WE SUFFER HOME DEFEAT

Only 13 miles separate the two clubs so it was a surprise that this was only the 8th encounter between us. The game attracted a decent post Xmas crowd of 254 who were treated to tight game with the visitors claiming the 3 points with a late goal.

Our guests started the game off in 5th place, 4 points and 5 places above us and their victory saw them move up one place to 4th in the table and they look strong contenders for a play-off spot.

Meanwhile we are now 8 points adrift of the playoffs having played more games as well and whilst there is still a long way to go we need to start stringing some positive results together if we want to be contenders for promotion.

We certainly got off to a good start with Harry Shepherd just unable to get on the end of a fine cross from Blake Argent and then in the 8th minute Max Hercules whipped over a super cross which Dylan Whitelock glanced home for his 12 goal of the season and Max’s 13th Assist. Score 1-0.

Risboro saw plenty of the ball but struggled to create any clear chances whilst we were a threat with Dave O’Connor showing great skills to get past a defender but he fired his shot into the side netting.

Then out of nowhere in the 38th minute our opponents equalised when from a tight angle Elliott Buchanan smashed the ball into the roof of the net. It was a fine finish and enabled his side to go in at half time on level terms HT Score 1-1.

The second half became a war of attrition with Max Hercules forcing the keeper to tip his free kick over the bar whilst at the other end Josh Williams went close for Risboro. With the game seemingly heading towards a draw Elliott Buchanan snatched a late winner for his side in the 82nd minute. FT Score 1-2.
Another disappointing result and another case of just missing out but there are still plenty of games left with Crawley Green the next visitors to the Michael Anthony Stadium on Saturday with a return to a normal 3pm kick off.

TEAM,
TA: Sam Ameganvi, James Kimber, Dave O’Connor (Harry Jones 75), Mason Clarke, Dylan Fitzpatrick, Greg Deer (Capt), Harry Shepherd, (Pablo Kalamaras 70), Eli Hearn, Blake Argent (Noah Butler 65), Max Hercules, Dylan Whitelock (Bailey Osborne 80). Sub not used: Liam Mann.

Scorers

TA: Dylan Whitelock (8)

RR: Elliott Buchanan (38, 82)

Crowd: 254