Lane Look Likely

Rayners Lane arrived at the Kamtech Stadium after much speculation surrounding their ambitious plans, with a side full of seasoned pro's and players with very good non-league pedigree, following some big investment at the west London club (according to the grapevine). They are already being cited as champions elect and if Saturday's game was anything to go by, I wouldn't bet against it. Rangers played their part though as they made their first ever appearance in the Combined Counties League Premier Division North, matching the visitors for much of the contest in an excellent game of football. Despite limited chances throughout, this was a game played at a very high standard with some fine football on show. It was a much changed team to the Rangers side that bowed out of the FA Cup at Virginia Water in an abysmal match last Saturday, with Alex Sethie ably coming in at centre back, Gary Connelly moving successfully into midfield and two new signings, Toby Nnadozie and Lauric Diakiesse both making very impressive debuts. The first period saw the visitors play some nice possession football with Rangers countering on the break. The first chance on 18 minutes saw Rangers keeper Connor Hunt pull off an excellent save from a fierce free kick. Rangers broke back and a good ball from Diakiesse found Lewes Toomey who set up Harry Scott to fire over the Lane bar. Ten minutes later and a half clearance from Rangers was fired back in, well wide of Hunt's right post. Rangers grew into the game and played some neat football of their own with both sides creating half chances as the game ebbed and flowed. With five minutes to the break Hunt did well to claim a high ball under pressure before feeding Joe Fitzgerald whose raking pass found Scott who again fired over the bar from distance. Rayners Lane came close with a dipping volley over the angle of the goal. The half finished with a neat move by Rangers ending with Conolly shooting a yard over from the edge of the Lane area.

The second period began as the first had left off with some excellent football played by both teams. 12 minutes into the half and Rangers forced a corner after Toomey's header was deflected off. Soon after and another Rangers cross was headed wide by the sane player. Lane soon hit back and a low strike from 25 yards fizzed past the diving Hunt and the Rangers post. Another fine move from the visitors down the Rangers right was cut back, this time the final shot was high over the bar. Lane were enjoying a good spell and Sethie made an important block in Rangers penalty area to snuff out a close range shot. Rangers should have taken the lead on 70 minutes following some panic in the Lane area with the ball finally falling to Rangers skipper, Josh Urquhart; the centre back's side foot shot from close range was saved by the leg of the visiting keeper. It was Hunt's turn to save Rangers moments later, making a point blank save as Lane threatened. With the game looking a likely draw a mistake in the 83rd minute down the Rangers right allowed Lane's Connell to break through on goal and finish superbly to give the visitors the lead. The same player almost scored a carbon copy two minutes later, this time however, he skied the ball into the cricket field beyond. With two minutes of normal time remaining, a superb overhead kick from Toomey was brilliantly saved by the Lane keeper as Rangers looked for an equaliser. With the game now into time added on, Lane's Bubb was red carded for a dangerous challenge and Rangers' Urquhart sin binned for his comments to the referee. Rangers created a decent late chance with Sean Coles' deep cross just evading Presley Evans' outstretched boot at the far post. There was just time for Lane to counter, forcing Hunt to make another excellent save as he raced from his line. Rayners Lane are clearly a very good side at this level and played some lovely football, but Rangers can take heart from the fact that they were always in the game and played some great football themselves, as well as putting in some sterling work. On this showing, Rangers showed that they can push Lane all the way this season. A word too for the referee, Gifford Manyange, who had an excellent game despite constant complaints, particularly from the visitors!

Rangers now have two testing away fixtures, starting at Reading City on Tuesday night and then at Egham on Saturday. The two teams finished in 3rd and 2nd place respectively last season.

Rangers Man of the Match: Toby Nnadozie. Signed during the week, Toby came straight into the team for this game and didn't disappoint. Showed great skill and technical ability, he also has an eye for a pass and the work-rate to match it. In a game where there were many fine performances he caught the eye.