Rangers Cup Exit At The Heath

Risborough Rangers continued their poor start to the season as they bowed out of the Premier Division Cup at the first hurdle, losing to a second half goal at Colney Heath in a somewhat scrappy affair. Rangers started the game with three new signings in their line up; Goalkeeper Adi Connolly, midfielder Kian Wilkes and on the subs bench, midfielder Ethan Holt. Unsurprising really, with Rangers missing six key players in Kieran Schmidt, Alex Kedzierski, Jack Brooker, Harry Scott, Gavin James and Josh Fox, all with injuries or illness. The first chance fell to Risborough following a raking pass from Joel Read that set away Bailey Osborne, the winger shooting just wide. Minutes later and a good strike from Curtis Brown produced a fine save by the Colney keeper, the loose ball falling to Sean Coles, his effort also saved. It wasn't until the 33rd minute that Heath really threatened, a free header straight to Rangers keeper, Connolly. Rangers broke and a surging run down the left by Alex Sethi was ended when Jefferson Louis fouled his marker whilst trying to get onto the end of Sethi’s cross. Shortly after and the hard working Asher Yearwood threaded a superb ball between two defenders to find Brown, his low strike hitting the side netting. With five minutes to the break, Brown was again threatening, before being bundled to the ground, the referee waving away shouts for a Risborough penalty. The half time whistle arrived leaving the Rangers fans with a sense of deja vu.

Four minutes into the second half and another Rangers chance goes begging after Osborne pounced onto Louis' flick before forcing the keeper into a good save low down. Heath hit back and an excellent saving tackle by Sethi in the box kept the scores level. With 58 minutes played Colney pounce on a loose ball by Jordan Heggie and countered, the ball finding Sippetts on the edge of the Rangers box. The wiry striker cleverly worked himself some space to shoot low through a crowd of legs into the far corner of the net, giving Connolly no chance. It was a familiar pattern for the visitors, having had most of the chances and falling behind to a rare opportunity. Rangers almost pulled it level after a fine move involving Louis, Yearwood and Osborne, the latter clipping his angled shot onto the roof of the net. Colney should have doubled their lead soon after, presented with a good chance, the strike weakly hit and well wide. Yearwood then hit a fierce low shot from the edge straight at the keeper as Rangers countered. More good play by the visitors finished with Coles' cross headed into the keepers arms by Louis. Colney Heath broke away, the move ending with a poor effort high over the visitors bar. Sethi almost caught the Magpies keeper out with a long looping effort over his head, the back-pedalling goalie just tipping the ball over his bar. With ten minutes remaining the home side had a good shout for a penalty following Ellis Hercules' challenge, fortunately for Rangers the referee was not in a giving mood, as seen earlier at the other end. The loose ball was whipped goal-wards forcing an excellent save from Connolly. In the closing minutes Rangers tried to find a way, Osborne hitting the side netting then Louis, producing a good turn in the area before rifling the ball straight into the arms of a grateful keeper, leaving Rangers with their fourth blank from five games.

Another close defeat for Rangers and another game that, with a little luck could have gone their way. The Rangers management desperately need to get some of their injured players back; and that all important finishing touch in front of goal. Easier said than done but hopefully it will come next Saturday when they travel to Flackwell Heath in the FA Vase. Kick off 3pm.

Rangers Man of the Match: Asher Yearwood. Gave his all as usual. Constantly looking for the ball and trying to get forward in attack. Does not shirk his defensive duties either, chasing and harrying his opposite numbers throughout.