Keens Park Rangers                 1

University of Surrey Firsts      2 

Goals: Michael Woods 

Man of the Match: Michael Woods

KEENS Park Rangers fell to their first defeat of the season at home to the University of Surrey in a close encounter. 

A shaky start saw a clinical UoS side take an early two goal lead on an indifferent playing surface at Pyrford Cricket Club. 

The large brown strip down the centre of the pitch drew comments from sections of the away support, who in fairness do boast the best playing surface in the league. 

On the pitch however, a spirited second half fightback was not quite enough to claw back level and KPR were left empty handed. 

The Match 

After last week’s fast start, it was the opposite in KPR’s first home match of the league season. 

KPR were up against an organised UoS team who had a clear and effective game plan and the Uni side made all the early running. 

Two quick fire goals put the away side ahead, with their striker enjoying excellent service from the left on both occasions to tap home. 

KPR were not going to be beaten lying down though and came roaring back at their visitors. 

The home side did put the ball in the net, although it was not to be after the referee judged the keeper to have been fouled. 

The half-time whistle couldn’t have come at a worse time as the men in gold mounted real pressure for the first time in the game. 

With the wind and slope, KPR hustled and harried throughout the second half, making things considerably more difficult for UoS. 

However, there efforts were blighted by some ill-discipline resulting in a sin bin for Dan Way. 

Despite being down to ten men, KPR continued to compete and remained the more threatening of the two sides in the second half. 

Hope was given when Michael Woods scored his second of the season, latching on to James Nixon’s knock down. 

Second half substitute Seamus Leonard nearly brought KPR level. His quick free kick caught the keeper off guard but flew narrowly wide. 

Clear chances were few and far between though in a scrappy affair and KPR could not quite find another way through. 

Their disappointment was compounded when Way received his marching orders late on.

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