Match Report
Match Report - 18 Oct 2011, St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team lost to Horsham YMCA
Rangers blew the a 3-1 and 4-2 lead to suffer another cruel defeat, one that will be extremely difficult to bounce back from. The home side handed debuts to new signings Matt Carruthers, who was immense all night,and Carl Baker, who scored.
Horsham had an early chance, albeit one that was around 10 yards offside, but O Rouke stood up well to save. Rangers controlled the opening spell but did fall behind when Carruthers was out paced but having managed to get back well the forwards scuffed shot found its way in to the net. To be fair Rangers kept plugging away with Mheuka and Baker linking up well and Pople dangerous down the right with lots of space to exploit. Walsh had a good chance but the keeper made a top save.
Mheuka inparticular was having a very strong game, holding the ball up well and looking dangerous. One fabulous bit of skill created a chance which the keeper came out to smother well.
Rangers were on top and got back on level terms when a deep cross from Barnes found is way to Carruthers at he far post and his shot on the turn crept in. The goal really inspired the home side and they took the lead with a neat goal. Pople collected the ball and delivered a cross which Mhueka headed home expertly from 12 yards.
Going in winning at half time was a strange feeling for the home side but one they deserved. A big blow came on the half time whistle when Mheuka pulled his hamstring and could not come out for the second period.
Despite his absence the second half continued in a similar fashion with Rangers on top. They extended their lead when Baker released sub Arnoux, his shot was well blocked but the ball fell to Baker to open his account for Rangers.
They could have extended their lead further and Horsham found a way back in the game minutes later. A cross from the left was fumbled by O Rouke into the path of the waiting forward to tap home.
That signalled a scoring spree with Rangers immediately extending their lead again when an excellent cross from Pople was headed home by Arnoux.
It should have been game over as the home side were well on top and should have seen the game out.
But somehow the game spun on its head inside 10 minutes. Brown should have put a simple ball in behind but played square to cooper on the half way line, the ball bobbled and cooper lost possession and before he could recover Horsham broke and scored. Before they could take breath the visitors were level when another mistake saw gifted possession and a brilliant finish drew them level.
2 minutes later Horsham took the lead when Brown played everyone onside and failed to hold off the forward who slotted home. An incredible spell saw Rangers topple and fail to get to grips with the chance in formation. In hindsight the home side should have altered quicker to stem the flow but were caught like rabbits in head lights. With 20 minutes to go Rangers still had time to salvage something from the match.
Rangers were now chasing the game and threw on Rose and Clark to help turn the tide. Rose had two half chances and Arnoux also saw an effort blocked in the dying. Horsham should take great credit for their effort but Rangers will feel empty having throw the match away.
Team: O Rouke, Dodd, Brown, Carruthers, Walsh, Barnes, Cooper, Pople (72 mins Clark), Pamment (78mins Rose), Mhueka (45mins Arnoux), Baker. Not used: Multini, Collins
Goals: Carruthers, Mheuka, Baker, Arnoux
St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team 4 - 5 Horsham YMCA