Match Report
Match Report - 31 Mar 2012, St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team lost to Worthing United
Rangers 0 Worthing United 1
A late headed goal condemned Rangers to another home defeat, a result which helps Worthing in their own survival attempts.
Rangers were without keeper Rod Gordon and with all 3 other club keepers injured left back Shane Collins deputised and did a fabulous job. He looked assured and had an excellent game. His strong calling and positive impact coming off his line for crosses gave the defence extra confidence which might have been lacking in recent weeks. He even managed to save a first half penalty!
Rangers also gave a debut to 17 year old Josh Bryant, on loan from Whitehawk, and he also had an excellent game. Cooper and Akehurst were the other changes, with Pople, Whitefords and Philpot dropping to the bench.
The game was a very tight affair with chances limited for both sides, as once again the very poor pitch made it extremely hard to play for both sides. There was a contrast of styles with United content on playing long balls to the pacy front pair, whilst Rangers tried to get the ball down and play despite the poor surface.
An even first half saw 2 committed sides go head to head and both could have taken the lead. Mann had the best chance for United but miss hit his shot with the goal at his mercy. At the other end a superb cross found Romain unmarked at the back post but with an open goal he went for power and volleyed over from 6 yards.
On 32 minutes referee Eaton awarded United a controversial penalty when he decided Bryant had moved his arm towards the ball. It looked harsh as he was only a yard from the player as he flicked the ball up. It was Collins turn to be the hero as he saved Mann's weak penalty with his feet and the rebound cleared.
Dodd picked up a harsh yellow card when he tangled with the forward and minutes later he was penalised for a foul, after he clearly had won the ball. For some reason the referee had decided to put his assistants on the opposite side to normal and with no help he made both decisions from 30 yards, and in my opinion got both decisions wrong as neither were fouls. However as he gave them both Dodd was fortunate only to pick up a single yellow as both should have seen red.
Both sides had half chances but neither tested the keeper as the half ended goalless.
Rangers had the better clear cut chances in the second half but 3 times the United full back, who was MOM, denied Leppard with superb tackles. Pamment, Romain and Forward all had opportunities but couldn't make use of the openings.
Barnes had a strong game at full back and with Clark and Forward providing extra protection the midfield trio of Pamment, Romain & Cooper had chances to push forward and support Leppard. They all linked well and on a better pitch am sure could have had more confidence to play.
Worthing's best chances all came from set pieces, with their towering centre backs causing problems. 4 chances were headed over, but to Rangers credit they at least competed and did enough to stop free headers. One did fall to Freitas 10 yards out but Collins produced a magical save to tip his drive over the ball.
Leppard had the best chance to put Rangers ahead but scuffed his chance when put through by Pamment.
Just as the game looked to be heading for a second goal less draw between the teams a punch from Collins fell to a United player 25 yards out and he looped a header in to the empty net.
Once again Rangers can probably feel harshly treated but again they failed to score through a lack of confidence in front of goal, which has been their achilles heal in recent weeks.
Team: Collins, Dodd, Barnes, Bryant, Akehurst, Forward, Clark, Cooper (Pople 70 mins), Leppard (82 mins Whiteford), Pamment, Romain.
MOM: Akehurst, superb playing out of position at centre back
St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team 0 - 1 Worthing United