St Francis Rangers FC

With a poor performance by all the officials’, a terrible performance on the pitch, the day was one all Rangers fans will want to forget and move on quickly. The game started brightly for the visitors, with Westlake & Pitcher linking up well causing problems for the hosts defence. But a break away goal saw the start of the afternoons troubles. After some shocking decisions, the referee failed to take charge of the proceedings and the game turned into a shambles. A barrage of foul langue, poor decisions continued into the first half and when Westlake found the back of the net, only for Pitcher to be ruled offside, it was clear this was not going to be Rangers day. Despite a promise from the match officials to sharpen up the second half, the game continued in the same vein with the hosts adding to the total on two occasions. Rangers are going to have to find some form if they are going to cement their position in Mid-table, the performance to-day was not of the quality required.

Finally Rangers get a run out!
After a shaky start Rangers settled down and played some good football, with Honours’ shared at half time the stage was set for a good cup tie. Some forced changes at half time saw players in unfamiliar positions, both teams had their chances, but neither side managed to find the net. Some great close range saves from Lehkyi kept Rangers in the game as Crawley Down plied on the pressure. Extra time was looming with only a few minutes to go, a run into the box by the hosts was bought down and penalty awarded. Rangers responded well placing players upfront in an attempt to level the score, but sadly even after great pressure time was not on our side. A good game with teams equal, Rangers just unfortunate came out on the wrong side of the result.
Back to league duty on Saturday three points needed.

Rangers are now away to Crawley Down in our re-arranged RUR Cup Quarter Final

Despite the sunshine the Lingfied falls foul for the fourth occasion.
Waterlogged pitches all over the region see another weekend for Rangers without football, Just when form was starting to show in the young side momentum is lost at the mercy of weather conditions. After their fine performance in the second half against Selsey player would have been up for a repeat performance at Lingfield. But it was not to be, another anxious wait till Tuesday night Away to Crawley Down. Looking at the forecast below that also looks very unlikely unless Michael Fish has got it wrong again!

After some good results Rangers must be disappointed not to have gained at least a point from the game this evening. Crawley Down started the brighter, but after 15 mins Rangers stepped up the pace. During the first half chances came and went for both sides with Rangers making most of the play. After the break both sides again had chances, but neither side could finish off good moves and the game looked set for a draw. With ten minutes remaining changes were made to both sides, this seemed to have more of a positive effect on Crawley Down who made most of the play. Finally a cruel blow came with 90 mins on the clock when Crawley Down finished off a fine move to steel all three points. With another hard game at Shoreham at the weekend, Rangers must dig deep in the week if they are to continue winning ways.

After a break away from County League Football Jake Philpott has re-signed for Rangers. Unable to play this weekend due to prior commitments, we welcome him back to the club and hope he continues where he left off strengthening the defence.

Message from SCFL Chairman

In the light of the extreme conditions throughout the county, using the 'law' of common sense, unless I hear from you immediately to the contrary, I will assume that all matches under the control of the SCFL will be postponed this Saturday (9th January), and for the following midweek (12th & 13th).

Rangers are through to the next round of the Reserve Section Challenge Cup, goals by Andrew Brown (35) Matt Walton (49) Calum Cannon (58) saw the Reserve side make it into the hat for round Three. Well down boys keep the cup run going.

With the holiday period now behind us, Rangers can reflect on what has been a good period in the team’s season so far. With Maximum points won, Management can only be pleased with the player’s performances. Now in eighth place in the table with 29 points on the board, the club have a firm base to ensure a good position is achieved by the season end. Having played a few more games than the clubs around them, some stern tests coming up in the next few games, Ranges must remain focused on the fixtures ahead to ensure all the good work is not in vein.
Next game is Tuesday night, a postponed game against Lingfield, but with temperatures forecast well below freezing in coming days it is unlikely to go ahead.