It was the turn of Range Rover Colts FC to face the Mighty MPE Sports on their home ground at Mallards Way and with a with a string of unconvincing performances from the home side it was difficult to see which way this was going to go.
The manager’s selection placed Jacob Williams, Harry Goodwright, JJ, Sam White, Kian Murdin, Connor Simmonds, Billy Tidman, Josh Ashdown and Jack Amos with Jamie Pye and Billy D on the bench as appointed substitutes.
It was MPE’s top goal scorer Jack Amos who opened up lead for the Mighty Red with a well time shot from just inside the area placing the home side one nil up some 10 minutes in.
Range Rovers were a good side and were not afraid to attack the ball, a trait that the might Red’s at times struggled with. Range Rovers were controlling the ball well through midfield but were equally challenged by the MPE’s centre men of Connor Simmonds and Billy Tidman.
A lapse in concentration placed an unwanted back pass to MPE’s goalkeeper with earned the visiting side a much needed free kick just outside the danger zone. It was more of a untidy scramble in from of goal, but it was Range Rovers big number 5 who clotted the ball passed the ever diving Jacob Williams to secure the equaliser.
A darting run form Josh Ashdown who was unlucky not to find Billy Tidman on the back post.
Good defensive cover from the MPE’s back three of Harry Goodwright, JJ and Sam White who all looked solid in their positions.
Ranger Rovers were quick to break and break with force; it was 22 minutes into the first half when the visiting side took the lead with a well-placed goal from way outside of the MPE area.
Half time changes placed a Jamie Pye on for Josh Ashdown.
MPE blasted out of the blocks at the start of the second half, with good combination passes from JJ, Sam White and Kian Murdin. It was Connor Simmonds who made the move in the area and converted a Jamie Pye corner into the much needed equaliser.
Another substitution placed Josh Ashdown back on for Kian Murdin and the new MPE signing Billy Dorkins on for Sam White.
The MPE boys were on fire now, controlling the field of play throughout midfield and it was only a matter of time before the inevitable happened. A beautifully laid back pass from Connor Simmonds found the right foot of Billy Tidman tapped it left of the keeper in true Cristiano Ronaldo style, placing the home side three two up
The Mighty MPE were now starting to gain momentum, runs from Kian Murdin and Jamie Pye causing havoc to the visitors defence, but it was that man Jack Amos who finished any comeback from Range Rovers with a stupendous 15 yard shot which rattled the top corner almost sending the goal and its peg into the next county.
With a two goal lead and a much needed three points almost in the bag, both manger and parents were willing the final whistle.
Final score, MPE Sports Fc 4 – Range Rover Colts FC 2
Match reporters final comments: A great performance from the Mighty MPS Sports, there was not one point throughout the 60 minutes that they showed a defeatist attitude, every one of the players put 120% in. Well done the boys and well done the parents and managers for getting behinds our boys. WE ARE MPE SPORTS……………………………
Managers Man of the Match: Jack Amos
Parents Player: Billy Dorkins
