Five To The Good

The first thing that struck me as the game kicked off at Wallingford & Crowmarsh's 'Hithercroft' ground last Tuesday night was the colour clash, with Wallingford in bright orange and Rangers in all red, making it difficult to define who was in possession under the bright lights at times, highlighting the need for Rangers to find a replacement kit man ASAP!. It would appear that the two teams found it difficult too, with the ball all too often passed to an opposing player by both sides in what, in truth, was a poor first half. Rangers lost influential midfielder, Alex Kedzierski after just ten minutes to injury, forcing Rangers manager Mark Eaton to reshuffle his pack by giving the returning Wiktor Makowski an extended opportunity; he did not disappoint. Soon after this, Rangers keeper, Craig Hill, was out quickly to snuff out a low cross comfortably. It was a further 10 minutes before any more goalmouth action when a half cleared Rangers corner was recycled by Makowski, with Gary Connelly just failing to make contact. Five minutes later and Harry Scott curled a free kick over the Wallingford wall and straight into the midriff of the home goalkeeper. A foul on Hill appeared to earn a Wallingford player a booking, but after consulting his linesman the booking was rightly rescinded, earning the referee a great deal of respect from me. Another five minutes and a long punt from Hill was flicked on by Lewis Toomey to Makowski, who couldn't stretch quite enough for a finishing touch. With 27 minutes gone the effervescent Rangers midfielder, Ben Sturgess delivered a superb quick free kick into the path of Toomey who raced through only to be brought down just inside the box. The referee initially awarded a free kick on the edge until he again consulted with an assistant who assured him it was a penalty, much to the ire of the home team who had to be reminded of the rescinded yellow card; 'You can't have it both ways' sprung to mind. Toomey duly dispatched the spot-kick to put the visitors ahead. In the 45th minute a miscued cross almost dropped over the head of Hill before the Rangers keeper twisted brilliantly to tip the ball onto the crossbar and off for a....goal-kick, cue more outrage! Rangers countered and Charlie Smith crossed from the right onto the head of Alfie Branwhite who should have scored with a free header. Seconds before the break a Wallingford corner dropped nicely for the home side but a scuffed effort was deflected wide to ensure that Rangers retired for oranges with a slender lead.

Following a dull first half, those in attendance could have been forgiven for grimacing at the thought of a further 45 minutes. They needn't have worried, because for the neutral and the travelling fans it was an excellent display of forward play that followed from the visitors. From the restart a point blank header from Toomey was well saved. Another good save soon followed from Scott's effort. On 48 minutes Toomey picked up the ball out wide and cleverly turned his man to cross, finding Jeremiah Luwero in the Wallingford area, the Rangers striker neatly laid the ball back for Toby Nnadozie to slam home from the edge of the box to extend Rangers' lead. Five minutes later and it was three; a long ball, superb control on the turn from Toomey and a sublime finish into the far corner; Goal of the season contender maybe? From the restart Wallingford forced a good save low down from Hill as they tried to get back in the game, but a minute later Rangers added a fourth following good work by Luwero and Makowski, the latter feeding Scott who skipped past his man and rifled home from 15 yards. On the hour mark Scott added a fifth and his second, a long ball from Connolly setting him away for a cool finish. Manny Williams should have added a sixth when he fired over after neat play from from Luwero, Nnadozie and Scott. Soon after and Makowski's long range effort was deflected into the arms of the grateful Wallingford keeper. A rare break for the home side ended with a shot fired high over the bar. Rangers hit back again as Williams' shot was blocked. The last action saw a decent cross from Rangers right back Smith, headed tamely into the hands of the home keeper by Scott. A comfortable win on the road for Rangers who's fitness levels far outweighed the opposition, particularly Sturgess and Nnadozie in the middle of the park. A second clean sheet in a row and a run of five games unbeaten for Rangers, which has seen them win three and draw two. It should put them in buoyant mood for Saturday's home fixture against bottom club, Harefield United, although the visitors have also enjoyed a mini revival, winning their last two!

Rangers Man of the Match: Lewis Toomey. A difficult one to pick, with the midfield putting in a tireless performance, the back four all playing well and the forward line in lively form, but with two goals and an assist Lewis gets the nod. He led the line well, brought others into play, chased lost causes and won countless flick-ons, not to mention....that goal!!!