This Match Report is sponsored by Aalto Construction, M.H. Construction, H&H Construction & Green Tangerine Catering
The MJM Sports Surrey Premier League
Keens Park Rangers 3 Addlestone 1
Goals: Dan Way, Sam Bullen, Joe
Man-of-the-match: Sam Bullen / Dan Way
There was much relief this week after KPR’s first team, resplendent in their new kit, secured a much needed, yet well-deserved, win over visitors Addlestone at Fortress Pyrford.
Having got the team photos out of the way, KPR appeared to be doing the new attire justice with a bright start. That was until the visitors managed their first attack that resulted in Nik in goal being wrong footed by a cruel deflection (deliberate or otherwise).

Sharp
One goal down after less than five minutes was far from ideal. But this was a different KPR from previous weeks given the return of prodigal sons’ Bulldog and Simmo. Bulldog, as centre forward, was conspicuously active in demonstrating his minor sabbatical hadn’t blunted his form in forcing a good save out of the keeper from the edge of the box.
Bulldog was in the mix again moments later in winning a free kick in a similar position. He clearly thought it a penalty, but with Dan Way in the team any dead ball situation is an opportunity and he didn’t disappoint in striking an unstoppable shot with his left peg inside the keeper’s far post.
Way’s wand was at it again soon after in delivering a tremendous corner at pace for the oncoming Sam Bullen to meet equally sweetly to head powerfully home from close range.

New barriers just about coping with the hordes
This could – should – have been more than a turnaround as Luke Mitchell’s attempt to shoot was impeded from behind by a defender. KPR had their penalty but Luke almost forced a save out of his own keeper after the ball rattled off the crossbar.
Such moments always pose the ‘will we live to regret that’ question and the relatively equal play that ensued up until half time suggested the miss might prove costly even if the second half began positively with Mikey going close with a free kick and Jambo missing a far post header.
Thereafter, the visitors took advantage as the KPR players lost a bit of cohesion. A booking for Doug certainly suggested KPR were under a bit of pressure. On a booking, and playing with a groin injury, manager Gary took the opportunity to make some changes in personnel with Doug being subbed soon after to allow KPR’s very own Laurence Olivier Joe to take the stage in the centre of midfield.
Luke having a tussle for the ball
Regrettably, the visitors were awarded their own penalty after Reece was deemed to have fouled one of their players even though he was behind him. Panto season clearly rumbles on. But the massed fans behind the new KPR branded fencing need not have worried as Nik pulled of a very strong save to maintain KPR’s lead. Equally important was the defence who were mopping up everything the visitors threw at them. Sam Bullen in particular was proving invaluable in getting a last ditch interception in on more than one occasion with sub Alex O’Shea playing an equally impressive cameo role off the bench.
All the subs were doing far more than merely adding fresh legs in the third act of the match, and with it came a third goal from a Bulldog corner that brother Sam bravely flicked on for Joe to steal the show from under everyone else’s noses – and he milked the applause accordingly.

#WeAreKPR
After such a long period without a win, who could blame him and, for those not doing dry January, the beers (and occasional concrete shot) flowed freely long into the night.*
*Whereas Watto was in Berlin spreading the KPR gospel! 🙂
This Match Report is sponsored by Aalto Construction, H&H Construction & Green Tangerine Catering
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