Sunday 22 February 2015, Headstone Manor Recreation Ground. Harrow League Cup.
This was an heroic performance in difficult playing conditions by all 11 boys that was deserving of more than they got. Unbeaten Pinner Albion were given the scare of their lives and only got their victory because Rangers switched off temporarily at the start of extra time.
The first half was very even. Rangers defended well and threatened on quite a few occasions. #RaisinMonster (Kamaal) was superb and covered every blade of grass (or every cm of mud to be precise). Pinner got their first goal just before the half-time whistle with a spectacular scissor kick.
Rangers started the second half very well. They were unlucky to find themselves 2-0 down but never gave up. Kai had his best match so far for the team, making a number of crucial saves to keep the game close. With 10 minutes to go they really stepped it up a gear. The first goal came when Mark beat his defender down the left and crossed the ball in for man-of-the-match Kamaal to tap the ball home. The equalizer came a few minutes later. It again came from Kamaal with a tap-in from short distance after the ball had hit the post. Rangers were in the ascendancy and had a chance to win it but Josh’s free kick went just over the bar.
After their monumental effort to get back in the game, Rangers seemed to relax a bit at the start of extra time. In that time Albion scored three soft goals. Rangers rallied again in the second period but it was not enough. But Rangers can be hugely proud of themselves for how they fought and never gave up.
Team;
- Kai Langley
- James Wright
- Connor Thomas
- Cian Donovan
- Mark Roche (captain)
- Charlie Hanson
- Kamaal Patrick-Ibrahim
- Jerome Francis
- Josh Moran
Subs:
- Nathan Crowley
- Daniel Stevens
Scorers:
- Kamaal Patrick-Ibrahim (2)