Memorial Park 8 Square
Rangers 4
Saturday 22nd September
2007
Square Rangers opened
their league season with a gutsy performance against last season’s
runners-up Memorial Park.
The home side clearly had the edge in height and they capitalised
on this decisively at set-pieces with three early goals each from
in-swinging corners underneath our own crossbar. From there on Rangers
were always having to chase the game and their cause was worsened
when reduced to ten players due to Faheem and then Jake having to
go off to receive treatment. It was pleasing to see that the players
had not lost their spirit and this helped them to play some effective
football, a neat move involving Johnny and Jake helped set-up a
chance for Joe who made no mistake to what turned out to be the
best goal of the game just before half-time.
The start of the second half saw Rangers enjoy their best period
of the match and going forward they were clearly giving the home
side a few problems. Johnny Clarke followed up hat-tricks against
Barton Rovers B and Eaton Bray Lions in pre-season friendlies by
scoring a second half hat-trick that has brought his season’s
tally already to ten goals. Johnny was able to capitalise on the
good service from midfield of Spencer Park, Joe Evans and Will Foster
in particular but took his goals well, one coming from the penalty
spot. As Rangers pressed forward the home side took full advantage
of their counter-attacks and added a few late goals to bring the
final score 8-4.
Summary:
With matches now extended
to 35 minutes each way it is important to have a full squad and
we needed substitutes to keep it at eleven v eleven, having said
that full credit to the players for working hard and playing some
great football when at times the odds seemed stacked against them.
Match Highlight:
Joe Evans goal that rounded
off a quick and precise attacking move.
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