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Sat 13 Aug 2022  ·  Premier Division
Risborough Rangers
First Team
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Hoddesdon Town
A Point Apiece

A Point Apiece

Rob Cairney14 Aug 2022 - 11:47
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Goalless draw with Hoddesdon gives Rangers first point.

A POINT APIECE

Goalless draw with Hoddesdon gives Rangers first point

Bob Rayner reports from a sunny B.E.P.

Rangers and their visitors, Hoddesdon Town, went into this league match having lost their opening fixtures and failing to find a way to goal, so it seemed inevitable that this would end goalless, and so it was, although it was thanks to both goalkeepers that it remained scoreless. Rangers have keeper Alfie Bonfield to thank for several fine saves that kept the visitors at bay, whilst at the other end Town's custodian also had a busy afternoon, especially in the closing stages as Rangers battered the Hoddesdon goalmouth. In the blazing heat both teams began tentatively with the first chance falling to Rangers following a corner, Ellis Hercules heading just wide. Moments later and Jefferson Louis went close with a strike across the face of goal. Shortly after the same player set away Bailey Osborne who was thwarted by a fine tackle. Harry Scott drilled his low effort wide on 19 minutes and three minutes later, Hercules again headed goalward from Ben Sturgess' free kick, straight into the arms of the Town keeper. Hoddesdon's first effort on goal was easily dealt with by Bonfield and three minutes later he produced an excellent save low to his left as the visitors came into the game. A few minutes on and Bonfield again palmed away a good strike following a break down the Rangers right. As the half entered its final ten minutes Jordan Heggie picked out Osborne with a fine pass, the young wingers low cross flying off a retreating defender and missing the post by a whisker. From the corner Hercules headed over from close range. Rangers ended the half strongly with Osborne clever turn and shot parried out into the danger area with no one reacting to the rebound.

The second period followed a similar pattern with Rangers on the attack as Heggie was just wide following some good pressure. Five minutes into the half and Asher Yearwood got onto the end of a Rangers corner, hitting the bar with a great volley from 12 yards. Town broke and a shot at the far post was well held by Bonfield. Rangers left back, Josh Fox then produced a great run and shot, the keeper somehow saving with his legs. Hoddesdon hit back on the break and Bonfield produced another good save at the feet of the onrushing striker. A spell of midfield mediocrity followed as the Sun took its toll before fresh legs livened proceedings again. Bonfield dealt well with a high ball under pressure, grabbing the ball at the second attempt, before Rangers began a sustained assault on the visitors goal. Fox's free kick was arrowing into the bottom corner before the Town keeper dived full length to tip it around the post. Gavin James then had a good chance, setting himself well, only to fire into the arms of the keeper. The visitors were hanging on, looking content with a point as Rangers piled on the pressure. Louis curled a free kick just over the bar, followed by a sliced clearance from Yearwood's dangerous cross. A flurry of corners for the home side followed with Hoddesdon defending desperately, James goal-bound header hitting a team-mate following one corner, to sum up the home sides luck. Curtis Brown tried his luck during time added on, his deflected effort well saved by the overworked keeper. Yearwood should have scored whilst free at the far post following good work from Fox, somehow turning it wide! Louis' flick-on found Sean Coles who set up Brown, producing another great save from Town's keeper. Rangers continued to push for a winner as a great cross from Coles fizzed across the face of goal with no one able to apply the finishing touch. The last chance fell to Yearwood after Bertie Squire-Adam's long throw, his half volley clearing the bar.

Two games in and a valuable point. One can't fault the players for lack of effort. In the two league games to date Risborough have dominated possession for long periods but still cannot find that elusive goal. But that will change, the little bit of luck will return and the floodgates will open. A real plus was the fitness level, as Rangers stayed strong whilst Hoddesdon visibly faded. Rangers have a difficult league fixture away to Ardley United on Tuesday evening where hopefully they can pick up three points.

Man of the Match: Alfie Bonfield. Despite the long periods of pressure and possession enjoyed by Rangers, Hoddesdon had some real chances on the break and with Rangers struggling to find the net, Alfie's saves were absolutely key to the team picking up a point. A fine performance showing concentration and some great keeping.

Match details

Match date

Sat 13 Aug 2022

Kickoff

15:00

Attendance

88

Competition

Premier Division

League position

15
Risborough Rangers
18
Hoddesdon Town
Team overview
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