Lightwater                    2

Keens Park Rangers     5 

Goals: Diogo Duque 1, Vic Hamilton 1, Ben Wicherek 1, Michael Woods 1 

Man of the Match: Vic Hamilton

KEENS Park Rangers got the new season underway with a well-earned 4-2 victory away at Lightwater. 

The first half saw the match in the balance as Lightwater came from behind twice to level the score thanks to some generous defending and refereeing

Neither team managed to get the ball down and play to any large success on a bobbly field of concrete. 

However, a dominant second-half display saw KPR overcome a tricky playing surface and take three points back to Pyrford. 

The Match 

KPR started fast, with new recruit from the continent Diogo Duque sweeping home a composed finish from the edge of the box. 

A fast start from the Good Guys was quickly dampened as the defence and midfield attempted an -in-game hokey-cokey, allowing Lightwater’s winger to capitalise on the hesitation and rifle home. 

Once more KPR took the lead after typically robust play from Michael Woods saw Michael Wicherek clean through.  

Another summer signing, Wicherek, scuffed shot was turned home at the back post by winger Vic Hamilton. 

Then came the most controversial decision of the game. Lightwater awarded a penalty for no apparent reason and we still don’t know who gave it away. It was probably Bruce. 

New skipper Chris Butler nearly opened his account for the season when his header slammed against the post as the last notable act of the first half. 

With the gaffer demanding more threat in behind the Lightwater defence, KPR dominated proceedings after the break. 

Wicherek seemed intent on using any part of his body to shoot other than his feet, a tactic that ended with no goals and the linesman flag. 

Substitutes James Nixon and Sam O’Shea made the difference when they come on, freshening up the team and driving them forward. 

KPR’s host of missed chances looked like it could be costly, but then Ben Wicherek (annoyingly the better brother on the day) popped up to lash home from close range. 

Woods then rounded off the scoring with *checks notes* … a LEFT foot dink from a tight angle! The pass from O’Shea deserved a goal and Woods’ tidy finish made the final few minutes more comfortable. 

Man of the Match – Vic Hamilton 

Media trained winger, Vic Hamilton, took home Man of the Match and had this to say about KPR’s opening day win. 

“Great first game back for the team! The attitude and positivity were spot on. We battled hard and got the result we deserved, and we go again next week.” 

Keens Parks Rangers is a Guildford, Surrey based football club and we are always looking for new players and sponsorship opportunities. Get in touch with us through our website or our social channels.

 

This match report is sponsored by Broadstreet Cars