This Match Report is sponsored by  H&H Construction

Surrey Intermediate Development League

Keens Park Rangers Reserves 4 Horsell Reserves 0

Goals: Liam, Harry S (2), Josh

Man-of-the-match: Nick Meads

The KPR ressies overcame a very shaky start to notch a comprehensive win over visitors Horsell at Fortress Pyrford.

Bathed in watery sunshine, the Pyrford pitch was in fine condition given the week’s weather, and yet the players inability to switch on almost cost them dearly in the opening ten minutes with the visitors very nearly scoring after some overly casual play in defence in the very first minute. Within three, the visitors arguably did score but the referee didn’t deem the ball to have crossed the line. From the touchline, their claims looked more in hope than belief but Sam Bullen, who’d ‘cleared’ the ball, revealed in his post match ‘bar conference’ that it was well in.

The luck then extended to Josh who might ordinarily have got a booking for a mistimed challenge were it not so early in the game. A breathless opening, then continued with not one, but two chances for the visitors before the ressies finally settled down and managed some play in the visitors half.

Player manager Liam had half a shout for a penalty after being blocked off from chasing his own header, but this, as it turned out, was merely a portent for the opening goal as he opened the scoring with a rare header after a delicious cross from the right by Johnny. Thereafter, it was KPR who dominated, and matters ought to have improved were it not for frequent offsides and a great save by their keeper from a Watto piledriver from the edge of the box. 

 

One goal is never enough to be comfortable of course, and Fraser in goal was grateful to Reece for a brave block from point blank range. And yet, the ressies were the team that looked most likely to score with frequently penetrating play from both wings until Harry Scanlon drilled the ball into the bottom corner from distance with the last kick of the half.

Despite a free kick for the visitors that skimmed off the crossbar, the second half began in much the same vein, with man-of-the match Nick at the heart of everything, and it wasn’t too long before Josh notched a deserved third at the far post. 

Although the visitors hit the post, that was about as good as it got for the visitors once the ressies deployed what was a very strong bench. Of the subs, it was debutant Keone who stood out with a very robust performance capped off with an assist for the ressies’ fourth, and Harry’s second, that went in off the far post. 

Gollum’s precious coins

Whereas Nikhil was on the wrong end of a very naughty tackle that rightly resulted in the only yellow card of the match, it should have been five, had Sammy not duffed his chance for a bit of glory just before the referee called time on what was an enjoyable afternoon.

This Match Report is sponsored by  H&H Construction