Report

   Finally at long last after what seemed like the longest coldest wettest winter ever I climbed out of my pit and looked outside to see the dark clouds, wet misty rain and puddles. Deep joy filled my finger nails as the anticipation seeped into my belly button. With the excitement building it was time to focus and so off we went with a trumpetty trump, trump, trump, trump. (Note to self - curry night before match day a no no). At the ground the boys were excited with ears full of cloth and plenty of wild charging around until we managed to get some order and get the boys warmed up. The pitch didn’t appear to be that bad but I did have visions of ‘Tollund man’ being found close by however it was just great to get a game on.

            The first half saw Rangers get to grips with the conditions and hold there own for the first 10 mins with a well struck free kick from Oliver nearly breaking the deadlock as it hit the cross bar and bounced down away from the goal. Rangers were pressing but from a corner they were hit with a sucker punch as the Juniors broke away and ran the full length to register the first strike. Rangers appeared stunned and very quickly 1 became 2 although Jo Dickman made a valiant effort to keep it out. The rangers boys continued to press and eventually got their reward when Dan after having a couple of earlier sighters hit a long range effort which flew into the net. Positive points noted for the first half centred on Chris and Dan’s tackling, Findlays anticipation and James’s willingness to try and stay on the right side. Half time and the boys were still in it.

            The second half saw Rangers kicking downhill and with the wind. This was their chance to press on and win the match using the pitch to their advantage. Bang Bang the boys found themselves picking the ball out of the net a couple of times with James who had replaced Jo in goal left with no chance. Guy continued to impress with a couple of silky jinks down the left side and fearlessness when faced with the bigger opponents. Jo Brookes linked up well with Chris and Oliver on the right hand side as Rangers did look to pass when they had the opportunity the problem seemed to be that as a team they didn’t have that same bite they had shown before Christmas. Findlay looked to intercept whatever came his way whilst Connor after giving his all after a late fitness test was looking for the nearest car to remember what he had for his breakfast. By the end of the match the rangers were frustrated and conceded again as they chased the game they didn’t give up and on the whole they were never outplayed but more out muscled.

            Fantastic to shake off the cobwebs and I can’t wait to play the Juniors again as I truly believe the boys if able to win the ball can push them all the way next time. Man of the match went to James for looking to stay on the right and not follow the ball everywhere and for his brilliant kicking in the second half out of his hands.