Rangers Get Wrangled By The Lingers

With some recent points dropped, it was vital the Lingers capitalised on what should be a guaranteed 3 points. Goals from TJ Stead, Rory Woolston & David Heaton ensured a comfortable 3-1 victory for the Lingers.

The game started with a good tempo from Lingfield on a slightly crisp surface following recent frost. High pressure from front men Sam Bell & Rory Woolston caused problems for St. Francis in the early stages forcing mistakes in the back line of the opposition. It took no longer than 11 minutes for the Lingers to open the scoring. Sammy Clements vision found Rory Woolston who made no mistake and cooly slotted the ball away. 1-0 Lingfield.

The pressure continued with wide man TJ Stead (tonights MOM) enjoying space down the left flank linking well with Matt Gates but the Lingers didn't capitalise. A long ball from a set piece found Sam Bell at the back post who was allowed to head down into the path of TJ Stead to volley into the St. Francis net.

As half-time approached, Sammy Clements found himself clear of the St. Francis defence to unselfishly square the ball to Sam Bell. Bell rifled home the ball into the visitors net only to be adjudged wrongly offside by the linesman.

Play continued at a reasonable pace, Sammy Clements and Dave Heaton enjoying spells on the ball in the second half and pressing high to add to the scoreline. Matthew Gates bombed forwards and chested down an exquisite pass from Centre Half Tommo to then be hacked down by the St. francis number 4. Dave Heaton converted the penalty to add to this seasons tally with a calm finish into the bottom corner. 3-0 Lingfield.

St. Francis didn't give up at that and continued in fighting spirit, number 10 providing options going forwards and linking up well with his fellow strike partner. Within minutes the ball was whipped into the Lingfield penalty area, with the Lingers unable to clear their lines, St. Francis converted. Lingfield FC 3-1 St. Francis Rangers.

In the final minutes the Lingers continued to press. A cross whipped in by the Assist Machine (Matthew Burroughs) which found Sam Bell at the far post to head into an empty net. Again the officials disallowed the goal as Bell went off celebrating. The final whistle was blown and the score ended as Lingfield FC 3-1 St. Francis Rangers.

The Lingers look to continue adding to their points tally with a tough game away at Saltdean FC on Saturday.

MOM : TJ Stead

Report By : Sam Bell

Media Coverage : Mike Moore