This Match Report is sponsored by  H&H Construction

Surrey Premier County Football League

Keens Park Rangers 4 Dial Square 2

Goals: Archie, Luke (2), Woodsy

Man-of-the-match: Doug

KPR provided tremendous entertainment for the massed supporters at a moody Fortress Pyrford (c) in what proved to be a comprehensive victory over high-flying Dial Square.

In what was always going to be a tough task, the final result was anything but guaranteed in the opening minutes that saw KPR very much on the back foot. And Danny Way, in particular, finding his hands full dealing with their pacy winger who forced a good save out of Gilesy the KPR keeper.

As far as attacks went, KPR relied on the opposition early on, with an over hit back pass provided their first chance and Harry soon added another good effort from distance but the keeper was well positioned to control it

With the visitors benefiting from the Pyrford slope and a strong following wind, simple balls over the top was proving effective, and it was one of these that led to a tussle for the ball between Doug at right back and the Dial winger. Although the attacked had cradled the ball before they both fell into a heap, the referee inexplicably awarded a penalty. Understandably the KPR supporters were more than a little miffed, with the ref’s explanation that ‘both players were holding each other’ not really helping.

Needless to say, the penalty was put away, to further disgruntled moans along the touch line, but it being so early in the match there was plenty of time to right the wrong, and Woodsy gave an indication of what was to follow after carving out a very good chance but, again, his shot was straight at the keeper. 

KPR deservedly got back in the game from a corner that found its way to the far post where Archie used his strength to force the ball into the roof of the net. This proved to be the catalyst for the move of the match as KPR produced some flowing one touch football across the midfield that saw the ball break on the right side of the visitors box where the tireless Luke slotted the ball into the net, which instigating some rather righteous celebrations among the KPR supporters.

After a period of settled play a very tight offside decision led to another one-on-one that Gilesy did well to force the attacked wide. However, this did not prevent him from getting his shot away, and it would have gone in were it not for man-of-the-match Doug sprinting across the box to block the goal-bound shot at the near post.

Despite the warning signs the visitors equalised just before half-time thanks to an unfortunate own goal from Dan after the ball hit the back of his head after crashing off the crossbar.

A footballing miracle about to occur

The second half saw KPR really rise to the challenge. Woodsy, in particular, was seeing a good deal of the ball but, initially at least, he looked like he might provide chances for others after one delicious ball in behind the defence. It was at this point that Chainy’s lucky kite was joined by a rainbow behind the visitors goal and Woodsy, seemingly blessed, found a wee pot of ‘goald’ (groan) by placing his cross into the net off the top of the far post.

From this point onwards it was all KPR with Harry and Luke, twice, having shots, and substitute Victor producing an influential cameo down the left wing. An it was Woodsy who found himself clean through again after an absolutely sublime pass across the field from Victor, but he unfortunately got it under his feet and his shot sailed over the crossbar.

With Vic the lynchpin, KPR were very much the better of the two sides in both possession and Football terms. Indeed, the visitors seemed bereft of ideas beyond pumping balls into the box that Archie and Crouchy ‘comfortably’ dealt with in the dimming light.

Joyeux Jours

Ultimately, KPR always looked the more likely to score, but it took an excellent advantage from the referee to ignore a late challenge on Jake that allowed Woody to, incredibly, outpace the defender down the right wing and square the ball to Luke who slotted home to fulsome celebrations from the supporters.

Although every player performed superbly, KPR were again grateful to Doug for making another fantastic block of a goal bound effort before the referee called time on what was one of the performances of the season so far. Well played lads – a fully deserved result that led to a ‘pun-down’ competition for the match report title won – at a canter – by Crouch Snr! Rest assured the others are on file – hope I get to use them!

 

This Match Report is sponsored by  H&H Construction