Match Report

Barton Rovers v Square Rangers

Saturday 10th March 2007

After taking an early lead with a great left foot strike by Joe, Square Rangers fell victim to two controversial decisions which swung the tide swiftly in the home side’s favour. A clear handball that went unnoticed by the referee just before the ball was turned into the net by the home side’s striker gave Barton a rather fortunate equaliser. Then Rangers’ frustrations were further incensed when a well taken corner which swung inwards was given as a goal when it appeared that Harry had stopped it on the line. Clearly these two decisions left the players frustrated and low and Barton capitalised by adding one further goal with an excellent strike from the edge of the area just before half time.

The players were sent out in the second half to turn their frustrations into a storming second half performance, and to give the players huge credit they produced an excellent display. The only let down in the second half performance was the fact that Rangers could not find that second goal that certainly would have put the home side under pressure in the closing stages. However the strikes on goal by Jack, Matt and Joe were all met by excellent saves from a busy Barton Rovers goalkeeper. To be fair Harry too was busy in the Rangers goal where he was in fine form keeping a good clean sheet in the second half.

Summary:

The Rangers players showed great character and self-control to handle two very disappointing decisions in such a way that they were able to produce a second half performance of that high quality. Their application and effort was such that the Barton Rovers manager commented at the end that we didn’t deserve to lose the game. Our aim now must be to carry the form as seen in the second half into our next game on Saturday.

Players of the match:

Harry for an excellent game in goal, and Nathan who once again showed great maturity in defence against older and bigger players.