Risborough Rangers (05/12/2004)
2004 - 2005 Season, Hithercroft Youth


For this game Hithercroft used the recreation ground because the condition of their pitch had not improved sufficiently following last week's match. This pitch was in good condition but damp and the weather was dry and mild with low cloud that prevented the sun from shining through. Both teams provided and used substitutes, Hithercroft's being Mark Sadler, Ralph Kheir and Dewayne Dublin.

The referee started the game at 1.54pm and both sides quickly settled in taking play from end to end but getting few shots at goal due to the defenders working well. However, after 12 minutes Hithercroft opened the scoring when 'Baz' David headed the ball on to Rhydian Grange who pushed the ball back to Paul Morgan; Paul then crossed the ball to Tyrone Francis who then put the ball into the back of the Risborough net for a 1-0 lead. Three minutes later Hithercroft came close when Tyrone, taking a corner from the left, sent a high ball across the face of the goal and Rhydian sent a glancing header just beyond the far post. In the next Hithercroft foray Rhydian sent the ball out to Dan Birch, on the wing, who crossed it back into the middle for 'Baz' David to run onto but, as Chris Hykin (the Risborough keeper) came forward there was a collision which left Baz with sore ribs for the remainder of his game. In the 24th minute the ball came into the 18-yard box where Baz had a couple of his shots blocked by defenders before his third attempt was threaded through a gap into the net to extend the home team's lead to 2-0. At 2.40pm the referee blew his whistle to bring an entertaining first half to a close.

At 2.45pm the game restarted and in the 61st minute Risborough Rangers had put themselves on the scoresheet when John Andrews hit the ball from just inside the left of the 18-yard box, sending it across the goalmouth and into the far side of the net. Both sides then made substitutions, Risborough replacing Alex Edwards with Paul Masters and Hithercroft bringing on Mark Sadler to replace Jamaine Warner. The visitors had gained confidence from their goal and lifted their pace, playing some good football. In the 70th minute Hithercroft hit a shot that went past the keeper, was pushed back out by a Risborough defender and then headed back by Tyrone into the net to give Hithercroft their third goal. Two minutes later Hithercroft followed this up with a superb goal. The ball had been played down the middle to Tyrone, he sent it to the wing where Rhydian unleashed a mighty shot from 35 yards out. The ball hit the crossbar, rebounded onto the back of the keeper's head and ended up in the back of the net. Although Risborough were still playing well the home team were beginning to really put their passes together and being awarded many throw-ins and corners as they increased their attacks on goal. At 3.15pm Baz, still feeling his sore ribs, was replaced by Ralph Kheir who was making his debut appearance for this season's team. Five minutes later Risborough were on the attack and James Campling played the ball out left to Thomas Stevens who was tripped as he entered the 18-yard box. Thomas stepped up to take the penalty and hit a low shot which brushed the diving Simon Mines' fingers as it went into the back of the net bringing the score to 4-2. Dan Birch was then replaced by Dewayne Dublin and Hithercroft then increased pressure on their opponents. In the 79th minute Richard Vere hit the ball down the centre of the field, Ralph headed the ball out to Rhydian on the right wing and, once again, he let fly with a powerful shot from 30 yards out. In spite of keeper Chris Hykin's leap the ball went through his upraised arms into the net for Hithercroft's fifth (and best) goal of the afternoon. Three minutes later the home team were awarded a free kick and Ralph floated in a high ball to which Tyrone got his head to and directed it home for his hat-trick and Hithercroft's sixth. Rhydian was hoping to get his hat-trick when he shot from 20 yards out but this time the ball went just outside of the left-hand upright. Dewayne received the ball from Paul Morgan and had a shot which lost momentum as it struck a defender's body, allowing Chris to get down and safely gather it. Paul then had a low, on-target shot pushed out when Chris dived to his right to get his outstretched right hand to the ball. At the final whistle Hithercroft had well-deserved their 6-2 win but Risborough had shown that they are a good side with potential to get better results soon.


Hithercroft's team:-
Simon Mines, Jamaine Warner, Peter Morgan, David Blackman, Richard Vere, Ben Steele, Dan Birch, Paul Morgan, Baz David, Rhydian Grange and Tyrone Francis with subs Mark Sadler, Ralph Kheir and Dewayne Dublin

Hithercroft's scorers:-
Tyrone Francis (12m, 70m and 82m), Baz David (24m) and Rhydian Grange (72m and 79m)

Hithercroft's M.o.M was Rhydian Grange.

Risborough Rangers team:-
Chris Hykin, Isaac Stoll, James Campling, James Gibbons, Richard White, Thomas Stevens, John Andrews, Matt Gunnell, Jonathan Munday, John Little and Alex Edwards with subs Paul Masters and Jack Nicholson.

Risborough Rangers' scorers were:-
John Andrews (61m) and Thomas Stevens (77m penalty)


The following short report was submitted to the Bucks Free Press Midweek edition:-

After 12 minutes Hithercroft's Tyrone Francis opened the scoring and 'Baz' David extended the home team's lead 12 minutes later, eventually getting his third shot through to the net. Risborough pulled a goal back in the 16th minute of the second half when John Andrews hit a diagonal shot from the edge of the 18-yard box which brushed the diving keeper's fingers but progressed into the far side of the net. Hithercroft replied 9 minutes later when Tyrone Francis added another, and then Rhydian Grange extended their lead with a powerfully struck shot from 35 yards out in the 72nd minute. Five minutes later Thomas Stevens scored from the penalty spot for the visitors but then Rhydian Grange again struck from 30 yards out to score Hithercroft's fifth in the 79th minute. Tyrone Francis completed his hattrick in the 82nd minute giving Hithercroft a 6-2 win.


The following report was printed in the Bucks Free Press 'Midweek' edition:-

.....Hithercroft beat Risborough Rangers 6-2 to move up to fifth in the table. After 12 minutes, Hithercroft's Tyrone Francis opened the scoring and Baz David extended their lead in the 24th minute. Risborough pulled a goal back in the 16th minute of the second half when John Andrews hit a diagonal shot from the edge of the 18-yard box which brushed the diving keeper's fingers but progressed into the far side of the net. Hithercroft replied nine minutes later when Tyrone Francis added another, and then Rhydian Grange extended their lead with a powerfully struck shot from 35 yards out in the 72nd minute. Five minutes later Thomas Stevens scored from the penalty spot for the visitors but then Grange struck from 30 yards out to score Hithercroft's fifth with 11 minutes left on the clock. Tyrone Francis completed his hat-trick in the 82nd minute to give Hithercroft a resounding win.

We have actually moved up to sixth (not 5th) in the table.