Match Report
Match Report - 20 Dec 2011, St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team lost to Shoreham
Rangers were blown away by Shoreham in the basement battle.
On a night when Rangers needed their big, experienced players to stand up and be counted against an average, robust and direct Shoreham side far too many let themselves down.
Shoreham simply wanted the game more than the Rangers players, who had far too many going through the motions.
All 11 home players put their bodies on the line and their desire and determination was commendable and it helped them cruise to victory.
Rangers had an early scare when the home side went close but it wasnt long before they did fall behind. Cooper gifted possession away and the left back ran 50 yards unchallenged before rolling it to Smith to fire home on the angle from 15 yards, a neat finish.
Pamment saw his 40 yard lob hit the cross bar with Rangers first shot. The same player was then played in to a great position but his close range effort was well saved. From the save Shoreham broke away and hit the bar themselves.
A good piece of build up play saw the ball fall to Gacias but he blazed high and wide.
Shoreham continued to muscle Rangers off the ball as the visitors failed to retain any possession. They should have extended their lead but headed over, unmarked form 6 yards.
They did double their lead, a dubious free kick was curled in and with the visitors defence stationary Oli Davies flicked home, Half time 2-0 and a fair reflection.
Rangers bought on Perry for the out of soughts Cooper and Romain for injured Clark.
It did help them get a foot hold and finally Rangers got the ball moving and created some opportunities. Leppard just missed Romain cross, who then missed chance himself.
Then with the goal at his mercy Leppard could not quite get on the end of another Romain cross. Rangers rolled the dice again replacing Gacias with Pople and he instantly had an impact driving in to the box but his cross shot was well saved.
Shoreham were dropping so deep inviting pressure and they made 2 subs which helped turn the game in their favour. Shepherd came on to partner Smith up top and this provided the impetus they needed.
As Rangers pushed for a goal to get back in the game they were left exposed and Shoreham took full advantage with 2 late goals.
They were worthy winners and Rangers once again fail to perform when it is needed most. In the big games goo many players want to play but don't do the hard graft and the horrible stuff. Kieran Keehan ran the game in midfield and looked a class above, even on 1 leg!
The Shoreham subs all made an impact, the same could not be said of the rangers subs. One bright note was the pace of Leppard who looked a constant danger, and as usual gave his all and can walk off with his head high.
Rangers now effectively have to win 8 or 9 out of their 12 remaining games. Can they start that at Hassocks and who has lost their starting place??
Team: Gordon, Dodd, Carruthers, Charker, O Neill, Gacias (70 mins Pople), Cooper (45 mins Perry), Forward, Leppard, Clark (45mins Romain), Pamment
Yellow: O Neill
MOM: Kieran Keehan
Shoreham 4 - 0 St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team