Saints Sunk By Half-Time

Rangers gave a first half attacking masterclass at Mill Meadow on Saturday against a depleted Chalfont St Peter as they stretched their run to seven games without defeat and kept a fourth clean sheet in a row. An inexperienced Saints were hit for five goals in a scintillating 45 minute spell from the visitors. An early run from Wiktor Makowski showed Rangers' intent, his low cross cut out by a despairing boot. Rangers top scorer, Lewis Toomey, was then set free down the left, his dangerous ball missed by several outstretched legs. Toomey then had the ball in the net after a good run from Makowski, only to see the offside flag raised. In the tenth minute Rangers netted legitimately following some neat play around the box, leading to Makowski scoring from a tight angle, firing high into the net. A moment of panic followed when Saints' first attack of the day ended with Rangers keeper, Craig Hill, tipping over a fierce strike. The subsequent corner was flicked wide following good pressure by skipper, Josh Urquhart. Toomey then got his head onto a good free kick, forcing a fine save by the Saints' keeper. As the game entered the 28th minute a great ball from Ben Sturgess picked out Makowski, who was denied by a good save at his feet at the expense of a corner. Harry Scott played the corner to Manny Williams who cleverly turned his marker before squaring to Toby Nnadozie, who made no mistake from eight yards. It was all Rangers now; A good tackle from Alfie Branwhite led to Makowski freeing Toomey who chipped his shot just wide,. Soon after, Urquhart, in unfamiliar territory, did well to set up Williams, his low shot tipped around the post. Gary Connelly joined in from the back, shooting from distance well wide. The 32nd minute bought a third goal for Rangers and the best of the afternoon. A good pass from Charlie Smith, a powerful run down the flank from Scott, followed by a neat cut back to Nnadozie, arriving in the box to smash home his second whilst on the run. It was a just reward for the Rangers midfielders tireless performance. Six minutes later and the visitors added a fourth, Sturgess picking out Williams who sprinted into the box before selflessly teeing the ball up for Makowski to get his second, slotting home from close range. Makowski almost got his hat-trick when his low shot was well saved at the near post on 40 minutes. A fifth was added two minutes into time added to the first half, Williams again the supplier, picking out Scott to volley home from ten yards.

The expected onslaught in the second half never came and credit must go to the hosts who refused to give up, giving a spirited performance after some re-arrangement. Rangers created an early chance with Williams heading straight at the keeper when well placed. Nnadozie's clever pass then set Makowski away to slot the ball past the onrushing keeper, but also just past the far upright. Saints rallied a little and a long shot flew well wide, before an interception by Sturgess almost caught the home side out, the Rangers player-assistant manager shooting low and powerfully straight at the keeper. A Rangers free kick then fell to Urquhart whose goal-bound volley was brilliantly deflected away. At the other end the Rangers skipper produced an excellent tackle to deny the home side as Chalfont enjoyed a spell of pressure. Soon after a dangerous cross-shot fizzed across the Rangers area evading everyone. This was soon followed by an attempted lob dropping safely behind Hill's net after a moment of sloppiness by Rangers. Risborough countered and Makowski was brilliantly tackled as he raced in on goal. Williams followed this up with a fierce strike wide of the target. Moments later Scott's searching cross was well claimed by the keeper before, at the other end a deflected Saints cross almost caught out Hill, the Rangers keeper reacting well to save at his near post. With Rangers back in control and Nnadozie bossing the middle of the park the game ended with Joe Fitzgerald almost in to make it six, his shot blocked, the rebound falling to Nnadozie who fired over.

Another great performance on the road for manager, Mark Eaton's revitalised squad. With Connolly and Urquhart in dominant form Hill was rarely tested, though his presence alone would give any back-four confidence. The full backs looked solid and contributed well going forward and the change of Branwhite, who had an excellent game again, for Matt Peake-Pijnen was seamless with Peaky playing well. Smith's move from full-back to centre-half showed what a versatile player he is. With the ever reliable Joe Fitzgerald returning from his suspension in determined mood it looks as though all bases are covered defensively. I've mentioned the midfield a lot in recent games but It can't be denied that Sturgess and Nnadozie are a driving force, with the latter outstanding in this game, and the addition of Ollie Bishop adds real strength. Going forward Toomey is showing why he has plied his trade at a higher level with another very good performance, until his unfortunate injury in the first half, when he was ably replaced by the skilful Jeremiah Luwero. Makowski and Scott looked unplayable with their pace, skill, determination and finishing and Williams, showing all his experience and guile, had an excellent game. It was always going to be difficult to repeat that first half performance but Rangers never really looked like conceding against a determined fight back and certainly had enough opportunities in the second period to have added to their tally. Hopefully this squad can carry their form into Saturday's away game against high riding Virginia Water where they will be looking for revenge for the FA Cup defeat inflicted on the first day of the season. Kick off at Stag Meadow, Windsor is 3pm.

Rangers Man of the Match: Toby Nnadozie. A brilliantly mature performance from the young midfielder. It is difficult to describe just how good he was but to put it simply, I can't remember Toby making a single mistake or make one bad decision. His work rate was superhuman as he covered every inch of the pitch, winning tackles and second balls, passing sensibly and well and scoring two great goals! It was a faultless display.