This Match Report is sponsored by Aalto Construction, M.H. Construction,  H&H Construction & Green Tangerine Catering

 

Surrey County Premier Football League

Keens Park Rangers Reserves 3 Battersea Ironsides 0

Man-of-the-match: Kieran Ennis

The first team exacted revenge for the ressies’ cup defeat to Battersea last week, with what was a perfect performance.

The ressies had a tremendous day themselves in bouncing back with a 4-0 win on their own, but the massed spectators at Fortress Pyrford were treated to an almost flawless display despite numerous absentees thanks to the dubious referee a fortnight ago.

Woodsy pleads for the ball

Nonetheless, KPR were still able to field a strong side thanks, in no small part, to the mercurial Courage actually turning up! And turn up he did with a barnstorming first half that gave few, if any, of the opposing players a moments peace. Indeed, it was due to Courage’s persistence, and a terrific pass, that Woodsy opened the scoring with a first time shot on the half-volley that gave the keeper zero chance.

Courage was central to the second goal in finding Bulldog on the right who then lost his man and squared the ball for Rory who simply passed it into the net at the far post.

‘British Hip-Hop Dancing’

Two-nil was a fair reflection of the first half, but the second witnessed a resurgent opposition raise their game in terms of physicality and work rate whereas manager Gary was forced to substitute Courage and Archie Harris due to injury. The majority of the game was certainly being played in KPR’s half, but as much as the home team were under the cosh, everything was either mopped up by the defence or comfortably dealt with by Kieran in goal.

Kieran, despite the margin of victory, was easily man-of-the-match as he never looked like conceding as every cross or shot appeared to stick to his gloves. From this foundation the outfield players re-constructed their confidence, and the longer the half went on the more obvious it was that it would be KPR that scored.

The moon over Fortress Pyrford

As usual it was Bulldog who would produce the goods after some strong and skilful play essentially forced the defender to foul him in the box. The referee made one of the easiest decisions of the day in awarding the penalty that Bulldog – after a long pause – slotted home having sent the keeper the wrong way.

That was that as far as the result was concerned, but the referee magiced-up what was almost ten minutes of extra time when everyone was eager to retire to the warmth of the pavilion on an increasingly nippy evening.

All in all, a perfect day day for KPR. More of the same please lads!

 


This Match Report is sponsored by Aalto Construction,  H&H Construction & Green Tangerine Catering