Match Report
Match Report - 26 Nov 2011, St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team drew with Ringmer
Ringmer 0 - St Francis 0
Rangers came away with their 7th draw in 9 games, a result that leaves them in the relegation zone after Arundels suprise win. Rangers dominated the match for 70 minutes but as they tired in the final period they relied on keeper Ron Gordon to keep them in the game.
Matt Carruthers returned to partner Aaron Walsh at the heart of Rangers defence. Their partnership provided a solid foundation for their second successive clean sheet.
Rangers neat possession gave them control of the first 70 minutes, with Clark the rock in midfield which Rangers built numerous attacks. Rangers impressive work rate pressed the home players all over the pitch, enabling the platform for Perry and Pamment to raid down the flanks.
The impressive wingers combined well with returning striker Pople, whose neat touches help create numerous chances. O Neil excelled at left back and saw a long range free kick well saved. The home keeper was certainly the busier but was up to everything Rangers threw at him, including Josh Perry!
The visitors just couldn't turn there possession in to goals. There best chance fell to Perry at the far post but just as he looked like scoring the ball bobbled over his foot. Ringmer's best chance came after a slip by Walsh and then a header that flashed just wide.
The second half followed a similar pattern until the game changed on the hour.
Ringmer brought on new signing Ottway for top scorer Whiteman and resorted to long balls over the top aided by the heavy sloping pitch. It was the first time that the Rangers defence looked in trouble and they weren't helped by injuries to Walsh and Clark. Both soldiered on but it allowed Ringmer into the game. One lapse allowed Holah space int he box and he should have scored but his effort was superbly tipped on to the bar. The ball now started to come back with regular occurence as Rangers front runners could not hold the ball up top to maintain possession. That meant the Rangers back 4 were under constant pressure for the final 20 minutes but they coped well.
A sloppy pass by Naz sent Holah though and he released Ottway but his finish was well saved.
With Ranges visibly tiring it was Ringmer's turn to dominate and they would have taken the lead but for an incredible save by Gordon. How he clawed the ball from the line only he knows, but Gordon Banks would have been proud of that one!
Walsh and Clark both had to come off but with Charm Dube the only fit sub, Tom Barnes had to enter the field. Rangers really needed that third sub with 4 or 5 players dead on their feet. Ringmer could have scored at the end and it would have been harsh on the visitors considering their earlier dominance.
The referee also didn't help Rangers cause, all afternoon the decisions seemed to go against them. One assistant was useless but the other much better so maybe that didn't help him!
Team: Gordon, Dodd, O Neil, Carruthers, Walsh (78mins Dube), Clark (78 mins Barnes), Cooper, Pamment, Perry, Pople, Rouanne
Ringmer 0 - 0 St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team