Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division pacesetters Sawbridgeworth Town continued their unbeaten start to the season as two late goals saw them secure victory in a first ever meeting with Risborough.

The game took a while to get going, Rangers dominating possession early doors though without any final cutting edge. Harry Stratton for the visitors, on seven minutes, and Morgan Arnold for the home side, on twenty minutes, both had speculative shots though neither troubled the opposition goalkeeper.

Probably the best effort came on 26 minutes when Rangers Alex Cathline showed some nimble footwork to create a bit of space at the edge of the box but he sadly dragged his shot narrowly wide. On the stroke of half time, however, Cathline was upended in the box by Joshua Fox and Referee Nick Marriott pointed to the spot. Last week, in the Emirates F.A. Cup, Manny Williams took and scored his penalty. This week he put his effort wide and the sides remained scoreless at the break.

An enforced change at half time saw Micah Williams replace Fabien Etienne, the youngster immediately making an impression with his direct running. Elliot Buchanan saw a header go close on 53 minus but just sixty seconds later Sawbo’s Elijah Grant broke through the R’s defence only to be denied by a fine finger- tip save from Ben Bridle-Card.

Both sides then exchanged half chances without ever seriously looking like troubling the score-board. As the game moved into ‘added time’, and with a 0-0 stalemate looking likely, Sawbridgeworth made the break-through as Risborough made a hash of clearing their lines and the ball fell kindly to Costi Varsoi who sent a well-placed shot through the crowded area and past Bridle-Card.

Two minutes later and another mistake at the heart of the Rangers defence gifted Elijah Grant the easiest goal he will score all season to put the home side two goals up and top of the early season table.

For Risborough it was another frustrating afternoon, the final score-line not a true reflection on the day’s play. With Aylesbury Vale Dynamos due to visit The Kamtech Stadium on Tuesday they need to put this defeat behind them, brush themselves down and deliver the performance they and we know they are more than capable of.

Rangers Man of the Match: Stefan Powell