Thame Rangers progress to the Q-Final of The Hellenic League Perptua Press Floodlit Cup after a hard fought 2-1 victory at Holyport. Rangers opted to rest Zarius Edwards-Giraud and Charlie Elliott who both didn’t travel plus made a total of five changes to the team that beat Abingdon in their previous game. Miles Baxter, Christian Deste and Captain Dan Hatton all starting this one on the bench. The fixture also presented an opportunity for Rangers to experiment with a new formation.
Rangers started well and looked dangerous with Shannon Jesson supplying three crosses in the opening three minutes that caused problems for the home sides defence as he enjoyed being employed in a new position further up the pitch. Rangers forced a number of corners and Finlay Murray shot wide from one and a Matt Johnston effort went just the wrong side of the post. From pretty much their first attack Holyport opened the scoring against the run of play with their first effort on goal. A defender headed home direct from a free-kick. Soon after Calvin Evans worked the home keeper twice with efforts. One in open play and the other forcing a great save from a direct free-kick. Holyport were growing in the game at this point and had another header that went wide when well placed. Patrick Buston was a constant threat and it was from his pressure an error was forced in Holyports central defence to bring the scores level as he rounded the keeper to pass into an open net. The half ended all square.
A timely reminder at half time on how The Management wanted Rangers to play on this occasion was executed better in the second half and defensively Rangers were resolute throughout keeping Holyport at bay, which in turn presented more and better opportunities for them going forward. Evans had another effort that failed to hit the target and Buston had an effort deflected wide. Fresh legs came on for Rangers through Christian Deste, who soon after was involved in the build up for the winner. Jesson’s persistence eventually paid off as he beat his marker to place a well directed effort into the bottom corner. The remainder of the game was managed well by Rangers without anything of note.
A good day for Thame Rangers, another solid performance and another great result. Rangers now head into the Q-Final of the competition, the furthest they’ve ever been and entertain the winners of Ardley Utd and Thornbury Town.
Next up for Thame Rangers is a league game away against Abingdon Town on Saturday March 2nd.
Team:
Bowker, Smith (Hurley), Ja Desouza, Je Desouza (Deste), Johnston, Murray, Evans, Rogers, Buston, Ashworth, Jesson (Baxter).