Match Report
Match Report - 29 Oct 2011, St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team drew with Chichester
Rangers had enough chances to win 2 games but misses cost them dear as a late penalty converted by the Chichester keeper saw them leave left with a point. Some of the last ditch tackles by Chi players were a credit to their determination but Rangers should have taken all 3 points as they dominated the second half but failed to convert a host of chances.
Rangers players simply don't know how to see a game out, with 3 of 4 homes games now having lead without winning. Rather than keeping possession far too many players bomb forward leaving the back line exposed.
The first half was extremely poor standard for both sides, with a real lack of quality on and off the ball. Poor defending allowed Arnoux clean through but he failed to test the keeper early on.
Chi showed more desire which enabled them to compete and open the scoring. Rangers were guilty of playing about too much at the back and Carruthers had to concede a free kick on the edge of the box. The wall was badly positioned and Chi No 7 bent the ball round the wall into the net.
Rangers really struggled to put any decent possession together, taking too many touches and making the wrong decisions with their passing. Despite playing so poorly in the first half they still had chances to equalise but 2 brilliant last ditch tackles kept them out. Chi had their own moments of a dreadful first half and could have extended their lead but the ball failed to break for them.
Walsh looked like scoring from a rebound but was denied on the goal line, resulting in the Rangers captain having to come off with a knee injury. Whilst receiving treatment Clark picked up the second ball from a corner and hit a top drive in to the corner to equalise.
The second half was one way traffic. Rangers had 10 good chances to score but a combination of good keeping, poor finishing, the cross bar and lack of sharpness cost them. Arnoux had a good afternoon, intelligent running which created numerous chances and space for his team mates.
On another day Cooper could have had a hat trick, first denied by the keeper, then hitting the bar and finally missing from 6 yards out. Pamment saw his effort superbly cleared off the line, whilst Pople twice went through but last ditch tackles denied him when well placed.
In between all those misses, Pople did superbly to head home a high cross from substitute Brown to give Rangers the lead.
Rangers were in complete control and were opening up the visitors at ease.
They desperately needed a third goal to give them that cushion but once again they failed to convert chances.
Rather than keep possession and hold on for the win Rangers players again were caught bombing looking for a third, exposing the back line. They had not learn from previous home games and they were made to pay on 80 minutes when, from their own corner the ball was quickly transferred up field and Chi won their own corner. From that Clark dangled out a leg and conceded a penalty which the visiting keeper hammered home.
In the end Rangers were glad to hear the final whistle as they struggled to clear their lines deep into injury time. But what a lovely quiche!!
Team: O Rouke, Collins (Dodd 65mins), Dube, Carruthers, Akehurst, Pople, Pamment, Cooper, Clark (80mins Barnes), Arnoux, Walsh (Brown 30 mins)
Goals: Clark 30mins, Pople 60mins
MOM: Arnoux
St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team 2 - 2 Chichester