Highfield Rangers 0 vs Stapenhill 1

In perhaps the closest encounter Rangers will have this season it was the visitors who secured all 3 points. With a single point separating the two sides before the game, Rangers needed to get a result to go above Stapenhill. Against is old side manager Tony Hemmings was keen for his players to regain signs of their early season form. However despite a hard working performance by his players they failed yet again to consolidate their early chances. Both teams are seeking promotion and if Rangers are to stem the flow of poor results then they have to put away opportunities. Stapenhill would have been a vital scalp and the pre match talk clearly outlined that Rangers have slipped up on games by the single goal in 4 of their defeats this season. "Teams do raise their game against the Rangers side but we must expect this says Assistant Coach Karl Payne, however whilst we have the best defensive record in the league it is no good unless we can put away our chances"

Both teams started well and it was clear that a single goal would settle the affair. The first half saw the game play at a pace that would be difficult to sustain for 90 minutes. Leading scorer Jos Williams woes continues when he squandered early chances, one that thumped against the crossbar, another where he lacked direction from close range. Stapenhill also created their chances and the home side were lucky on two occasions from close range efforts.

In the second half both teams started at a hectic pace and both sides had goals disallowed through offside decisions. It was clear that the pace of the game could result in a goal coming from a set piece. This proved to be the case when a questionable decision by the referee just outside the box was awarded to the visitors some 9 minutes from the end. The free kick was flicked in to give Stapenhill all 3 points.

In post match comments, manager Hemmings whilst pleased with a hard fought game was clearly frustrated with the amount of games which could have easily have gone his way but for the poor finishing. “The defence had a good game but the forwards are not consolidating both on our height advantage or the speed of our forwards". Rangers have now got to dig deep to come up with the goods if they are to challenge for promotion.