Rangers exited the Emirates FA Cup with an ‘out of sorts’ performance against a determined Wells City. Maybe it was the long journey to Somerset but Risborough never really did themselves justice and can have no complaints with their first defeat of the 2026-67 season.

The boys started well enough, a second minute shot by skipper Aaron Minhas well held by home stopper Tom Creed. They were, in fact, enjoying quite a bit of the early possession but when a ninth minute move broke down in midfield they were punished by a fine strike from Raphel Oppong that gave Ben Bridle-Card no real chance.

Almost from that moment the home side were content to sit on their lead, waste as mush time as the Ref would allow and generally play on the break. Risborough were making most of the running but the final ball was found wanting. Niko Muir put an effort over the bar on 37 minutes and two minutes later Josh Willimas set up Rio Connell but his goal-bound strike was deflected over by a last-ditch intervention by the Wells defence. The nearest Rangers came to a goal was when, from the resulting corner, Keano Robinson saw his header canon off the Wells bar. Two minutes later the visitors were indebted to their defender as he cleared a rare home strike off the line. Half time 1-0 to Wells.

Some harsh words from Manger Gary Meakin during the break and the introduction of Stefan Powell and Elliott Buchanan for Aaron Moinhas and Jack Hutchinson briefly gave Rangers new energy. EK had an effort just wide on 47 minutes and straight after Josh Williams should have done better when presented with a chance to shoot.

The visitors hopes were further dashed on 56 minutes when a ‘was it a cross or was it a shot’ effort from Jake Brown deceived Bridle-Card to put the home side two up. Risborough did give themselves a glimmer of hope on 73 minutes when Buchanan curled in a fine effort. A few minutes later Connell saw his header saved by Creed. Wells then grabbed their third when Jacob Reader was presented with a tap in after Bridle-Card had managed to thwart a previous effort, the ball falling kindly for the Wells substitute.

Though both Muir and Connell had close efforts in the later stages, Risborough never really looked like getting back on level terms.

Rangers are back in Spartan South Midlands Premier Division action next Saturday, August 29th when they visit Arlesey Town and that is followed by another away trip just after the Bank Holiday when they visit newly promoted Everett Rovers on Tuesday 1st September.

Come On You Ris!