RISBOROUGH RANGERS 0 RAYNERS LANE 1ConnellRayners MOM: Oliver Sprague
In a game that really could have gone either way it took a late wonder goal from substitute Rio Connell to ensure that The Lane’s unbeaten start to the 2023/24 season continued. Two relatively evenly matched sides cancelled each other out in the early stages of the game, the first real chance coming on 17 minutes when a Kyel Reid free-kick stung the hands of Risborough custodian Connor Hunt. The home sides first effort of note came via a 27th minute shot by Harry Scott but it never troubled Jack Smith in the Lane goal. With both sides defences repelling everything thrown at them it was little surprise that half-time arrived with the score-line goal-less. The second period saw both sides ‘up their game’. Risborough’s lively Lewis Toomey put a decent effort wide on 56 minutes and Kyel Reid did likewise for Rayners three minutes later. On 67 minutes the home side forced a fine save out of Jack Smith whilst three minutes later Rayners sub Bradley Bubb, through on goal, saw his effort brilliantly thwarted by Hunt. The break through came on 77 minutes when Rio collected a long pass and drove at the retreating home defence. A swivel and a feint was followed by a fine shot across goal that left Hunt grasping at thin air. A great goal indeed and he almost made it two on 84 minutes, his aim a little high on this occasion. Risborough were always in the game and nearly equalized on 89 minutes when a speculative over-head strike by Toomey was met by a wonderful reflex save by Smith to preserve Rayners advantage .A late tackle by Bradley Bubb saw the Rayners forward given a straight red by Ref Gifford Manyange who also ‘sin-binned’ a Risborough player at the same time leaving both sides to see out 13 minutes of ‘added time’ with ten men. Only a leg stuck out by Hunt prevented Rio adding to the score but that would have been harsh on the hosts who will for sure be amongst the challengers this season. On this form, hopefully Rayners will be as well! Come On The Lane!
Rayners Lane – 1. Jack Smith 2. Manny Folarin 3. Callum Webb 4. Keano Robinson © 5.Oliver Sprague 6. Troy Perez-Duah 7. Sean Shields 8. Hamilton Antonio (Sub: 14 Zaine Gangadeen, 61) 9. Alex Cathline (Sub: 16 Bradley Bubb, 66) 10. Danny Uchechi (Sub: 15 RioConnell, 56) 11. Kyel Reid (Sub: 12 Ivan Atkins, 90)Att: 77Ref: Gifford Manyange Asst: John Haynes / Oliver Kiel