Report: Garforth LG FC 1 v 5 Rangers

KDRAFC Media
Aug 6, 2020
4 min read

Rangers two up at half-time through Ribbons and Hall
Three more goals second half from Little, Widows and Neal
Five different scorers please Manager Dan Marshall

"A useful workout against a side that pressed from the front and made it difficult for us." was Assistant Manager Ben Lawrence's verdict as Rangers recorded a 5-1 win over Garforth LG FC who will, without doubt, do well in the York Minster Division Three.

Rangers opened the scoring after four minutes after Josh Barden, and Rob Holliday released Craig Hall whose cross was fumbled by the host's goalkeeper, allowing Harvey Ribbons to fire home. There was a little confusion if the ball had crossed the line before it bounced back out, however, the referee decided that it had, and the goal stood.

Using the pace of both Ribbons and Hall, Rangers were causing problems down both flanks, but the defence of Garforth closed ranks well when the crosses came in. A strong run from the midfield caused consternation in Rangers defence, but the shot was high and sailed over Jonty Smith's goal.

Another early goal for Rangers put them firmly in the driving seat when Hall stole in to lift an under-hit backpass over the stranded custodian and into the net.

Charlie Yates came close to opening his account when his movement created a chance which he put wide.

Match Photo — Luke Dubery powers his header towards goal.

Garforth started to come more into the game, and several raking cross-field passes caused Rangers defence issues. However, they were able to deal with the chances, although one powerful drive needed a diving save from Smith to palm it clear.

Rangers suffered a blow when James Woodward had to leave the field to be replaced by Josh Buckley after sustaining a hamstring injury. Soon after Ali Thompson came close to connecting with a driven cross, but despite stretching couldn't reach it.

Both teams created half chances with Garforth close to reducing arrears through a header, and Luke Duberry powering his headed effort straight at the keeper. Roman Neal almost added a third, but the defence closed down his space before he could shoot.

Half-Time: Garforth LG FC 0 v 2 Kirk Deighton Rangers

With a raft of changes for both sides greeting the second half, it was pleasing to see Rangers start on the front foot again as Thomspon jinked his way into the area, but his shot flashed wide of the post.

Mirroring the first half, Rangers scored within the first four minutes as a through pass released Jake Little who strode into the area, held off a defender, and beat the keeper low down at his near post.

A good battle was developing between Dubery and Garforth's centre-backs, and some superb defending prevented him from shooting. However, as the ball spun up from a blocked shot, George Widows was barged to the ground from behind, and the referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot. Dusting himself down, he gathered the ball and made no mistake shooting low into the corner.

Despite being four down, Garforth refused to give up and continued to press all over the pitch, which caused Rangers to misplace several passes when in threatening positions.

A narrow offside decision stopped Rob Holliday in his tracks, and moments later Garforth's defence stood firm against runs from both Thompson and Widows.

Rangers were showing more patience with the ball this half, and several times they worked it into a position for a shot, but again, they found the Garforth's defence and goalkeeper a stubborn unit.

Following a spell of pressure, Garforth reaped their rewards when they pulled a goal back in the 72nd minute. A darting run onto the right-wing saw a cross-shot float over Smith's head and into the far corner of the goal.

Neal restored Rangers four-goal advantage as the team forged an instant reply. A quick ball by Smith found its way to Ribbons, and his pinpoint pass picked out Neal who slotted his shot through the advancing keeper's legs and into the net.

Thompson was playing a great match, and another mazy run saw him burst into the area, but his shot was straight at the keeper who claimed it cleanly. Soon after, Yates tried to wriggle free from his marker, but despite several attempts at getting his shot away, his shadow forced him back, and the chance was gone.

Like before, the hosts refused to give up the game and powering through the middle of the pitch, the final shot was hit wildly, and sailed over Smith's crossbar.

With the match firmly in its closing stages, it was Rangers who produced the best chances, with Neal's diving header going inches over the crossbar, Joe Turley volleying wide, and Jon Richards heading just the wrong side of the post from Josh Barden's curling cross.

Full-Time: Garforth LG FC 1 v 5 Kirk Deighton Rangers

In review, a good workout against a team who played some lovely football and will do well in their respective division and will surprise many of the established sides in the York leagues. We hope that they have a good season, and would like to thank both Damien and Matt for their hospitality.

Match report - KDRAFC Media

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