Match Review: TGA Rangers FC vs Gaelic Lions FC

• DF Hiromitsu Nakaue
• DF Chris Jones
• DF Fraser Anderson
• DF Jordan Laing
• DF Taishi Fukuda
• MD Muhammad Hydhir Mohamad
• MD Paddy Sutton
• MD Stephen McLaughlin
• ST Aaron Clancey-Agius
• ST Mike Sharples
• -- Gianluca Franchetto

• DF Dan Ousby
• MD Tom Ruffles
• MD Victor Felicia
• MD Nathan Bryer

Discontinued CSC...

After 2 games of wins with clean-sheet Rangers faced one of the biggest opponent this weekend, we all know how Lions plays, how intense the game is going to be, and how we turn a result up for us. With slight change in squad due to absence from several players in last two weeks, Rangers still manage a strong squad for this exciting game. We did possess the ball better and attempt creating chances since first half, both wingers Mike and Hydhir gave threats by breaking down tight Lion's defense, however we could not smell a favorable opening score. Instead, Lions found a chance from corner kick which we gave up from mistake of clear off, Lions cb Rob converted to opening score. Rangers was supposed to push back with even higher intensity in second half, however Lions striker Peter and winger JB added clinchers, and Rangers could not convert a late opportunity from penalty to make a final score line as 0-3. We need to switch on and focus on next game, we would restart CSC again.

• Rob Church DF
• Wilfried Lapierre DF
• Petesy O'Brien MD
• Rich Sexton MD
• Jean-Baptiste (JB) Bois MD
• Simon Lloyd --
• Anders Jensen --
• Stephen Moran --
• Brett Bowman --
• Shane Buttimer --
• Ken McGeough --

• Will Sexton DF
• Stephen Swords MD
• Conor King --
• James Devane --
• Neil Corrigan --

Lions up and running

Well after a disappointing opening game last week, the Lions came roaring back into action with a convincing wing against Rangers. Despite the threat of Thor coming out on top, the cooler, overcast conditions, plus the later kick off, made for perfect conditions for us Northern Europeans. The entire squad were on top of their game before kick-off and you could tell after just 15 minutes Rangers were in for a touch afternoon. Our energy levels were off the chart and we simply outplayed them for 80 minutes of the game, winning virtually every header, every 50:50 tackle and the opposition couldn't stamp their authority on the game, except for 10 minutes, early in the second half when we took our foot off the gas. Having gone in at half time, after a scrappy goal by Rob Church, following JB's outstanding delivery from a corner, it was simply a case of sticking to our game plan and waiting for the second. It was inevitable Petesy O'Brien would get on the score sheet given his incredible work rate and commitment, before JB put us out of reach with a composed finish. We did concede a slightly 'dubious' penalty late on but when it was spooned over the bar with 8 minutes to go, justice appeared to be done. Rich Sexton gets my man-of-the match after putting in an incredible shift and running the show in midfeild, although JP have made two and scored one was equally impressive. If i could have given it to them both, i would have done, however, JB walked it last week, so i'm sharing the love. From Anders in goal, to Brett up front we were simply outstanding and having a strong bench of Conor, Will, James D, Swordsey and Neil, allowed me to ring the changes and bring fresh legs on which didn't weaken or compromise the team. Many thanks to Rangers for a great, honest and tough game. You will prove to be more than a match for a lot of team in the Cosmo League, but thankfully it was our turn to celebrate and wake up on Sunday morning with hangovers. #FTM