Shoot-out Woes

Bob Rayner reports on proceedings from the Shefford Sports Club.

Risborough Rangers made the journey to Bedfordshire to face an in-form Shefford Town & Campton in the FA Vase on Saturday and despite a drawing 1-1 after 90 minutes, they exited the tournament following a penalty shoot-out, the home side scoring five penalties to Ranger's four. It was a scrappy game that saw Rangers create the greater number of chances, with the hosts always looking dangerous on the break. It was clear from the outset that Shefford were fired up for this game and looked determined to rough up their opponents with some robust challenges and looking to hit long early balls onto the Ranger's back four. It was a tactic that worked well and with the Shefford midfield quick to shut down any visiting midfielder when attempting to play through the lines, Rangers soon reverted to hitting long balls too. After eight minutes Rangers' goalkeeper, Jack Brooker had to be quick onto a poor back pass. Three minutes later and the Shefford keeper tipped away a fierce effort from Sean Coles. The resultant corner was headed home by Aaron Jewell at the far post to give Rangers the lead. Shortly after the same player headed just wide following a deep free-kick. At the other end a good cross from the left was volleyed on target, Brooker saving low down. Shefford's long throw expert was a threat and shortly after it lead to a deflected shot and corner that was easily dealt with. Following a period of stalemate, Marcus Wyllie went on a brilliant run from his own half into the Shefford area to tee up Coles whose shot was well blocked. Next, a Kieron Schmidt cross was almost met by the diving Coles who collided with the Shefford keeper, both needed treatment. Wyllie then hit a free kick just wide of the Shefford post. Rangers continued to create half chances as the home defence stood firm. With ten minutes to half time some good build up play from Shefford saw the final shot fired high over the bar. Rangers countered and Liam Enver-Marum was foiled by a brilliant tackle as he lined up to shoot. Another Rangers corner, half cleared to Schmidt on the edge of the box, was rifled back by the midfielder, leaving the Shefford cross-bar juddering. Some good interplay from Enver-Marum and Coles ended with Wyllie, whose shot looked to hit a hand; however, the visitors appeals were waved away. Rangers finished the half strongly with Schmidt forcing the keeper into a good save and Josh Urquhart's header at the back post flashing across the face of the goal.

The second half began with Bertie Squires-Adams' cross just out of Wyllie's reach. Then Wyllie's 55th minute free kick was too high from a good position. Shefford had a great chance 16 minutes after the break when a mix up down Ranger's left saw the ball played in to the Shefford top scorer who headed wide from a great position. It was a poor miss from a player that arguably shouldn't have been on the pitch after he should have received a second yellow card for his challenge on Brooker earlier, having been booked for an even earlier foul. Rangers hit back and Wyllie's shot was blocked by a desperate tackle when he should have scored. Shefford equalised on the 68th minute after a clever pass picked out the substitute, who was given too much time and space to control and finish with aplomb. With 15 minutes remaining a Rangers corner right under the crossbar caused a frantic scramble in the Shefford six yard area before the referee blew for a foul on the keeper. A good run and shot by Wyllie was deflected for a another corner before Shefford countered and Jewell was forced to head away the danger over his own bar. The Shefford long throw again caused problems, ending with an over head kick clearing the bar by some distance. In the 45th minute Laurence Clark's neat pass put in Schmidt who looked to be upended in the box. It looked a clear penalty and the home side breathed a visible sigh of relief when the referee waved away appeals. Shefford quickly broke to force Brooker into a routine save before Rangers finished with a flurry in time added on, forcing four corners in a row, each one defended as though the Shefford team's life depended upon it. With no extra time the game turned to the lottery of penalties with Rangers' first fired high over the bar in a manner that Owen Farrell would have been proud of. Rangers scored their other four but Shefford missed none, with the final kick sending them into delirium.

In a poor game, neither side played attractive football, with so much at stake. The only consolation for Rangers is that they didn't lose (apart from the penalties). Good luck to Shefford who had a plan and stuck to it. It is unlikely that they will go on to win the FA Vase on this showing, but they should enjoy the moment and the prize money, which I'm sure will be very useful. Rangers must pick themselves up, dust off any disappointment and prepare for next Saturday's league fixture.

Rangers Man of the Match: Josh Urquhart. Stayed solid and composed in a difficult game and did his job faultlessly.