Match Report
Match Report - 30 Sep 2008, St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team beat Ringmer
Tuesday 30th September 2008
Ringmer 2 – 4 St Francis Rangers
Sussex County Football League Division 1
Rangers poor record at Ringmer looked to be continuing midway through the first half when the hosts scored 2 quick goals against the run of play but a fantastic 2nd half saw Rangers turn in 4 goals and run out comfortable winners. Rangers dominated much of the first half possession but lacked any real cutting edge and it was Ringmer who looked more of a threat going down the hill in the first half. Ringmer play a neat quick passing game but are prepared to go direct in the final 3rd and although Rangers dealt with this threat quite comfortably they probably only have themselves to blame for being 2-0 down at half time.
Iain Wood nearly opened the scoring 15 minutes in when his tame shot from a Chris Maynard free kick was saved at the 2nd attempt by Dave Phillip. Maynard was at the heart of everything and his cross on the run minutes later just eluded Jake Forward. Although Rangers passing was good, they occasionally overplayed it in the final 3rd and when Phil Gault lost possession, he was relieved to Jo Jo Tubon head wide. Rangers turned up the pressure and Terry Gacias saw his free kick headed over and then moment later Gault saw his free kick saved at the 2nd attempt. Sam Jeremiah was next to go close when he saw his goal bound shot blocked after some good link up play between Tom Djamaluddin and Jake Forward. Ringmer struck after Rangers had numerous chances to clear a corner and when the ball was fired back into the Rangers box it was touched in by Tubon. For all of Rangers protests for an offside, they were waved away. Right from the re-start Gault thought he had equalised when he finished well after being put through by Gacias. Directly from the free kick Ringmer made it 2-0. Ben Palmer let the ball bounce and Simon Lehkyj was beaten to the ball by Jason Sowter who slotted home. Sam Jeremiah almost pulled one back just before half time but his header fell kindly into Philp’s hands.
Whatever Dan Bryan said at half time it worked wonders. Rangers came out and absolutely dominated the next 45 minutes with Ringmer having no answer. Right from the kick off Rangers went close from a corner which was spilt by Philp and Rangers skipper Dan O’Farrell could only watch his shot go over. Elliott Butler and Maynard were linking up really well down the left and it was Sam Jeremiah who was next to be thwarted by a good save. On 54 minutes Rangers got the break through when Gault saw his free kick spilt again by Phillips but this time it fell to Maynard who chipped the ball up to the back post for Djamaluddin to head home. Rangers continued to press and a succession of corners eventually paid off when O’Farrell came short for Maynard and his neat ball back opened up enough room for Maynard to fire home from 20 yards. It was one way traffic and when Sam Palmer replaced Jake Forward on 77 Rangers had another option down the flank and his pace tore Ringmer apart. It was Sam Palmer who made Rangers 3rd with a run and cross, Jeremiah shot was saved but the rebound fell kindly to Maynard for his 2nd and Rangers 3rd. Sam Palmer was next to see his effort well saved before Gault wrapped up proceedings with a neat finish from the edge of the box which the keeper gifted him. Simon Lehkyj made his only save of the 2nd half 3 minutes in to stoppage time when he fisted out a header from MacMillan.
Bryan said “I am absolutely delighted with the performance. After giving 2 sloppy goals away, we showed real character and got what we deserved. Dan O’Farrell was absolutely immense tonight and lead like a true skipper. This gives us a real lift for Saturday’s venture in the Vase and with Sam Jeremiah being selected for Sussex, we have had a pretty good week”.
Rangers: Lehkyj, Djamaluddin, Butler, B.Palmer, O’Farrell, Gacias, Wood, Forward, Jeremiah, Gault, Maynard: Subs: S.Palmer (Forward 77), Breads (Jeremiah 88), Walton, Baker both unused.
MOM: Can’t separate Dan O’Farrell and Iain Wood. Both players drove the team on and their performances were 100% committed and full of quality.
Ringmer 2 - 4 St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team