HULL BOYS SUNDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE U18’S DIV 3.
Sunday 24th April 2005.
BRIDLINGTON RANGERS v AFC PRESTON
Graham Waters’s Plumbing Services and Osborne Building Services sponsored Brid Rangers switched the venue for this game to Gypsey road and played a very tough game in perfect playing conditions.
A tough Preston side whose league position doesn't do them justice put up a strong resistance today and took the lead with a fine lob from 8 yards out beat the outstretched keepers arm on 12mins. Preston then went further ahead following a move which broke down from Rangers leading to Preston slipping the ball home and taking a 2-0 lead.
Rangers worked hard to get themselves back into the game, chasing every ball and they then began to pressure Preston. Adam Wright and Ian Midgley battling in the midfield and on the wings. It was from this pressure that Adam Wright pulled a goal back for Rangers on 31mins. Preston still battled but found themselves pegged back a little by an improving Rangers team. Garth Young and Danny Gordon working hard, and the ever present Ben Towers linked up well with Rob Waters in the Rangers attack. At the back Michael Train, Luke Crozier and Jamie Osborne all tackled hard and played some neat football to set up many of the Rangers attacks. Ben Towers charged into the box , with a quick turn he fooled the defender who clipped his ankle and Rangers where awarded a penalty. Rangers swept the ball home to level the scores. Rangers pressure on 41mins led to Garth Young netting Rangers third and they looked like going in at half time with the lead, until a free kick was awarded on the edge of the Rangers box and a close offside decision went Prestons way and they nipped in on 44mins to level the scores.
HT :- BRID RANGERS 3-3- AFC PRESTON
The second half saw a dominant Rangers going for the win knowing that only a win would do to secure promotion for the third consecutive season and also keep the pressure on League leaders Cottingham. Shots from Wright, Midgley, Gordon, Young, Towers and Waters all rained in but the post, cross bar and great goalkeeping kept a determined Rangers team out. Gordon switched to the wing and Osborne following a knock moved up front, Gordons turns frustrated Preston and his determination led to numerous corners but the break through didn't look like coming until the ball broke and from 20 yards out Rangers blasted home the winner hitting one post scooting across the line and in off the other post. This was the stroke of luck that a dominant Rangers team deserved and all but 2 chances by Preston this half, Rangers camped mainly in the Preston half piling the pressure on.
Rangers worked hard as a team today and when the final whilst went great relief and a sense of pride came over the team who had now secured promotion for the third successive season.
FINAL SCORE:- BRID RANGERS 4 v 3 AFC PRESTON
MOM:- Ian Midgley and Adam Wright both for tremendous hard work today.
COACHES COMMENTS:- This game has set up the last game of the season nicely, after noting that Cottingham lost the game this week 3-0 to Artic Rangers this means Brid Rangers can draw level on points if they can beat Cottingham next week and take the League title to a playoff. The clash sees the leagues top goalscorers Brid Rangers take on the leagues best defence in Cottingham, this will be a classic encounter to decide honor's this season. Well played everyone.
Match ball sponsor's Morrisons Supermarkets
Bridlington
