Match Report
Match Report - 24 Sep 2011, St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team lost to East Grinstead Town
Rangers fell to another defeat but again can take heart from a second half performance. For the final 20 minutes they pinned the home side back as they searched for an elusive equaliser.
The second period saw Rangers play some excellent football, with Gacias instrumental in linking the play. They stroked the ball around and created numerous chances, the majority down the right flank, but a combination of poor finishing and good keeping saw the home side hold on.
Peter Martin was the key to Rangers improved second half performance and his efforts deserved a goal. The closest he came was an overhead kick that was well saved. Rangers best moment came towards the end when the home keeper tipped over Martins fierce drive when put through by Pople.
Missing both Mheuka and Mitchell and with Walsh and Pamment having to do emergency defensive duties Rangers could not quite find the right balance up top.
The first period was a close affair but once again Rangers defensive frailties were their undoing. Despite having more possession they failed to turn it in to chances. At the other end Tom Lyons helped himself to 2 simple tap ins, both from 5 yards out. The first goal was identical to the second goal on Tuesday night when Dodd got beaten out wide and the cross was rolled in and Lyons got across Hollick to tap home. The second was on the stroke of half time. Following a Rangers corner a 60 yard pass saw Pamment out of position and then beaten for pace, this time the cross from the opposite flank saw an identical finish by Lyons.
In between those two goals Cooper and Archer both had excellent chances but decided to pass when well placed.
We also saw one of the most amazing incidents witnessed at a football match. Pamment was fouled on the egde of the Rangers box but with no foul awarded he tangled with Lyons in the box. The referee put his whistle to his mouth and Hollick picked up the ball, thinking a penalty was imminent. To his amazement the referee withdrew the whistle and Hollick threw the ball on the floor!
No penalty was awarded and Rangers cleared their lines. Incredible scenes!
Half time 2-0 was slightly harsh on Rangers but by failing to defend properly saw them have an uphill battle in the 2nd period. However they lifted their game and although the home side did hit the bar it was Rangers who had the best chances. Their passing and moving game really stepped up a gear and they created good chances. A Hollick bullet header from a Gacias corner gave them hope but they could not find that final pass or shot to get a deserved equaliser.
Team: O Rouke, Pamment (Barnes 60mins), Hollick, Walsh, Dodd, Gacias, Martin, Pople (82mins Lambert), Perry (75mins Brown), Cooper, Archer.
Goals:72 mins Hollick.
Yellows: None
East Grinstead Town 2 - 1 St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team