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 1 Guildford United 0

Goal: Vic Hamilton 

Man-of-the-match: Jack Baisden

As Neo experienced in The Matrix (c), it was déjà vu at Fortress Pyrford this week as the first team laboured to a 1-o win over Guildford United.

How so? Well, be it the ressies or the firsts, it is clear that winning is a very welcome habit. Less welcome, perhaps, is the squandering of chances and the first team emulated the ressies profligate performance last week – except without the six goals! There was also bar manager El Boy catching my eye again of course, although he appeared to have more faith in KPR getting the result this week.

Manager Gary (and assistant / sub Rob) imparting wisdom that Lucas can’t hear

Chief culprit was Bulldog, who did all the hard work in getting goal side of the visitor’s defence only to produce a string of ‘clinical misses’, for the most part, over the bar.

That the chances kept coming speaks of a dominant performance, but this was largely built upon a strong defensive display, especially from Reece at right back, who was seeing an inordinate amount of the ball. Also enjoying a good deal of possession up top was Courage and, on the opposite wing, man-of-the-match Jack who is looking a real prospect.

Can’t stop him. Man-of-the-match Jack in full flow

The only gold, for the duration of the first half, was restricted to the home kit. And it looked like it would be more of the same in the second until Mikey W picked up an injury. Unlucky for him, but it did give manager Gary an opportunity to bring on the free-scoring Vic, who had been called up from the ressies.

Making up a front three of Bulldog, the ever dangerous Courage, and Vic surely meant goals? Well, not quite immediately, as all squandered good opportunities to shoot – let alone score. That said, the breakthrough finally came after yet more superb skill from Bulldog, who turned the defence yet again before laying off a teasing pass that Vic got a toe to first to prod it past the keeper and in off the post.

Can’t stop him #2. Doug, this time, in full flow

The massed spectators could have been forgiven this would signal the opening of the floodgates, but a combination of injuries and a bench weighted towards defence hindered KPR’s performance. This is not to say it wasn’t a welcome sight to see Chris and Rob back after long-term injuries, however. But as much as both did well, the home team lost a bit of sparkle the longer the game went on.

The tireless Doug, certainly found himself doing more defensive and offensive work as the match went on. Indeed, the opposition remained confident and gave the home support a scare with a rare shot at goal that went wide of the far post. Panic over, the lads saw out the remaining minutes in relative comfort. Yet, with some key figures missing, there are going to be some interesting selection issues going forward.

“Just look at his face!”

Of a more immediate concern was what grub the Kings Head had conjured up this week – a crummy lasagne and garlic bread for the record – and how many coins were in each others hands as the ever popular spoof (assuming you don’t get the concrete shot) boiled down to an El Boy / Dan Way head-to-head that went the way of the veteran.

A nice little warm-up for next week’s Quiz Night!

 


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