ARDLEY UNITED 2 RAYNERS LANE 1
Bubb Rayners MOM: Rio Connell
Rayners Lane arrived at Ardley United’s picturesque ground wounded from a midweek defeat at Virginia Water. There were two changes from that reverse, Ivan Atkins and Alex Cathline dropping to the bench with Manny Folarin returning to his right back berth and new signing Anthony Mendy taking the Number 9 shirt. It was a much more open game than Rayners two most recent League matches as Ardley were happy to take the game to their visitors. Rayners enjoyed the early possession and territory and created numerous early chances but were unable to convert them. Aaron Minhas was prominent throughout the first half and on another day could have had a hat-trick as he seemed to be on the end of every move from the visitors. Two early headers from him were gathered by home keeper Alfie Talbot and then a great turn and run towards goal from Rayners skipper was thwarted by a defender and in the goalmouth scramble that ensued the ball somehow didn’t go in. Another chance went begging when a great ball into the box by Kyel Reid was side footed wide by the ever industrious Minhas and it felt like it was only a matter of time before the visitors went ahead. This wasn’t to be as it was Ardley who drew first blood when Minhas unfortunately put across into his own net under pressure from the home attack. The Rayners players went in for the break wondering how they were behind in a game that could already have been putto bed though credit to Ardley, they more than played their part in an entertaining first 45minutes.It was the home side who started the second half quickest, hitting the bar almost from the restart and moments later forcing a good save out of Jack Smith. After that early scare The Lane continued in the ascendency and finally got a reward for their effort when Kyel Reid’s20 yard shot could only be parried by Talbot and sub Bradley Bubb was quickest to react and fired home from close range. At this point it looked like there would only be one winner but Rayners Lane were reduced to ten men after Callum Webb picked up a second yellow card, seemingly for simulation. A harsh decision as perhaps the challenge on him wasn’t enough to warrant a penalty but neither did it seem like simulation. For a short period after the dismissal it seemed like neither team knew weather to go for the win or keep what they had but it was Ardley who broke the deadlock when Anaclet Odihambo chipped Jack Smith (though their was more than hint of off side about it).For the remainder of the contest Rayners put their hosts under pressure and went close on several occasions with Rio Connell prominent in the fight back though the nearest he came was grazing the post after a twisting run and shot. It looked like the visitors would finally get some reward for their endeavour when a penalty was awarded in the dying minutes after
Minhas was brought down. However, Kyel Reid’s spot kick was saved by Talbot – and that probably summed up the day for Rayners.
Come On The Lane! Rayners Lane – 1. Jack Smith 2. Manny Folarin 3. Callum Webb 4. Keano Robinson. 5.OliverSprague 6. Troy Perez-Duah (Sub: 16 Bradley Bubb, 46) 7. Rio Connell 8. Hamilton Antonio(Sub 15 Nathan Webb, 65) 9. Anthony Mendy 10. Aaron Minhas © 11. Kyel Reid Att:Ref: Shawn Barclay Asst: Raymond Soloman / James Bird