game and Whits, Lourie, Dovey and Brennan started to find space. In behind Stretch was man marking leaving Scouse to hustle the midfield.

After 20 mins Lourie showed his class and beat two defenders to shoot left footed low into the corner. A terrific strike and proves why he is the leading goalscorer in Bay 1.  That settled the lads down and a couple of half chances came from corners after good football.

The game was extremely physical, both sides totally committed, no quarter given. JD was making his presence felt on the right and when Brennan managed to latch on to a ball on the left he cut inside and sent in a low shot which fooled the keeper to squeeze under his body. Good solid play.

There were no clear cut chances for either side as half-time approached but the speed and effort of the players was starting to take its toll. Whits who had been giving the Rangers defence a lesson in the dribble turned his ankle in a tackle and had to depart.

Half-time Relics 2-0 Plains Rangers

The team talk at half-time was to keep going and keep a clean sheet. It was to prove difficult in the second half.  Plains Rangers changed their formation and started to be a more fluid outfit with plenty of runners all around the park. Mr Mayes came on for the injured Whits and Big Pete Brough moved to left midfield. The Relics started to find it difficult to keep possession and it was a good through ball which resulted in a Rangers forward nipping in between Brough and Bradford to slot home.

The pressure was on, the youngsters were bouyed up by the goal and another flurry of attacks resulted in the equaliser, the giant midfield captain breaking clear and looping a shot over an advancing Bradford.

The game was finely ballanced. The Relics never quit and managed to stem the tide to once again press forward for the lead. Lourie was a constant threat and although leading the line on his own for large parts of the game often took two or three defenders to stop him. One of those charges resulted in a corner with 10 minutes to go.  Mackem took the corner, it landed perfectly for Stretch who powered home from 6 yards. The next 10minutes seemed an eternity, the Relics defence repelling a number of attacks and Brennan was coming further and further back to help out.

Stretch was clattered by the big midfielder and lay flat out on the deck, another injury.  A major blow to the midfield and the plan that had worked pretty well to that point.

Unfortunately for the Relics the officials played a huge part in preventing a hard fought win in normal time.  A poor decision by the assistant referee awarding a last minute corner when it had clearly come off a Rangers forward saw the penalty area packed to the rafters and a massive scramble saw the Relics clear off the line - but the assistant referee flagged the ball had gone behind the line and somehow he had seen it from 30 yards away despite the referee being only 15 yards away! Straight from kick off the full time whistle blew! That close. That decision.  That AR! Robbed!

Full-time: Relics 3-3 Plains Rangers

The legs were aching, the bodies were aching. The fight was still there. Somehow the Relics had to find another 30mins effort. Dav who had come on for Stretch was told to play centre back and Mackem moved to midfield to support Scouse who had run his heart out and was struggling to run further with an injury but had to play on. Big Pete was asked to mark the big man and play his third position of the game. Coach Morrow was pushing every ounce of energy out of his players.

The game carried on its physical appearance with some hefty challenges from either side. It was the Relics however who managed to score again, Lourie taking advantage of a risky goal kick beating two players and firing home into the bottom corner for the best goal of the game - a terrific solo effort.  The Relics managed to attack further with two corners and headers going just over from Mackem and Kitten as they finished the half the stronger.

At the changeover the lads just had to hold it firm for 15mins.  It was nail-biting stuff.  Players could hardly run, bodies, namely Leetcher’s, were literally being thrown into tackles as cramp had set in.  With a minute left Rangers launched a final charge and a cross knocked back into the Relics box was not cleared and the big Rangers skipper slotted home. 4-4! Bugger! Coach Morrow could not believe it. But it was still not over.

Final score After Extra Time 4-4

The penalty shoot out began. The Relics picked their 5 to start, Lourie, Mackem, Brennan, Bradford and Kitten.

Lourie stepped forward, he slotted home to the keepers right. 1-0
The Rangers first taker came forward. He blasted over. “retake!” Oh my god its the AR again who deemed Bradford had moved off his line. The AR seemed determined not to let the Relics win this one. The Rangers forward had another go and this time scored. 1-1
Mackem stepped forward, a long run up, right foot, bottom corner, end of! 2-1
Rangers retruned the favour 2-2
Brennan stepped forward, the keeper guessed right and saved to his left. No reprive from the AR this time. 2-2
Rangers went further ahead 2-3
Bradford our handy footballing keeper coolly slotted home to the keeper’s right to keep the Relics hopes live 3-3
Rangers dribbled in a lucky spot kick as Bradford dived the wrong way 3-4
Kitten had to score or it was game over, he slipped as he hit it but it snuggled in the onion bag 4-4
Rangers now needed to score to win. The bar was struck - 4-4.

After 120mins and 5 pens each it was still level.  Unbelievable. Sudden death! The Relics brought on another guard of players.

Dav stepped forward. The keeper moved the right way and saved to his left 4-4.
Rangers could win it again if they scored and this time there was no mistake 4-5.  

The Relics were out, but, they can hold their heads high. 120mins of football when they were never behind at any stage against youngsters who could have been their kids or even grand kids! A terrific effort from all the Relics players and the wonderful supporters who came along to watch a titanic battle.

Imbibe PoD : Big Pete Brough - an unbelievable effort from the senior member of the team

Mackem