Bogey Laid To Rest

Rangers finally beat their bogey side, Ardley United, after four straight defeats against the Oxfordshire outfit. Risborough could have been forgiven in thinking they would not have to face their nemesis at all this season, having moved into the Combined Counties League Premier Division North, but the Oxfordshire club, despite being out on a limb geographically, applied to move across too and where, rather surprisingly, accepted. The Rangers faithful needn't have worried however, as Rangers beat a very experienced United by two goals to nil last Tuesday night at the Kamtech Stadium, in a physical match that was refereed well by Mr Kaho Wong. In the first 10 minutes both sides earned a corner, both well defended. Seven minutes later and Harvey Harry won a second Rangers corner with the cross dropping to Harry Scott who fired straight at the keeper. United countered and a dangerous cross was cleared by the home side. Rangers took the lead on 25 minutes; Matt Peake-Pijnen's deep free kick picked out Ben Sturgess who headed across the Ardley goalmouth for Liam Enver-Marum to head powerfully home. Another dangerous United cross was well defended by Alex Sethie at the far post as the visitors countered. Rangers keeper, Connor Hunt, easily held a dipping drive a few minutes later and on the stroke of half time Hunt gathered a low shot from 20 yards. Rangers broke from this and Enver-Marum did well to beat his marker only to see his shot blocked. The loose ball fell to Scott whose strike appeared to hit a defending hand, with Rangers appeals for a penalty waved away. The half ended with Sturgess denied following a free kick and Scott again unlucky with a fine effort inches wide.

Rangers started the second period brightly with Enver-Marum's turn and powerful shot dipping just over. Soon after United were denied by a great goal-line clearance from Joe Fitzgerald. Back came Rangers and Enver-Marum's fierce free kick was tipped onto the United cross-bar. In the 53rd minute Rangers Harry cut in from the right to hit a great strike goalward. The keeper did well to parry but Rangers midfielder, Toby Nnadozie was following up to slam home and double the home sides lead. Rangers were soon on the attack again as Keiron Schmidt was foiled by a great tackle and moments later Sturgess was again denied, with Schmidt following up, his volley blocked. With 20 minutes remaining United went very close with a close range strike hitting the underside of the bar and bouncing on the goal-line, the ball was still not cleared effectively and a second effort somehow went past the post when it looked easier to score. This marked the beginning of an Ardley fightback as they pressed to get back into the game. Another great chance for the visitors saw Hunt brilliantly tip over a close range volley, followed by a couple of United penalty shouts, one debatable (quite possibly a pen?) the other not. A rare break for Rangers followed in the 43rd minute, good work Michael Harding and a drilled shot from Ben Peters saved well, low down by the post. United came back and Rangers defended well as the game ended rather scrappily with lots of fouls from both sides and bookings likewise. A good win against a decent side following on from the convincing away win at Egham should give Rangers heart for Saturday's big game against an inform Flackwell Heath in the FA Vase. The match kicks off at 3pm at the Kamtech Stadium.

Rangers Man of the Match: Toby Nnadozie. Since joining Rangers Toby has impressed with his skill and athleticism. His work rate and competitiveness are just what is required in his role. Always available to receive the ball and his close control catches the eye, turning out of tight situations. A great performance in a combative game and an instinctive goal too.