Match Report
Match Report - 20 Sep 2011, St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team lost to Three Bridges
Rangers lost their 8th out of 9 games but can take credit for their 2nd half performance.
With 8 central defenders missing though injury Aaron Walsh slotted in alongside Jason Hollick and grew in stature as the game went on.
Rangers had the first chance when Brown set up Martin and his curling effort just curled wide. After that it was a tough opening 20 minutes for Rangers as they conceded too much ground in midfield, playing too deep and inviting early pressure. After only 4 minutes Rangers failed to deal with a long throw into the box and Romain scuffed his shot and it trickled into the net.
It was a very soft goal and just what the visitors didn't need, as they were battered for 15 minutes. The home side, driven by Carney from midfield and using the pace of Romain, caused Rangers all sorts of problems as they took advantage of a new look Rangers defence settling in. They hit the wood work on 4 occasions as Rangers really rode their luck, each time Rangers managed to clear the danger.
Towards the break Rangers did finally manage to find some form and exerted their own pressure. They had a couple of efforts saved and had the final ball been better they might have been able to sneak an equaliser! However the managed to get the half time at just 1-0.
The second half was much better as Rangers finally got their passing game together. It was very a even contest and Rangers probably shaded the half and chances but couldn’t quite convert those that came their way. The closest Rangers came was when the home side cleared off the line on 72 minutes after a fabulous dribbling run by Mheuka.
The hold up play of Mheuka was instrumental in helping Rangers passing game and they thrived on the fact they were pushing the home side close. Three Bridges did have their own chances but O Rouke twice denied Romain. Rangers were pushing hard for an equaliser and committed men forward and with 10 minutes to go Macvicar sealed the win for Bridges. Carney was offside but as Rangers stopped they allowed a free cross and Macvicar ran across Hollick to squeeze the ball home.
Rangers can take great heart from their second half display and must remember that in the league games this season they have played 7 of the top 8 sides!
MOM: Aaron Walsh
Team: O Rouke, Brown (Barnes 81 mins), Walsh, Hollick, Dodd, Gacias, Pamment, Martin, Mheuka (74mins Pople), Cooper (80 mins Arnoux), Archer
Yellow: Gacias, Walsh
Three Bridges 2 - 0 St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team