The game took a while to get going, with both sides enjoying periods of possession without testing either goalkeeper. Elliott Buchanan curled an effort wide on 24 minutes, whilst his strike partner Niko Muir saw a 31st-minute effort saved by Jimmy Parker in the visitors’ goal. Sawbridgeworth’s Morgan Arnold then had a 35th-minute shot deflected wide.

Rangers made the breakthrough in the 40th minute when Muir sent a delightful pass out to the right, where Josh Williams beat his man and pulled the ball back for Buchanan to slot home. Then, on the stroke of half-time, Muir played another perfect pass to Williams, who again pulled the ball back for Rio Connell to drive home a thumping strike that gave Parker no chance.

The second half began with the busy Muir sending two early efforts narrowly wide as the home side dominated proceedings. The hard-working midfield calmly broke up the visitors’ attacks, and the defence mopped up anything that got through. It was an excellent team performance, perfectly illustrated by the third goal in the 64th minute: Jack Hutchinson broke up an attack and passed to Connell, who found Williams, and his cross fell invitingly for Buchanan to tap in. Lovely football!

With the game effectively won, manager Gary Meakin took the opportunity to give all of his substitutes a run-out, and they stepped in seamlessly to ensure the points stayed in Risborough.

Next up is a Gladwish Challenge Trophy game on Monday 19th October at home to Letchworth Garden City Eagles. Your support would be much appreciated.

Come On The Ris!

Report by Mark Brennan