The beginning of this Spartan South Midlands League Challenge Trophy Semi-Final was delayed by 35 minutes due to a power failure in the area around the 'Windsors' ground, as both teams had to take a break during their warm up routines. There was some doubt that the power would be restored and the game would be cancelled. However, happily for Rangers the power was restored and they were able to secure their place in the final with a convincing win over the defending Premier Division Champions London Colney. Both sides looked a little out of sorts when the game did finally begin and it was four minutes before the first chance. Martin Griggs intercepted a pass and saw the London Colney keeper off his line before shooting from fully 40 yards only to see the ball bounce inches wide. Rangers then survived a couple of London Colney corners as the game stepped up. 14 minutes in and Colney took the lead with a well taken goal. A cross from the right evaded the boot of Justin Gordon and London Colney's Omotosho was on hand to score with a smart finish. Rangers were stunned and London Colney had the better of the next few exchanges. The Rangers defence limited them to long range efforts however and Jack Brooker in the Rangers goal was rarely troubled. Rangers gradually clawed their way back into the game and on 22 minutes Kevin Mealor's great run ended with his shot well over. This signalled the beginning of a very good spell for Rangers as soon after Colney's keeper made a good save at the feet of Marcus Wyllie as he was put in by Mealor. Then Griggs' pass found Lamar Mason-Williams well placed but his shot was just wide. Just before the half hour mark Wyllie brought a great save out of the Colney keeper after a flowing Rangers move as the home side turned the screw. On 30 minutes the breakthrough came as Mealor surged into the penalty area and was bought down by the visiting keeper. Referee Mr. Moore had no hesitation in awarding the penalty and Griggs did what comes naturally to him to level the scores. From the kick off London Colney retaliated with a shot over the bar but it was Rangers that were in the mood and with a few minutes until half-time Asher Yearwood's goal-bound shot was tipped around the post. It was Yearwood again seconds to half-time who turned and shot from 15 yards. The keeper parried the ball out and Mason-Williams was first to react, smashing the ball home from eight yards to send Rangers into the lead at the break.

Rangers wasted no time at the start of the second half and were three one up inside the first minute of the second period. Ollie Lynch who had a terrific game in Rangers' mid-field, threaded a pin-point pass through the LondonColney back line and Griggs out paced his marker before calmly curling the ball around the advancing keeper. The goal appeared to knock the stuffing out of the Colney players as Rangers threatened to turn the game into a rout. Firstly Mason-Williams turned and volleyed, bringing out a stunning save from the Colney keeper. From the resultant corner Joel Read missed and easy chance with a free header. It was Mealor's turn next as he volleyed just over. London Colney replied with a free-kick that just cleared the bar. Rangers came back with Griggs' low shot well saved at the foot of the post. Yearwood then somehow glanced a free header wide of the post when only a yard out from the following corner. Another London Colney free-kick went harmlessly through to Brooker on 60 minutes. Griggs then followed with a free-kick that nearly crept in at the front post. Five minutes later a London Colney cross dropped onto the Rangers crossbar but Brooker appeared to have it covered. With 15 minutes remaining Griggs sent Mason Williams away and he blazed over what looked an easy chance. It was Rangers' last real chance as they looked to close the game down and defend their lead. It was time now for the back four of Dave Newton, Captain Read, Justin Gordon and the excellent Billy Harrison to earn their corn and earn it they did! Ably screened by the tenacious Lynch, Risborough restricted London Colney to long range efforts whilst Brooker comfortably dealt with any crosses. There was one moment of panic with four minutes remaining as Rangers failed to clear a corner. The ball bobbled around the by now quagmire of their penalty area like a pinball as players in red and blue either tried to hit Row Z or the back of the Onion Bag. For what seemed an eternity the ball Ricocheted dangerously around the Rangers goal-mouth as the crowd held its communal breath. Eventually a London Colney players ended the circus when his shot hit the side netting allowing the crowd to breathe again! Rangers regained their composure and were able to manage the game to its conclusion and book their place in the final where they will meet Premier Division Biggleswade or Hoddesdon Town. This was Rangers fourth win over Premier opposition en-route to the final and they have every reason to think that they can do it again!!

Rangers Man of the Match: Martin Griggs. Again several players were in the frame, particularly Kev Mealor who had a great first half, and Ollie Lynch who was excellent throughout. Griggs however showed his all round ability; chasing lost causes, defending from the front, opening up the defences with raking cross-field passes and superb dead ball deliveries. On top of that he scored a high pressure penalty kick and a superb third Rangers goal!