Llandaff 3–1 Sussex: the Goldschmidt solution

Opinion

Llandaff Athletic have a habit of making life difficult for themselves. They spent a good portion of Monday 17 August doing exactly that, before remembering they possess Olaf Goldschmidt. A 3-1 victory over Sussex Athletic looks comfortable on a scoresheet. It was less so in the flesh, until Goldschmidt decided to settle things.

Two goals from him. It was a brace that suggested a certain level of competence, though mostly it just stopped the inevitable panic. Llandaff often play as if they are trying to solve a Rubik's Cube in a gale. Goldschmidt simply walked up and knocked the thing over. It is a useful trait to have, especially when the team is treating the ball like a bag of sand.

Sussex Athletic will claim they were in the game. They weren't. They were merely present. Llandaff have found a way to win without actually looking like they know why they are winning. It is a precarious way to operate, but it keeps the lights on.

There is no occasion for Llandaff to ponder their identity. We go again tomorrow. Whether they rely on a tactical masterplan or simply hope Goldschmidt has had a decent breakfast remains to be seen. Most of us suspect the latter. To be fair, it has worked so far.

While Brixton AFC continue to drift away at the top of the table, Llandaff are content to survive via individual brilliance. It is a modest ambition. It is also entirely typical.