Ashby Ivanhoe 2 vs Highfield Rangers 1

Ranger’s hopes of challenging for the title were dented in a very hard fought match against Mid Table Ashby. Both sides were keen to get the New Year off to a positive start after a 3 week lay off. It was the home side who dictated the first period with some enterprising runs only to be thwarted by the Rangers keeper. On the other hand it was the visitors who should have gone ahead in the 15th minute when Williams put his close range shot wide of the right hand post. It was clear the home side were more use to the heavy conditions of the Ashby pitch as they looked more comfortable on the ball. Despite this Rangers had the better chances on goal and should have been at least 2 ahead in the first 30 minutes. With both sides cancelling each other out in the effort to notch a goal before the interval the teams were level a 0 - 0.

The second half began very much as the first but in the 56th minute is was Ashby who went ahead with a fine creative move on the right and finished off at close range. Eager to respond Rangers fought hard coming close however it was the final touches that seem to evade them. With manager Hemmings screaming from the touch-line and from a well taken corner it was the clubs leading scorer Jos Williams who ended his goal drought with a fine headed equaliser. With both teams searching for the winner it was the home side that took all 3 points with their second in the 81st minute which mirrored very much on the lines of their first goal.

The game was exceptionally well managed by the referee and his assistants and again both clubs were a credit in accepting and respecting the decisions of the match officials.

Conclusion: It is clear that with 11 matches remaining, Rangers will have to fight hard to if they are to challenge for honours. However the never say die attitude of Tony Hemmings and Assistant Karl Payne will I believe ensure that Rangers will be up there.