Risborough Rangers 2 Brimsdown 2

Both teams could be happy with a draw at the end of this hard fought match. Either side had chances with Brimsdown probably having the better of the play for long periods of the game; but it was Rangers that had the better chances.
Brimsdown certainly had the physical advantage, fielding a very strong side and Rangers, missing the physical presence of Asher Yearwood in mid-field and Justin Gordon in defence found the sheer size of several of the opposing players a constant problem. With the visitors starting at a good pace the home side did well to keep them at bay in the first twenty minutes with Dan Rawson superbly clearing their best chance off the line with Rangers keeper Jack Brooker beaten.

Risborough slowly started to claw their way into the game and Martin Griggs bought a smart save from the visiting keeper before Laurence Clark scored with a cracking shot from just inside the box. Rangers looked comfortable after this and created several chances as Brimsdown struggled. However, it was against the run of play when they got back into it with an opportunist effort. The ball was given away cheaply on the edge of the Rangers box when it so easily could have been cleared and Usmani pounced and rifled the ball home to equalise. Before half time there was still time for Brimsdown to bring out the best from Brooker forcing a great save following an indirect free-kick inside the Rangers penalty area.

Rangers began the second half better and tested the Brimsdown keeper with several efforts but still the visitors threatened and Billy Harrison at the heart of the Rangers defence made some great tackles. Twenty minutes in and Risborough regained the lead when a fierce cross from Griggs deflected off the Brimsdown skipper into his own net. The home side then enjoyed their best spell of the match and could have put the game beyond the visitors when Griggs, seeing the keeper off his line lobbed the ball goal-ward but uncharacteristically missed the target. Then Clark made a brilliant run into the Brimsdown area, rounding several players and drawing the keeper only to see his side foot go agonisingly past the far post.

With ten minutes remaining Rangers once again handed Brimsdown a golden opportunity and they said thank you! No less than three Rangers defenders had the chance to clear their lines before gifting the visitors a corner. The home side appeared to have seen off the danger as Brooker looked to claim an easy catch but the ball bounced off his chest to the feet of Haman who toe poked it home and make it two-all.

The remaining minutes saw Brimsdown pile on the pressure and Brooker redeemed himself several times. It was Rangers however that had the best chance to win it when at the death Joel Read’s pinpoint pass put Griggs through. As Griggs’ shot flew goal-ward the final whistle sounded moments before the net billowed. Unlucky maybe, but in reality Rangers can be grateful for a point against a very formidable outfit.

Man of the Match: Billy Harrison. Was composed on the ball and outstanding defensively.