This Match Report is sponsored by  H&H Construction

Surrey Premier Football League (Premier Division)

Richmond and Kew 0 Keens Park Rangers 5 

Goals: Del Davies (2), James Morrin (2), Callum Hope

Man-of-the-match: Del Davies

Although an away game, KPR’s supporters did not have to travel very far to witness a comprehensive victory over hosts Richmond and Kew at Surrey Sports Park.

While the location proved convenient for the supporters, the view left a lot to be desired – and so did much of what they struggled to witness in the first ten minutes given KPR were also struggling to get out of their own half.

Such was the difficulty KPR resorted to long balls over the top to little effect until an overhit pass was inexplicably palmed out by the keeper when he could simply have left the ball alone. This error was then compounded from the resulting corner as the ball was kept out by a defender with his hand. While the red card was never in doubt, there was confusion as to whether the ball crossed the line. And yet, it proved a minor delay with Del spanking the ball in from the penalty spot.

Once ahead, the game then transformed with KPR being the dominant force, and Del doubled the lead (just) when smashing the underside of the crossbar from two yards when meeting a cross from the right that had wrong-footed the entire defence. But the red card count should also have doubled for another blatant save by an outfield player, except the referee seemed not to see it, although a far more obvious example of the genre than the first.

Nothing to see here

2-0 at half-time was no more than KPR deserved, but they were grateful to keeper Jack Woods for not only a great save but maintaining his concentration after a largely quiet first hour.

This scare apart, it was still all KPR, but new ideas were needed to break down a resilient defence and the keeper, who had developed a bit off a following among the KPR supporters, who produced a similarly excellent save to deny Del a hat-trick. Of all the subs coming, fan favourite Josh Downes who sparked KPR back into life with some trickery on the right and, with what must have been one of his first half a dozen touches a delicious assist for fellow sub James to tap in at the far post.

Archie can’t believe he missed out

From then on it was relentless attacks and James notched another from a corner, after another outfield save on the line went overlooked! It was now proving too much for the visitor’s captain who also lost a verbal exchange with man of the match Del who took great pleasure in rubbing his match stats in his face while gesticulating he had him in his pocket.

The supporters enjoyed this a great deal and it got better from a free kick that Gazza offered to buy Archie drinks all night if he scored a header. He had the chance, with his foot, and he still had his head in his hands even when Callum prodded the loose ball home from a yard out.

Overall then, a great response from the mid-week defeat and, with the ressies clawing a deserved point away, a great foundation for the KPR initiations at the King’s Head that evening. If my hangover is a guide, everyone had a great time.

 

This Match Report is sponsored by  H&H Construction