Shropshire Challenge Cup Rd 2
Haughmond 3,
Ellesmere Rangers 4
(After extra time)
THE Rangers had a busy week with two away games. Firstly an away game at Shrewsbury against Haughmond in the Shropshire Challenge Cup.
As holders, Ellesmere are particularly keen to do well in this competition, but Haughmond, made up of six former Rangers players and managed by John Rhodes who managed Rangers for a short period before Matt Burton took the helm, were clearly determined to spoil it for Ellesmere.
On an evening when good football was made difficult by 50 mile an hour gusting winds, a Haughmond side who were determined to make the holders work for any favourable result, and some eccentric refereeing decisions meant Rangers had an uphill task.
The early exchanges saw honours even with play switching end to end with neither side able to break the deadlock until on the half hour mark a short back pass by former Ellesmere player Andy Reeves was seized on by Gary Meredith who was able to put the holders one up. The home side were undaunted and quickly fought back to level the scores before half time.
In extra time the game swung end to end with Ellesmere going ahead with goals from Craig Farr and substitute Dan Price but each time Haughmond fought their way back to equalise.
With five minutes to go the winner was scored by Price with a superb inswinging shot from wide on the right that left the ’keeper no chance as it found its way into the top corner. Not to be outdone. Haughmond fought back and when they were awarded a penalty in the dying seconds everyone could see the ugly spectre of a penalty shoot out looming.
Andy Mulliner gambled with an athletic dive to his left and a well taken penalty was superbly saved with seconds to go and Ellesmere were able to progress into the next round.
Coleshill 1,
Ellesmere Rangers 1
SATURDAY’S game provided a total contrast.
Farr and Rowlands at the heart of the defence looked to have everything under control until a superb move down the right saw some excellent interplay by the hosts and a well struck shot found its way past Mulliner and into the net to put Coleshill one up.
Rangers were undaunted and within ten minutes were able to claw back the deficit when right back Steve Towers was able to find the final touch in a goalmouth scramble to level the score.
The second half saw both sides out for a win. Ellesmere had good possession and some good attacking play, while the hosts were able to rely on breaking at pace from midfield in numbers to pressure the away side, with neither team able to break the deadlock.
The game ended with a deserved point each for the sides to leave Ellesmere mid table after 19 league games
Next game is at home to Coventry Sphinx on Saturday, with a 3pm kick off.