Match Report
Match Report - 03 Sep 2011, St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team lost to Sidley
Rangers were bullied out of the game, falling to their successive 1-0 home defeat. The referee offered no protection from Sidley's physical challenges, with the visiting centre back conceding 8 fouls on his own without even receiving a yellow card. One late tackle warranted a straight red alone.
The visiting team was packed with experience, players knowing just how far they could push the boundaries, whereas Rangers players seemed too content to moan about the challenges rather than put their own foot in strongly. A similar pattern to last season when the team struggled against physical teams. The players need to learn fast that the physical side is part of the game and man up rather than moan to the officials.
New signing Zackary McEniry had an eventful game, conceding a penalty in the opening minute. It seemed a harsh decision but O Rouke continued his fine form with a great save. McEniry debut did not last much longer, on the end of a poor tackle saw him stretchered off and a visit to hospital.
The first period was a tight affair and both teams created openings, with both keepers in fine form.
Rangers front two again failed to hold the ball up top and missed the chances that came their way. This meant again the Rangers defence having to defend a lot and they did admirably again. Davies came on and had a much better game alongside Hollick.
0-0 at half time was a fair reflection of the half.
Rangers conceded a sloppy goal a minute after the re start. Once again starting a half slowly they were punished for failing to clear their lines and the hosts took the lead.
The visiting keeper made 4 good saves but rangers really struggled to create good openings. Sidley held out and have yet to concede in any league match this season.
Hollick Cornish Pasties were well received, scoring 4 for taste and 4 for presentation, good work Jason!
Team: O Rouke, Dodd, Akehurst, McEniry (15 minutes Davies), Hollick, Clark, Archer (Cooper 65 mins), Walsh, Pamment(75 mins Pople), Mitchell, Gacias.
MOM: Hollicks for his pasties
St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team 0 - 1 Sidley