Match Report
Match Report - 15 Dec 2009, St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team beat East Grinstead Town
After gaining three unlikely points away in Peacehaven, Rangers were keen to kick on from the performance and make sure that 3 more points were taken against East Grinstead Town. Manager Roy decided to go with the same formation, tactics and starting eleven that overcome Peacehaven.
With temperatures hitting below zero, conditions were difficult. Rangers started brightly moving the ball around the park with Elliot Butler and Jamie Weston getting on the ball. After a succession of corners Rangers began to pile on the pressure and with only six minutes on the clock came their first goal. A fantastic corner by Elliott Butler caused a scramble in the six yard box and after a number of players challenging for the ball it fell to Matt Carruthers who put his foot through the ball hitting it as clean as a whistle into the back of the net.
After the goal rangers sat back slightly encouraging pressure on to themselves. East Grinstead direct style of play meant that Rangers back four of Matt Carruthers, Glen Chalker, Ben Palmer and Brannan O’Neil were having to be alert at all times.
1-0 Half Time.
After the break Rangers came out refreshed and set about looking to kill the game off. A second goal was scored only 3 minutes after the interval. After a good piece of play between Geoff Pitcher and Jamie Weston, Sam Palmer was put through who finish convincingly sliding the ball underneath the oncoming Grinstead keeper. Again, after scoring a goal Rangers sat back inviting more pressure on to themselves. East Grinstead had a few half chances before they eventually scored making the last ten minutes very nevry.
In the end Rangers saw the game out comfortably and were glad to get in out of the cold. Definitely not a game for the spectacle but the team were more than happy to come away with the three points propelling them into 9th position, one place and three points behind local rivals Hassocks. Rangers must now turn their attentions to another very important game on Saturday at home to Ringmer where a further 3 points would be more than welcome.
St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team 2 - 1 East Grinstead Town