Match Report
Match Report - 13 Aug 2011, St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team beat Arundel
Arundel 2 Rangers 5
Rangers hit back from twice going behind to secure a dramatic win, with sub Will Macfie hitting the net 3 times in the space of 20 minutes. The result puts Rangers top of the pile for the first time in their short history.
On a great playing surface both sides looked dangerous from the off. The home side were the more direct and Rangers struggled to cope with the aerial route. Without last years leading scorer Scott Tipper the Rangers defence should have taken confidence but instead they played poorly for 30 minutes. With Arundel pushing 4 up at much as possible it meant the Rangers full backs were too wide, with both central defenders then left too exposed.
An early scare saw Hollick just about recover after a slip but minutes later another long ball caught Rangers square and this time Hollick wasn't quite so lucky. Although Baker did well to save the ball squirmed away from his grasp for Neighbour to pock into an empty net.
The goal rocked Rangers and the back four looked all at sea for a 10 minute spell. Djamaiudin and Hollick again failed to deal with a long punt from the keeper and from the resultant deflected free kick hit the post. The follow up then hit the bar and somehow the ball was scrambled clear. Arundel were looking good and sharper than the visitors and Rangers looked vulnerable to every long punt.
Having weathered the storm Rangers started to impose their passing game and Pamment looked dangerous down the left. Pople hit a couple of efforts wide and then Cooper tested the home keeper with a cross shot which was well saved.
Baker then had to be alert to keep out a long range effort before they drew level with the best passing move of the halef. Gacias released Pamment down the left and his fabulous cross was headed home in style by Walsh, his first competitive goal for the club.
All the hard was quickly undone as within a minute Akehurst and Hollick failed to clear and the ball was drilled home via a deflection by Neighbour for his second.
To their credit from that moment Rangers took full control and Gacias hit the bar with a free kick.
Just before the break Rangers were awarded a penalty when Walsh was brought down from behind. It should have been a straight red for the left back but somehow he stayed on, to most peoples amazement.
Walsh struck the penalty well, but too well as it canoned back off the bar.
The second half was dominated by Rangers as they passed the ball much better and created numerous chances. The back 4 defended much better as a unit and there was a create team work rate through the second period.
Cooper was tireless down the Rangers right flank and was instramental in 2 goals as Rangers hit back in style.
Cooper and Gacias dominated the middle of the park with their passing and energy and it was a pleasure to watch.
Having played too many short balls in deep positions the team listened to their instructions and got the ball forward quicker, in behind the flat and slow home defence. This resulted in a corner which was taken short and as it came back out to Hollick who neatly danced past 2 defenders before hitting a lovely shot across the keeper for an equalizer.
To take full advantage of the space in behind Rangers sent on Will Macfie for his competitive debut, replacing Pople after 60 minutes. It turned out to be a great substitution as within 20 minutes he had hit a hat trick. 3 explosive finishes, each with the left foot. What a great impact he made and he looked a natural finisher on each of his goals. But his movement to get into the positions was equally as impressive and was even more amazing considering he picked up an ankle knock!
The only sour note after a great second half was an injury to Jabba, who looks like he might be out for a few weeks with a groin injury. Rangers had to play the last 5 minutes with 10 men but the team pulled together and held on for a fabulous victory.
An excellent second half and team performance, with some notable debuts including Walsh, Dodds.Perry and Macfie.
Apart from the result and Will hat trick the coaches were really pleased with the shape of the side. They have been working hard over pre season and this enabled a solid foundation to build from, seeing the players develop is very rewarding and encouraging.
Team: Baker, Akehurst, Hollick, Djamaludin, Dodds, Archer, Gacias, Pamment (Perry 72mins), Pople (Macfie 60mins), Walsh (80mins Davies), Cooper.
Not used Barnes and O Rouke.
Scorers: Macfie 3, Walsh, Hollick
Half time 1-2.
Arundel 2 - 5 St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team