Match Report - RANGE ROVERS 50+ - 20 Jan 2024

The 50s were again left frustrated and empty handed when we hosted Range Rovers in the league.

Both started brightly with the majority of the possession being seen in the centre third of the pitch. We restricted the opposition to long range shots with our defence blocking several but those that did get through were dealt with comfortably by Jon P. We moved the ball well and our passing game was in top order. We were managing to get around their midfield and Brett was, as ever, holding the ball up well allowing others to join from midfield. Their defence and goalkeeper stood strong, however, and we too were kept to a few speculative shots from range that were easily defended.

The parity was maintained throughout the half with both sides probing but being handled well by each defence. Half time came with the game scoreless but with Range Rovers possibly having had the better chances.

The second half started as the first had finished. One speculative shot from Range Rovers did get through and fortunately cannoned back off of the post into Jon's grateful arms.

Unfortunately, our luck didn't hold and whilst Jon was trying to play a ball out and up to our midfield he erred outside of his area and the penalty was awarded. This was duly despatched and gave Rovers the lead.

We continued to play good football, however, and pushed hard galvanised and striving even harder to get back on terms. We were getting more of the ball in the attacking third and Gareth, Brett and Jason were all now keeping their goalkeeper busy as we were getting around their defence and getting strikes away. Their keeper was up to the task however, forcing shots wide from Gareth and Ian and one over the bar from Paul. We were now on top and were seeing the best possession of the entire game.

Despite this, we could not find a way through their keeper who was now keeping Rovers in the game. With only seconds left a strike came in from our left and their keeper could only parry it away but with Brett ready to pounce on the lose ball, the referee blew for full time. 10 further seconds may well have seen us scoring and getting at least the draw which we richly deserved and would have produced a fair result.

It wasn't to be and yet again we were beaten by a single goal when with all of our good play and effort, we deserved much more.

My thanks to John Ratcliff, Mike and Andy for turning up but being unused substitutes and Jan for managing from the sidelines.

Further thanks go out to the support we had in freezing and windy conditions. As ever, your encouragement and vocal support was just what the team needed and unfortunately we again fell just short.

There are two games left for the 50s this season both away. We so dearly wanted to finish our home fixtures with a victory. The performance was game was again one of the best of the season but we again came away empty handed.