Two Goal Haule As Rangers March On!

Bob Rayner reports

Risborough Rangers march on with another victory, beating Marlow United three goals to nil on Saturday courtesy of a brace from top scorer Brian Haule and one from Kyle Faulkner. Manager Mark Eaton shuffled his pack again, making several changes from the previous game, a four-two victory at Holyport. Such is the strength of Eaton's squad, the changes had little affect on this latest win in Boro's relentless quest for the title. It would seem that the managers biggest problem is keeping all of his squad members happy whilst ensuring that everyone gets game time; as they say in football 'it's a nice problem to have'. Earlier in the season Rangers travelled to Marlow United and had to be content with draw in a very tight and competitive game. This Marlow side looked a shadow of the side that Rangers faced in that fixture and Rangers' keeper Jack Brooker had one of his easiest afternoons to date this season.

In the opening minutes Marlow United could have taken an early lead following a break down the Rangers' right. Brooker saved and his parry was scrambled clear after several attempts. It was Marlow's only real chance of the game. Seven minutes in and Boro' took the lead when the excellent Ben Hammond whipped a ball into the path of Sam Pekun. Pekun out paced his full back and sent the perfect cross to the far post for Faulkner to score with the simplest of finishes. Faulkner was almost on the score-sheet again when Gary Rymer's clever reverse ball found him in the area where he turned his marker, only to shoot inches wide. On the half hour mark Faulkner was desperately unlucky after his rasping shot from the edge of the box hit the underside of the crossbar before bouncing down onto the goal-line and into the grateful hands of the keeper. Rangers thought they had extended their lead five minutes later after Pekun's volley was parried to Brian Haule who poked the ball home from a yard out, only to see the flag raised for off-side. On the stroke of half time Faulkner shot straight at the keeper from just inside the area and Rangers had to be content to go in for the break with a slender lead.

Boro' were quickly out of the traps for the second period and improved their lead three minutes in after Brian Haule was clumsily pulled over in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. There could be no arguments from Marlow, only questions as to the foolishness of the challenge. Haule dusted himself off and calmly dispatched the spot kick for his 23rd goal of the season. Rangers were in complete control now, with Davis Haule and Hammond bossing the middle of the park and Rymer busying himself here, there and everywhere. Brian Haule and Faulkner combined well before Haule tried to chip the keeper from an angle; the Marlow custodian brilliantly tipping the ball onto the roof of his net. Soon after Josh Fox sent a great cross in from the left for Brian Haule to rattle the crossbar with a thumping header. Haule was again in the action following some great build up play, this time sending his shot high, wide and not very handsome! Haule turned provider next, setting up Faulkner who's shot followed Haule's previous one into the trees behind the goal. On a rare forage United forced a corner. Brooker gathered the cross and was impeded by a Marlow player who earned a second yellow card followed by his marching orders. Moments later Bertie Squire-Adams, Haule and Morris exchanged passes to set up Faulkner whose shot was easily gathered by United's keeper. With eight minutes remaining Rangers made the game safe when Brian Haule rose to meet Morris' cross and head powerfully home. Morris then took a free kick, clearing the wall but just wide of the target. Josh Urquart tried to get in on the act, heading wide from Marcus Wyllie's cross before Morris linked with Faulkner, again shooting wide. The final chance of the game fell to Wyllie as he broke clear before scuffing his shot into the advancing goalkeepers arms. Seconds later the referee blew time on a very competent performance from the home side sending the 100 plus crowd home happy.

Rangers Man of the Match: Brian Haule. A perfect centre-forward display from the rangy striker. Held the ball up well, brought others into play, won his headers and worked his socks off. A real hand-full for any defender. Put his penalty away well and scored a great goal as well as hitting the bar and dubiously having a goal ruled out (I'd love to see that on VAR!) for off-side.