Rangers See Red

Bedfont Sports made their first ever visit to the Kamtech Stadium on Saturday and went away with the points, scoring a late winner in this five goal thriller, as Rangers once again imploded following a foolish sending off in the 78th minute with the game poised at two-all. A good start by Rangers saw Lewis Toomey's angled shot fly just over. Jamie Robinson then did well to set up Manny Williams, his effort easy for the Bedfont keeper. The visitors then threatened with a shot well over before testing Rangers keeper, Connor Hunt, with a dangerous cross that he did well to hold. Josh Urquhart was then on hand to cut out a low cut back, as Bedfont broke down the right. Rangers countered and Robinsons deep cross was well taken. Urquhart again did well to get a toe in just as the Sports striker prepared to shoot, with Joe Fitzgerald doing likewise soon after as the visitors came more into it. Slightly against the run of play Rangers broke up-field with Michael Harding and Williams combining well to set Toomey away to score with a fine finish. Rangers weren't in front for long however and Williams' pass was cut out just inside Rangers half, presenting Bedfont's Bitmead with the chance to brilliantly catch Hunt out with a superb lob. Soon after the restart Toomey's toe just couldn't quite connect with Matt Peake-Pijnen's pass, with the goal at his mercy. A raking diagonal from Alex Sethie then picked out Williams, who set himself up with a great first touch, but Rangers' new signing delayed just a fraction too long and his effort was blocked. Bedfont hit back to force a corner and with Rangers twice failing to clear the danger, Weight slammed home from close range at the second attempt to give them the lead. In the closing minutes of the first half both sides had chances, the best of which saw Williams almost capitalise on a poor keepers clearance, chipping wide with the Bedfont custodian stranded.

The second period began with a firm Bedfont free kick straight into the hands of Hunt. Seven minutes into the half and Rangers were level. Good work from Toomey and a neat one-two between Williams and Harding saw the latter fire home from 10 yards. This was the signal for Rangers to enjoy their best spell of the game with substitute Harry Scott causing all sorts of problems for the Bedfont left back. Chances came and went with Williams' strike blocked, Peake-Pijnen going close with a low drive, Harding forcing the visiting keeper into a good save low down, followed soon after by Scott forcing an even better save. Rangers went very close when Scott's corner was firmly met by the head of the tireless Ben Sturgess, the ball coming off the far post as Bedfont survived again. Bedfont looked all in as the heat and the relentless pressure began to tell. Another great save by the Bedfont keeper denied Scott following a skilful run and shot. A rare break from Bedfont and Hunt easily dealt with a looping header. Rangers were soon on the attack again as Toomey volleyed wide from a tight angle. Toomey was again in action moments later when set up by Harding, but the normally reliable striker scuffed his kick. Another Sturgess header from another Scott corner, this time falling wide. With about ten minutes to go the Bedfont keeper failed to hold Scott's fierce free kick, but both Williams and Harding couldn't get a finishing touch and the ball was scrambled away. At the other end Hunt pulled off an unbelievable point blank save as Bedfont should score, somehow acrobatically blocking from a few yards out. The moment that changed the game however came in the 78th minute as Rangers substitute, Ben Peters, was fouled on the halfway line. The referee immediately blew for a free kick to Rangers, yet inexplicably, Sethie came charging through with a reckless challenge in retribution, for which he rightly received a red card. Bedfont saw their chance and appeared to get their wind back as ten man Rangers wilted in the sunshine and they punished the home side in the closing minutes with a late winner from Bitmead following a good run across the Rangers box. There was just enough time for Rangers to conjure up a great chance for Harding, who was denied by desperate block, ensuring that Bedfont went home with an unlikely win.

Rangers once again appear to be the architects of their own downfall. No one can know for sure what would have happened if Risborough had kept all of their players on the pitch, but it cannot be denied that they were looking the likeliest winner, though even a point would have been nice the way things are going. It makes next Saturday's home game against an in form Burnham even more vital if they are to end this run of poor results. Kick off on Saturday at the Kamtech Stadium is 3pm.

Rangers Man of the Match: Harry Scott. A much improved performance from Rangers, especially in the second half following the introduction of Harry. He beat his opposite number time and again, causing all sorts of problems. He produced some dangerous crosses and corners and was unlucky not to score with a couple of good strikes. Despite only playing half a game he caught the eye with a great display of wing-play that added a cutting edge.