Match Report
Match Report - 18 Feb 2012, St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team lost to Peacehaven
Peacehaven 4 Rangers 0
Peacehaven made the better use of the conditions to secure a win, but overall the scoreline flattered the hosts. For 70 minutes it was a tight game but Rangers mistakes were once again punished and the home side scored 4 late goals.
Rangers made 2 changes with Glenn Charker coming in to replace the departed Carruthers, with Pople in for Perry.
With the strong wind at their backs Rangers were the better side in the first half but they failed to take advantage of the conditions. The hosts were not able to muster a single shot on target and they were fortunate not to be down to 10 when the forward was only booked for punching Walsh in the throat.
Rangers played some neat football but were limited to a few long range efforts, O Neil and Pople both trying audacious efforts from 45 yards. Pamment and Whiteford also had efforts fly wide.
The best moment of the half came when a long diagonal ball was flicked to Pamment who saw Adams tip his shot on the run round the post.
The midfield trio or Clark, Forward and Cooper were on top allowing Whiteford to support Pamment at every opportunity.
Down the right Pople knocked the ball past the full back but his second big Mac slowed him down.
The second half saw the conditions worsen with a gale and driving rain blowing straight down the pitch. It really helped the home side and it was imperative Rangers got the ball down and pass it but they failed to do that for the first 20 minutes of the second half. That invited a lot of pressure, offering Peacehaven the chance to deliver set pieces and crosses but Rangers defended resolutely during that period.
Peacehaven should have opened the scoring after a weak punch from Gordon was turned back towards goal but Dunk headed over from 6 yards. As Peacehaven turned the screw Dodd had to clear off the line from a corner.
Gacias came on for Pople as the visitors looked to try and strengthen the midfield and get the team passing.
Just when it looked like Rangers had weathered they storm they fell behind in poor fashion, with some terrible defending. A right wing corner found a player unmarked 4 yards out in the middle of the goal and he bundled the ball home.
Ironically it was only now that Rangers finally started to play some football and they created 2 good chances. Perry came on for Forward, with Pamment moving in to midfield and he was the catalyst for the better controlled football.
Gacias and Clark had long range shots, Whiteford shot across the face of goal and then from the best move of the match Perry shot wide when well placed.
It looked like Rangers could get back level but they shot themselves in the foot and a second goal killed the contest, with Peacehaven never looking back.
Another mistake, this time Gacias gave the ball away in a deep position, was punished with Brady firing home. Walsh then picked up a booking for pulling back the forward. Cooper had run himself into the ground, so Akehurst replaced him, with Walsh moving up top to save him from the danger of a red card in the horrendous conditions.
Only a last ditch tackle by O Neil denied Peacehaven a third but then another mistake saw Rangers fall further behind. A long 40 yard ball was missed by Akehurst and Rangers failed to react with the ball smashed home at the near post. Rangers were on the ropes and twice Gordon did well to keep the score respectable.
The home side secured victory in injury time with a 4th goal punishing another mistake by Rangers. Pamment failed to join Clark in stopping a short corner and that allowed a free delivery which Walsh sliced into his own net, giving Gordon no chance.
Peacehaven deserved their win but Rangers will rue throwing away all their hard work for 65 minutes with more basic mistakes.
Team: Gordon, Dodd, Walsh, Charker, O Neil, Clark, Forward (64 mins Perry), Cooper (80mins Akehurst), Pople (55 mins Gacias), Whiteford, Pamment
MOM: Walsh and Charker for their determination
Peacehaven 4 - 0 St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team