The first game of the season for the Rangers and this was a really good test of their fitness and attitude. Played at Millworth Lane, the game was very evenly matched throughout, with the Rangers going a goal up (Luke) and then Hearts quickly equalising.
Following a lot of pressure from Hearts, the Rangers defence found Will in space, who proceeded to take on a few defenders and calmly slot the ball away.
Into the second half with a 2-1 lead for the Rangers. but the advantage of the infamous Millworth-Slope was with Hearts and they proceeded to make the most of it with constant pressure on the Rangers goal.
There was great defensive play from both teams, but Rangers, being captained today by Ashmin (a natural leader), were up to the task with some great defensive performances from all the boys. There was one match-saving tackle from debutant, Ask, who had a tremendous first game for the team. Liam and Harry really bossed the midfield (with Liam having some astonishing long-range efforts on goal and demonstrating some very cheeky dribbling) and Josh and Ethan both had very tidy games, putting in a lot of effort tracking back.
J’ziah performed well with 3 very good saves late on, keeping the Rangers in it – his best game ever for the Club. Finally, after a match played in a very good spirit by both teams, Rangers were the winners 5-4, with 3 more goals being scored by Will.
This was a superb team performance and a great start to the season and all the boys should be congratulated. Big thank you to Will Prowse who managed the team today as Coach “Roy Keane” Manning was busy completing his FA Level 2 course.
Reported by James Roth