Luton Leagrave 2 Square
Rangers 2
Saturday 13th October
2007
Square Rangers’
two goal lead from the first leg proved significant after this very
close contested second leg ended in a draw meaning it was Square
Rangers who booked a place in the semi finals.
The game could not have started better for Square Rangers as they
took the lead inside the first ten minutes, a Joe Evans strike could
only be parried away and Peter Remon followed it up from close range.
This settled Rangers into having the greater share of possession
for the rest of the half and could and should have added to the
lead but for over-hit deliveries and wide of the target efforts
on goal. Although Luton Leagrave threatened an equaliser at times,
a tight defensive display and yet again safe handling from Ryan
ensured the boys held on to that one goal lead going into the break.
Square Rangers found the back of the net inside the first five minutes
but Joe’s strike was ruled out for offside and their frustrations
increased when soon after the home side grabbed an equaliser when
a huge throw-in took a slight deflection and ended up going just
over the line before Nathan could clear the ball away. This inspired
Luton Leagrave into enjoying their best spell of the whole tie forcing
Square Rangers at every opportunity onto the back foot. Midway through
the half the home side edged in front and sensing they only needed
one more goal to force the game into extra time exerted more pressure
on the Rangers goal particularly from those dangerous long, high
throw-ins. The Rangers players with their nerve tested came back
well and following a late corner equalised through Peter Remon,
who latched on to a loose ball inside the six yard box to send a
jubilant Rangers team and supporters into their first ever semi
final.
Summary:
Square Rangers adapted
very well to the conditions of this tie, they forced the game early
on with some very neat pass-and-move football which created good
openings in front of goal and then when met by a strong Leagrave
second half performance they faced it with nerve, courage and resolve.
The team also showed maturity in reading the game as it was noticeable
they made the switch to 4-5-1 whilst under pressure late in the
game and thoroughly deserve to be in the semi finals.
Player of the match:
Peter Remon, proved a
real threat to the Leagrave defence and scored both goals, but also
supported the team in a more defensive capacity when we were hanging
on to a slender lead.
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