Match Report
Match Report - 27 Aug 2011, St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team lost to Rye United
Rye squeezed past a much improved Rangers and just about did enough to deserve their win.
Both defences were on top with some excellent defending and keeping, in the end it as a small defensive error that was the difference.
Rangers preparations weren't too great as goal keeper James Baker failed to arrive but in the end it worked in their favour. At one point Tom Mcnaboe was on his way back from the reserves match Peacehaven but then youth keeper Martin O Rouke came to the rescue and played out of his skin. His handling, communication and positioning was impeccable and he looked every inch a first class keeper.
He has been unfortunate not to have been involved before today but he grabbed his chance with both hands to secure a MOM performance. Its amazing how fortune can work out but each of the Rangers defenders commented how much more confident they felt playing in front of Martin than James Baker. Rather than punch he caught everything and that confidence spread though the team as Rangers defended resolutely throughout the game.
The opening half was very tight and evenly matched. Pamment looked much livelier in the first period and picked up the ball, beat two defenders and hit a rocket from 25 yards which dipped and swerved. The keeper did well to get behind it.
Rye lost their keeper to injury after 15 minutes and with no keeper on the bench Scott Ramsay took over. To his credit he had a superb game and looked a natural, with some good kicking and positioning, making 2 good saves in the second period.
Rangers had 5 shots to Rye 3 as both teams tried to get on top.
Rob Cooper had Rangers best chance but rather than hit the ball first time across the stand in keeper he cut back and took too many touches and had his left footed effort saved.
At the other end 2 long diagonal balls allowed 2 headed chances for Rye, the first was put wide and then the second O Rouke made a superb save. He was going to his left but somehow managed to change direction and grab the ball.
Rangers struggled a little to get their passing going but did improve as the half wore on, whilst Rye were content to use their physical advantage and play long direct passed.
Half Time 0-0.
The second half saw Rye dominate more and they created the better chances but again Martin O Rouke dealt with everything. Most of the chances were headed opportunities as Rangers allowed too many crosses in to their box.
The best chance for Rye saw a headed chance at the back post put wide, although the flag had gone up for offside.
Dodds hit a spectacular 30 year volley which was just tipped over and Rangers could have scored from the corner but Mitchel flicked his header just wide.
Rangers really struggled to keep hold of the ball and had a lot of defending to do in the second half as Rye had a lot of possession. To their credit they did well for most of the match other then one slip.
On 70 minutes Gacias and Jabba went for the same ball, missed it, leaving a 2 v 1 which Rye took full advantage of and sub Loft slipped the ball calmly past O Rouke.
Dodds was having a much better game for Rangers and did well to thwart numerous attacks down his side.
Rangers changed shape and made a few subs to try and get more possession but failed to really test Rye after the goal. Mheuka put the ball in the net but Mithcell was rightly ruled offside in the first half.
Rye comfortably held on to remain unbeatan in their first 5 away games.
Team: O Rouke, AkeHurst, Hollick, Djamaludin, Dodds, Gacias (82 mins Cocks), Archer, Cooper (75 mins Mhueka), Duke (53mins Rose), Mitchel, Pamment.
Not used: Lee Bristow
MOM- O Rouke
St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team 0 - 1 Rye United