Rothley Imps 1 vs Highfield Rangers 3

As anticipated this match lived up to its expectations of being a hard fought encounter with Rothley heading the league by some margin. However the home side were not expecting such a style of play from Rangers that caused all sorts of problems for their usually steadfast defence. Man of the match Celson was proving difficult to contend with in the first period and more was to come from him in the second half. Although Rangers dominated most of the play it was the home side who took a shock lead in the 22nd minute from a free kick headed home from close range. This setback seem to spur the young Rangers side which saw some exciting play with Jos Williams showing signs of his early season form with several near misses. There was little doubt Rothley were beginning to find the Rangers forwards difficult to handle and 9 minutes before the interval desperation in the home side area saw a penalty being awarded duly converted by Farrid. Rangers looked the more comfortable as the game went on and despite some heart stopping moments a few minutes before the interval Manger Hemmings seem happy with the first half performance.

The second half started very much like the first with Rothley trying to force the play but again the Rangers defence showed why they are the best in the league by being well disciplined by skipper Ackers who arguably is the best central defender in the division. Rangers soaked up the early pressure and eventually the fitness levels of the Leicester side were beginning to take its toll on Rothley. It was that man Celson on the right whose was proving difficult for the home defence to handle with some neat ball skills . The introduction of Rodney also gave a boost to the marauding Rangers forwards, it was no surprise when Rangers went ahead through a fine goal by skipper Ackers. Rothley showed why they are top of the table with their never give up style coming close to levelling on several occasions. With some 5 minutes remaining however and Rangers under some pressure, the game was put beyond doubt when Johnson found his goal scoring touch with a fine goal in the 85th minute.

On this display Rangers will be up amongst the leaders at the end of the season.They have must however maintain the same level of commitment shown in this game. They say the quality of a team is reflected by those on the bench, this appears to be so in Rangers case giving Coach Hemmings a number of options. It was also pleasing to hear comments from the home spectators saying that Rangers were the best side they had seen had Rothley this season and were deserved winners.

The young match officials let the match flow and bares well for continuing raising the standard of referees in the County

Comments: Club Director of Football Jos Johnson could not fail to hide his glee at the performance of the Rangers side. 'They are turning into a well disciplined unit and their performance today shows why the club has the best defence in the league and so few yellow cards.' 'It was encouraging to see a growing confidence in the players and if we can maintain this until the end of the season we will be up there'