Rangers followed up from their midweek win at Tring Athletic with a fine 2-1 home win on Saturday over a very good St. Panteleimon. Following a Guard of Honour, provided by the Risborough Rangers Under 13 Girls, the match kicked off to a hight tempo. The game was held up after five minutes however, when Rangers’ winger, Sean Coles collided with the Saint’s keeper in a fifty-fifty challenge, the visiting keeper needing some extensive treatment. When the game again got underway Rangers were forced to defend deep against a potent strike force with both Josh Urquhart and Ellis Hercules, in the middle of the Rangers defence, making important interceptions. Rangers hit back with Asher Yearwood denied by a defender’s knee after good work in the opposing box. Rangers’ goalkeeper, Sam Ashmead was forced into a good tackle on the edge of his area, with Urquhart tidying up the loose ball. Rangers took the lead on 24 minutes after good work down the left. The ball came to Gavin James who coolly wrong footed his marker to score with a neat shot into the far corner. Skipper Urquhart was again on hand to block a dangerous shot as St. Panteleimon threatened. Hercules mirrored his skipper shortly after with a fine tackle before Rangers rallied. A good spell for the home side followed with Urquhart going just wide with a header from the excellent Keiron Schmidt’s cross. Both of Rangers’ full backs, on the right Jamie Robinson and the left, Rico Greco, were causing problems for the Saint’s back line with their runs.
In the 60th minute Saints reduced the deficit after their skipper, Monti, scored with a looping cross-shot. The goal lifted the visitors and Hercules was forced into a last-ditch tackle, the loose ball falling kindly for Ashmead.