This Match Report is sponsored by  H&H Construction

Surrey FA County Cup

Keens Park Rangers Reserves 0 Upper Hale Firsts 1

Goals: You joking

Man-of-the-match: Sam Bullen

Irrespective of the defeat, KPR were happy having made their belated return to Fortress Pyrford now that the pitch has recovered from an arid summer. Bravo to Crouch Snr for all the hard work, and all for an impeccably observed minutes silence.

It was equally hard work for the spectators as the first quarter of an hour consisted of the two teams essentially shadow boxing each other to such an extent there were no attempts on either goal, even if it was the KPR centre backs who were seeing most of the ball.

Fortress Pyrford resplendent in the sunshine for the minutes silence

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, KPR had the ball in the back of the net, but it was disallowed for what looked a very tight offside. After this modicum of excitement, the next fifteen minutes were very much a repeat of the first, with a few added fouls, until KPR sacrificed possession in midfield and, one pass later, fell behind to a very good finish that Josh in goal could only watch and admire.

Kieran was seeing the most of the ball with a couple of decent chances before Harry squandered KPR’s clearest chance when one on one against the keeper. If the ressies were reluctant to score, they had cause to be grateful the visitors were equally wasteful as their right winger did the same soon after. Not just once, but twice. 

Fortunate as that was, KPR were unfortunate that young Thomas was feeling his already injured ankle, and Crouch Jnr, having copped an elbow, then got sin binned for pointing it out to the referee (who confessed to having a late night and loving a sin-bin prior to the match) just before half time. 

A man short at the opening of the second half managers Liam (KPR’s very own Ed Davey) and Cal were forced into a change swapping the lame Tommy for Sammy but nobody was especially troubled until Crouchy return to the fray led to a flurry of corners but no real threat of an equaliser. Indeed, KPR were grateful to Josh in goal for a sharp save. 

While I’d be loathed to say KPR were desperate but, having failed to test their keeper in the first 75 minutes, the managers brought themselves on for the last fifteen minutes (rather generous that).

Josh on the advance

And yet, the game was almost put to bed before they got to touch the ball were it not for Josh palming a shot from distance onto the post and the opposition’s winger, with the goal at his mercy, duffing the rebound over the bar to groans all along the touch line. 

Liam ‘Ed Davey’s’ the ball

More groans soon followed after KPR substitute Jamie squandered a good chance, but as much as heads failed to drop as fast as the temperature (or players with cramp) KPR never looked like scoring. So it was with great relief to all when the final whistle blew so all could concentrate on something KPR are definitely good at – socialising down the King’s Head. 

 

This Match Report is sponsored by  H&H Construction