Rangers Dour Home Defeat.

Rayners Lane do the double over an under par Rangers.

With their Cup Final on the horizon it was a subdued Rangers on Tuesday night that took the field against mid table Rayners Lane in what was both teams' final league game of the season. Rangers rested top scorer Martin Griggs for this one and started with Lamar Mason-Williams and Ollie Lynch on the bench. There was little to play for and one could not help getting the feeling that many of the Risborough players were saving themselves for the 'big one'! Rayners Lane on the other hand played with a determination that earned them the three points in what was frankly a dour game on a hard, bumpy surface. The football from both sides was pretty basic with too many aimless passes and too few chances in a first half that failed to inspire. James Shrimpton went closest for the home side when lob bounced just wide after a poor clearance from the Lane's keeper. On 40 minutes the visitors scored the only goal of the game following a corner. The normally reliable Jack Brooker in the Rangers goal made a rare mistake when coming for the cross and the ball was bundled over the line.

The second half was not much better with Rayners Lane enjoying slightly more of the ball in the early stages but with little effect before Marcus Wyllie's run set up Kevin Mealor who fluffed his shot. Two minutes later and Brooker saved at the feet of a visiting striker. Wyllie was then denied at the other end when through on goal. With 15 minutes remaining Brooker again saved, this time with his feet. Following the introduction of Mason-Williams and Olly Lynch, Rangers enjoyed a good spell as Wyllie turned on the skill before turning and shooting against the post. Moments later a Rangers corner caused panic in the Lane's defence as the ball was blocked on the line twice. Rangers spell fizzled out however and Rayners Lane finished the strongest, with many of the home side looking to conserve their fitness for the Saturday. Brooker made two further excellent saves in the final five minutes that kept the scoreline respectable (if you can call it that) before the referee thankfully blew his whistle to end a poor serving of football.

Rangers Man of the Match: Jack Brooker. Despite a rare mistake for the goal Brooker made several good saves that kept Rangers in touch in an otherwise poor team performance.