Tale of Two Alfies

Having refused to play this fixture back in November due to a light frost, Holmer Green rocked up at the Kamtech last night and again the pitch was the focus of their pre-match attention. This only fuelled the Ris lads to let their boots do the talking and make sure that we bagged our rightful 3 points!

Having had a scan on a fractured talus bone (foot) in the morning, keeper Janes was passed fit to play and looked sharp in the warmup which was to pay big dividends later in the match. Ris started on the front foot and within 5 minutes Williamson had two decent chances from open play both of which went just wide of the mark, and then another from a freekick which was just over. Deliveries into the box from Caille and Wilkins were putting the HG defence in all sorts of bother, and the pressure finally paid off in the 12th minute. Forward Kemp strode through and although his initial shot was blocked, Stupples managed to head it into his path for another attempt and this time it squeezed in at the far post. 1-0 the score and fully deserved.

The backline was being superbly marshalled by Captain Morgan and stayed high at every opportunity, meaning we defended up the pitch and pressed hard in midfield as a team. Fellow Centre Back Watson had an inspired start and made numerous interceptions and headers to snuff out any danger, along with Cringle at Right Back who looked very assured in an unfamiliar position. Then on 25 minutes disaster struck as despite our great start HG were awarded a penalty after a trip in the box by the hard-working McDougall-Hutchins. It was 50/50 at best but the ref was clear, and waved away the Ris protests. Prayers were said, fingers were crossed, and keeper Alfie Janes delivered with a superb save to his left to beat the ball out and ensure we headed to halftime deservedly ahead. Not bad from a player who nearly didn't start the game! There was still time for one last chance when Wilkins delivered a smart first time ball into the box which Ballantyne clipped just wide.

Allard and Warkcup came on as half time subs and both had an instant impact, Allard a constant threat on the right with some lovely interceptions and balls into the channels, and Warkcup with one of the most fearless and energetic displays you'll see in CDM. 10 minutes into the second half and the game was virtually over as a contest, with HG losing a player to injury and going down to 10 men having used all their subs. It was to get worse later as they went down to 9 following another injury. To be fair, the HG players battled hard despite the numerical disadvantage but there was only ever going to be one winner here and Rangers attacked time and time again but just couldn't find the net.

Two more good chances for Ballantyne came and went, which he did extremely well to create but needed a bit of composure at the last minute. A free-kick blazed over by Stupples and a number of goalmouth scrambles but we just couldn't convert. Then with 25 minutes to go it was time for our other Alfie to make his mark as Peake-Pijnen entered the fray and instantly got on the front foot. 10 minutes later and a ball from fellow sub Coker found it's way to 'Peakey' who hit a first time thunderbolt from all of 35 yards which was so powerful the keeper ended up in the back of the net, along with the ball. Queue 'scenes' on the pitch and in the stands as we celebrated an amazing goal and certain 3 points!

Anns replaced the ever-lively Kemp with 15 minutes to go and instantly made an impact on the left with some great touches and diagonals, and even bursting into the box in the last 5 minutes but just hesitating at the last. Final score 2-0 and well deserved. Now onto Penn & Tylers Green Tuesday night in the League Cup.