Hatt rescues a point for Rangers

Matthew Hatt on his first team debut scored a last minute equaliser

Hillingdon Borough 2 Risborough Rangers 2

Risborough travelled the short distance to Hillingdon Borough, a side they had previously beaten convincingly already twice this season.

Risborough were quickest out of the traps when on the fifth minute Captain Joel Reid rose the highest from a corner and headed the visitors into an early lead. Ten minutes later Rangers' Martin Griggs hit the bar with an audacious shot. However the hosts with seven new signings on show grabbed the equaliser on the 30th minute with a superb individual goal. Just before the break Hillingdon took a deserved lead with a close range shot. The second half turned into a feisty affair after Rangers thought they had scored an equaliser from a Laurence Clark free kick on the hour which Jamie Shrimpton slotted home. Whilst the Risborough players were celebrating after the referee had given the goal and were lining up for Hillingdon to kick off, the referee appeared to have a change of heart and consulted his linesman which resulted bizarrely in him reversing his decision and making Rangers retake the free kick which came to nothing. This decision incensed the Rangers management and players as the referee had apparently decided the free kick had been taken before he blew the whistle. This affected the play for both sides which turned the game into a scrappy and bad tempered affair and the visitor's David Newton being red carded 10 minutes from time. As the game drew to a close Risborough had the last bite of the cherry when substitute Matt Hatt netted on the 94th minute to give Rangers a share of the spoils despite being down to ten men. After this result Rangers still sit fourth in the league and are still pushing for promotion.

Risborough travel to play Baldock Town (at Arlesey Town FC) in the South Midlands League Division One Cup Quarter Final on Wednesday 6 December. Kick off 7.45pm.

On Saturday 9 December Risborough entertain Codicote in a league encounter. Kick off: 3.00pm.[/b]