Match report

Match report

Play began between Strathalbyn and Rangers at Strathalbyn with equestrian happening in the background. It was a nice sunny day – a complete contrast to a previous matchup of the two teams where the rain poured down.

Rangers began with all the pressure, keeping the ball in their forward half and quick to take possession back should it ever be lost. A run from Errol Martin down the left side of the pitch saw him pass across the face of goal to Ben Michelsen, who tapped the ball past the goal line for his first goal of the season. From kick-off, Rangers kept the pressure, winning multiple corners. One corner ball drew a handball and then penalty, yet the shot just touched the outside of the woodwork. As the first half drew to a close, Strathalbyn began to take control. A number of opportunities went their way, yet the score remained 1-0 at half time.

The game had slowed down as the second half began. Rangers had a few chances, with Shannon Cox trying desperately to increase the lead, but all attempts were well stopped by the Strathalbyn goalkeeper. Around halfway through the second half, several corners went Strathalbyn’s way. From one, a quick header snuck past the Rangers goalkeeper to level the score at 1-1. The players began to tire as the game ended, forcing many throw-ins. Most of the throw-ins for Rangers were taken by Riley Smith, who ran back and forth to take them from both sides. Through the exhaustion, Strathalbyn kept attacking. They got the ball to an open player, who shot straight into the top corner from outside the box, gaining the lead. In one of the last plays of the game, it seemed as if Strath had made the increased their lead, but the offside meant the score remained at 2-1 until the final whistle. It was a frustrating fourth consecutive 1 goal loss for Rangers, but Strathalbyn were the better team on the day.