This Match Report is sponsored by  H&H Construction

Surrey Intermediate League (Western) Development Competition

Keens Park Rangers Reserves 3 Ripley ‘Reserves’ 3

Goals: Courage Moda (2) Jonathan Cornish

Man-of-the-match: Ollie Sills

KPR’s ressies kicked off their season with a hard fought draw against a very strong Ripley on the King’s College astroturf. And yet, it could have been so different – for either side.

While enjoying the sunshine, the KPR tifosi were soon aware the visitors were strengthened by a few first team players, given they had no fixture. And yet, the opening moments showed great promise with the ressies enjoying the lion’s share of the possession.

What they did with it was open to question, however, and the visitor’s effectiveness was made abundantly clear when making it look very easy scoring the first goal after a strong run and cross from the right wing. Early in the match, KPR had plenty of time to rectify matters if they could sort out a final pass.

Given it proved harder than it should have, Courage took matters into his own hands with a speculative shot from distance that left the visiting keeper rooted to the spot as the ball flew inside his near post.

Parity restored, the rest of the half was played out in a rather turgid fashion, with neither side producing anything resembling ‘flowing football’. That said, the visitors did test the KPR defence and really ought to have regained their lead on two or even three occasions, but they could not hit the target when set free prior to half-time.

The second half was better from both sides, and it came to life following another goal – like their first – against the run of play, and Courage was unlucky not to score after another powerful run into the box. He did turn provider, for having got his shot off the ball hit the far post and bounced out presenting Jonny Cornish with an easy tap-in.

If front for the first time, KPR still found themselves struggling as the opposition’s midfield grew in strength and confidence. Managers Rasher and Chainy shuffled the pack, without making much of a difference until Courage, who clearly hadn’t read the script, scored another goal from distance after he cleverly lobbed the keeper.

Matters really ought to have got even better after KPR notched another from a corner. Given the video, there is still confusion as to why as an offside was impossible.

Nevertheless, with twenty minutes to go, and a two goal cushion, the ressies ought to have hung on were it not for a an obvious gulf in experience (rumour is, as many as seven of the – far more ‘developed’ – oppostion had played for their first team the previous week). This is not to say the youngsters were being in any way bullied, with man-of-the-match Ollie and fellow teens Toby Beight and Jonathan Cornish standing up to everything thrown at them.

Given their efforts, it was disappointing KPR couldn’t hold on as the visitors scored two more goals to draw the scores level (and complete one player’s hat-trick), with a good period of time left for them to seek a winner. Fortunately the defence, despite enforced changes late on, held firm until the referee called time on what was, on reflection, a superb performance.

Converseley, the visitors disappointment was clear for all to see, as one player booted the ball out of the ground at the final whistle and earned himself a deserved reprimand from the referee who had managed proceedings – disallowed goal apart – superbly.

With the first team also drawing away, it was a solid week for KPR. Here’s to more of the same in the coming weeks.

 

This Match Report is sponsored by  H&H Construction