Kieron's Delight

Bob Rayner reports on another assured Rangers win.

This home league match versus Arlesey Town never quiet hit the heights of the previous week's victory at Hadley but a blistering spell in the first half and a superb second half goal from Kieron Schmidt in the second earned Rangers the three points against a determined Arlesey. The visitors were always a threat going forward and forced a couple of early corners before the home side had time to settle. Rangers showed their intent however on seven minutes after Asher Yearwood set up Liam Enver-Marum in front of goal, crashing his shot against the bar from eight yards. It was the beginning of a golden spell for Rangers and a minute later they took the lead after Ben Sturgess released Yearwood down the right and his cut back was slammed home by top scorer Marcus Wyllie. On ten minutes Rangers doubled their lead when provider turned scorer. Some neat interplay between Sean Coles, Bertie Squire-Adams and Yearwood finished with the latter scoring with a superb curling shot from the corner of the penalty area. Soon after and Enver-Marum produced a brilliant save from Town's keeper with a good turn and strike. The home team continued to dominate with wave after wave of attacks, producing some desperate defending from the visitors. A rare foray from Town after pouncing on a mistake in the Rangers backline had Jack Brooker pulling off a decent save. Rangers were soon back at the other end though with Coles going close. With 24 minutes gone Rangers made it three after a mix up in the Arlesey defence with Liam Enver-Marum punishing them with his fifth goal since signing. As the game approached the half hour mark Town rallied with a shot straight at Brooker. Two more good chances for Rangers followed with Squire-Adams shooting straight at the keeper and then Coles setting up Wyllie who shot inches wide. Rangers continued to enjoy much of the ball and the half finished with Wyllie shooting wide again following a promising run.

The second half saw Rangers less dominant with Arlesey having rearranged defensively and showing good intent going forward. The home side came out well with Enver-Marum flashing a shot across the goalmouth from the angle and Schmidt's curler well held by the keeper. Just ten minutes after the break and the same player made the result safe with a sublime goal. Schmidt picked up the ball a couple of yards inside the Arlesey half. Spotting the visiting keeper off his line he volleyed home from nearly 50 yards, sending the ball over the hapless custodians head and into the empty net. It was an audacious strike from the skilful midfielder that must already be a contender for goal of the season. Yearwood then produced a great run from the right, cutting in only to see his shot blocked. Arlesey then had a good spell with Sayer's shot deflected into Brooker's arms. Sayer then had a free header and a free kick, both straight at Brooker, in quick succession. A superb ball from Schmidt set Coles away down the right but the speedy winger just ran out of space as Rangers tried to hit back. At the other end Town's free kick was easily dealt with by Brooker. With ten minutes remaining a lovely move from Town saw the ball hit the crossbar with the rebound producing a fantastic double save from Brooker to deny them. Two minutes later and Arlesey again went close as a shot rocketed just past the post. Town did get a consolation in the 90th minute when they snatched possession and the impressive Miller shrugged off a couple of challenges to score with a neat finish. There was just time for a Rangers attack with Sam Pekun shooting tamely straight at the keeper.

Another win for Rangers at the start of a busy run of tough games that should separate the men from the boys! Mark Eaton will be happy with three points and it was comforting to see midfielder Alex Kedzierski slot neatly into the injured Josh Urqhuart centre back position with ease.

Rangers Man of the Match: Kieron Schmidt. An excellent all round performance from the talented midfielder. Whether it be breaking up play, creating chances for others or showing his own skills on the ball, Kieron showed it all and then some. And that goal............!!!!!!!!!!