Rangers enjoyed a respite from the pressures of the league when they entertained a high flying Cobham on Saturday in the Premier Challenge Cup. Cobham arrived at the Kamtech Stadium sitting fourth in the Premier Division South table, an almost certain place in the play-offs already assured, so it would have been an optimistic bet for Rangers to progress, given their own league position. However, with several new signings and a battling performance, the home side snatched a quarter-final tie against Wallingford & Crowmarsh with a late goal from new signing, Ezinna Odimgbe. Other new signings included Steven Wade at right-back, striker Lewis Francis, Olumide Akinode and centre-back and Love Island star, Kaz Bishop! Abdullah Jellal also made a welcome return in mid-field. In a game of few chances it was Cobham with the first on 11 minutes, a weak strike that was easy for Connor Coulson in the Rangers goal. 20 minutes in and the Cobham keeper bizarrely threw the ball straight at Risborough's Lewis Horn-Haynes, but with the goal at his mercy, the winger couldn't get his attempted lob on target. Cobham hit back with a curling effort wide of the far post. A couple of corners for the visitors soon followed but with Rangers defending solidly Coulson was barely troubled. New man Francis' well hit shot was saved low down on the half hour before Cobham countered and a well timed block from skipper, Joe Fitzgerald, averted the danger from a free kick. A Cobham corner was then headed wide at the far post after good pressure from Bishop and five minutes before the break, Fitzgerald was again on hand to break up a neat move by the visitors.

Following an early corner a good tackle from Bishop deep in the Rangers box denied Cobham, with Fitzgerald again tidying up. A couple of headers were easily taken by Coulson as the game took on the look of ending with penalties. The rain started with 15 minutes to go, gradually getting heavier just as Coulson pulled of a good save with his feet when Cobham broke through. By now the storm was biblical as a river of muddy water ran through the old stand, forcing spectators to take evasive action. Puddles began to form on the pitch as both teams used a break in play to change their footwear. Despite the conditions credit must go to the match officials and players to continue, and for the Rangers fans, thank God they did, because with two minutes of normal time remaining Rangers pressed forward; A good move started by Marcus Mealing, ended with substitute, Odimgbe toe poking past the onrushing keeper to win it. There was plenty of time added on but neither side looked keen to suffer the elements with a penalty shoot-out, with one Cobham chance of note deep in extra time, a free kick headed wide of the far post. This was soon followed by a loud cheer for the final whistle. So, a rallying boost for Rangers and something to look forward too. Hopefully Rangers can carry this form into Tuesday night's final home league fixture against Wallingford & Crowmarsh, a precursor to the quarter final. There were good showings from all of the new signings and from the returning Jellal. In particular the centre back, Bishop, impressed. The former Fire-Fighter, Love Islander and current model should boost Rangers' female following as well as our league position-according to my wife anyway! Tuesday's game kicks off at 7.45pm.

Rangers Man of the Match: Joe Fitzgerald. In a difficult season Joe has always been there, giving his all. Wearing the arm band on Saturday, Joe led by example with his tackling, energy and effort. A great all round performance.