Rangers Out Muscled

Rangers' looked to get back to winning ways at the Kamtech Stadium last Saturday, but it was not to be as Rangers slumped to a third defeat in a row against a physical Virginia Water's team. In a game marred by stoppages the visitors scored two opportunistic goals, punishing Rangers for their hesitancy in defence. An early cross from Owen James was headed over their own crossbar the bar by a visiting defender before the game became fractured, with the visitors giving away a series of free kicks. Virginia Water should have taken the lead in the 17th minute when Dewhurst was in but he scuffed wide. 25 minutes in and a good cross by James just evaded the outstretched leg of Greg Hackett. Then, in the 37th minute a rare break from the visitors saw a mix up between the home sides centre backs and Dewhurst bundled through to score with a neat finish to give them the lead. The half stuttered toward half time with little to excite with the referee's whistle a welcome respite.

There was a little more action in the second period with Rangers searching for an equaliser and the visitors looking to consolidate. A first minute shot by Jeremiah Luwero was easy for the Water's keeper. A couple of long range efforts by the visitors did little to trouble Craig Hill at the other end. 15 minutes in and good work by Hackett produced a golden opportunity for Adam Smith to equalise but somehow he missed from close range. Rangers levelled on 68 minutes following a good ball from Luwero to James, his cross picked out Hackett at the far post and he headed down into the net. Rangers looked stronger up top with the introduction of Lewis Toomey at centre forward. With Hackett now operating well down the right, forcing the visitors to change their struggling left back, Rangers created several chances with Toomey and Dan West going close. But it was the visitors that got the all important winner after more hesitancy in the Rangers back line gave Dewhurst the chance to nip between two defenders and stab the ball home. With six minutes to go Rangers were reduced to 10 men when Hackett was sin binned for the remainder of the match. Rangers still created chances however with James shot well blocked. Josh Stranks headed wide when well placed and then Smith produced a clever run beating two defenders, only to shoot straight at the keeper when through on goal. In injury time Hill made a good save low down to prevent a third before Smith almost broke through, this time denied by a good tackle.

Rangers next game is at home Easter Saturday when they take on Egham Town. Kick Off at the Kamtech Stadium is 3pm.