Match Review: TGA Rangers FC vs Hotspurs FC

• GK Adam Erickson
• DF Fraser Anderson
• DF Hiromitsu Nakaue
• DF Chris Jones
• DF Jonathan Cloak
• MD Jonathan Lukito
• MD Paddy Sutton
• MD Tom Ruffles
• MD Nathan Bryer
• MD Ryan Shanter
• ST Mike Sharples

• MD Victor Felicia
• ST Aaron Clancey-Agius

Paddy's Farewell

It was a brutally hot day to be playing a strong Hotspurs side that would test the patience of the Rangers team. Rangers had the added pressure of ensuring that Paddy left on a high note, but with temperature soaring towards the 40's and not a cloud in the sky, it was going to be a tough day on the field. Rangers started with confidence, passing the ball nicely around the park, capturing the majority of the possession and picking up the second ball with energy when it got scrappy. Neil, Ruffles, Nate and Pads at the centre of the tempo. It was not long before Sharples found himself through on goal, from a timely pass by Fraser and the ball found the corner of the net. Not an uncommon sight this season. With the first goal in the bag, Rangers continued to push on. Chances came and went, two headers with the goal gaping went wide of the post. Neil continued to pick up the ball from the back four and playing it to the wings. Ruffles and Sharples with mazy runs causing havoc. The water break then rescued Hotspurs before any more damage could be done. With that, Hotspurs came into the game. The front three giving Beatt, JC, Hiro and Lukito plenty to think about. A couple of half chances came and went. However, the old firm at the back held steady. A few clinical tackles from JC especially. Lukito and Hero sweeping up any immediate danger nicely. Just before half time, Sharples had a chance to put Paddy through on goal for would be a departing gift. However, we had all agreed that Paddy should not be scoring off the field come Neon Lights, we will be damned if we allow him to score on it. Sharples following managers orders, made the decisive decision not to pass, Half time 1-0. A few stern words were shared at half time, pushing Rangers to be more clinical in the second half. We had been guilty earlier in the season of not being ruthless and it has a habit of biting back. Before Hiro had completed his half time routine of stretching, we found ourselves 2-0 up. Neil finding Nate with a decent ball. The boys continued to work hard and Sharples again scoring to make it 3-0. Rangers took their foot off the gas and long ranging ball caused danger at the back, which was nicely cleared up by Beatt. As the ball ran out of play, Adam clashed with the Hostpurs skipper, giving the latter a penalty. A bizarre decision that will go down in history as one of the strangest calls in the Cosmo league. 3-1, well taken by Hotspurs. Subs were made at the water break, Aaron and Victor coming on adding new energy to the TGA attack. A couple more goals followed from the subs. Vic getting a deserved goal given his efforts down the wing. Then Beatt reminded everyone why he plays in defence missing an open net, only for Aaron to show him how it is done. 5-1. Thanks to Hotspurs for the game. Appreciate the refs allowing the game to flow as much as possible. A solid effort all round from the Rangers squad to bring home a win. We wish Paddy all the best back in the UK. Paddy goes home a double champion of Cosmo. With 58 apps to his name and 15 goals, it is fair to say he has made a strong contribution to TGA. We hope he continues to perfect the skills with his feet, not so much the hands. We will ensure Paddy is hand cuffed for Neon in a couple of weeks (don’t worry ladies). In all seriousness, a good man down and no doubt TGA will be poorer for it, best wishes to you and the family Pads. We look forward to hearing which over 40's team you have joined back in London. TGA will march on, yours in sport, the TGA squad!

• Martyn U'ren GK
• Tom Hine DF
• Aaron Jones DF
• James Keane DF
• Ali Roseburgh MD
• Joshua Donavan MD
• Thomas Greene ST
• Joe Quinn --
• Daniel Krzystek --
• Gaetan Boehringer --
• Robert Gorczynski --

• Nick Kouvaritakis ST
• Jonathan Drape-Comyn --

Battle In The Heat

Hotspurs were looking to build on a first win of the season last week against a decent Rangers team. Both sides started the game off slow, with passes going astray and the pace of the game left a lot to be desired. This was probably down to the scorching sunshine which even for Singapore standards, meant that it would be a hot day for two sides with a limited number of substitutes. Rangers went 1-0 up with a well taken finish and Hotspurs remained under the cosh until the water break. However, a few inspirational words in the quick break, and some positive comments from the alcohol fueled Hotspurs fans saw us come out with abit more energy in the second period. Hotspurs created a few chances, and would have been level if it wasn’t for a couple of strong saves and last-ditch tackles from the Rangers backline, but ultimately it was 1-0 at HT. Another inspirational talk followed but Rangers killed the game off with two quick goals at the start of the second half which put them out of any feasible. Pressure was still put on Rangers as we tried to get back into the game, and we had our chance shortly after as Tiny ran through on goal only to be taken out by the opposition goalkeeper. An absolute stonewall penalty. Clear as day. No doubts. 100% pen. Easiest decision that this referee will make all season as Rangers counted themselves lucky that their player escaped red. James ‘Le Tiss’ Keane stepped up and did what he does best by sticking the ball calmly into the roof of the goal. That took the left back to the top of Hotspur’s goalscoring charts as he jumped ahead of 3 other Hotspurs players that were tied on one goal. We may not have scored a lot of goals so far this season but the ones we have scored have all been decent strikes. Alas there was to be no miracle of Turf-stan-bul, as Rangers scored two very late goals to extinguish any hope of a comeback. A 5-1 finish which made the scoreline look unfairly unflattering. A good game, in which the score line suggested a far less unequal game than the one that took place. Well done to Rangers and the officials.