| GNOHERE NETS TO KILL OFF KIDDY
Rangers ran out
comfortable winners in a less than thrilling encounter against
Kidderminster Harriers at Loftus Road this evening. A goal in each
half was enough to knock the Div3 strugglers out of this years LDV
Vans Trophy and in truth it never looked like there would be any
other outcome.
Holloway made changes aplenty in an
effort to give some of the fringe players a meaningful run out in
the absence of a sensible reserve league. Nick Culkin started in
goal behind a back four of Barton, Forbes, Gnohere and Padula. Eric
Sabin lined up on the right of midfield to join skipper for the
night Bircham, Bean and Rowlands. Dennis Oli and Richard Pacquette
teamed up to provide a new look attack. Kidderminster managed to
muster one attack of any note when Melligan shot wide when well
placed.
Rangers started brightly and both Oli
and Sabin went close without forcing a save out of dodge pot keeper
Stuart Brock. Later in the half Oli would force the Harrier into
action with a smart strike into his body. Richard Pacquette also
shot straight at the keeper before Oli once more had a sight at
goal, this time volleying over from twenty yards.
Just before the break Rangers took the
lead to appease a small crowd that were becoming restless. Eric
Sabin blasted past left back Scott Stamps for the umpteenth time and
delivered a neat pass to the feet of Pacquette. The young striker
shot smartly inside the far post giving Brock no chance.
Eric Sabin and Richard Pacquette both
managed to find there way into referee Williamson's book as the
official made sure that the slightest contact was penalised. This
was only the case in the first half though and I am convinced he
dropped his cards in the toilet at half time as a few more tasty
challenges went unpunished after the break.
The second half was a pretty poor
affair until the introduction of Gallen and Thorpe for Oli and
Pacquette with twenty minutes left to play. They immediately began
linking with Rowlands and several half chances followed in quick
succession. Gallen fired wide a couple of times and Martin Rowlands
managed to hit the back wall of the Upper Loft with a wild slash at
the ball. We were also treated to the bizarre sight of Thorpe being
penalised for attempting a back heel. Apparently showing off is not
allowed in the LDV!
The second goal came ten minutes from
the end. Gino swung in a corner from the right and Kidderminster
kindly decided not to mark Gnohere and he nodded home unchallenged
from six yards. It was a nice end to a decent display from Gnohere
and I made him my Man of the Match.
This was a stroll in the end although
it was not the most convincing display ever. It is never easy when
so many changes are made to the starting line up and there will be
plenty more on Saturday for the visit to the ever welcoming London
Road.
simon@qprnet.com |
