Your Company

4th September 2010 (Friendly)
Roman Rangers Greens 3 Newport Pagnell Town Tigers 3
Team (Scorers): Alex S, James, Jacob, Alastair, Bradley, Alex M, Ben J-H (1), Kai, Sam, Ben L (1), Alfie, Jamie G (1)
 
A heartening performance from the Greens in their first-ever match together, fighting back from 3-0 down to earn a creditable draw against strong opposition. The Greens were competitive from the start, although, as expected, the experience and better organisation of the visitors told in the opening 20 minutes as they went 3-0 up. We talked before the match about the possibility of this happening, and we asked that the players keep their heads up if they fell behind while they took time to get used to each other. True enough, the spirit and togetherness of the lads was excellent as they fought their way back into the match. The introduction of Jamie G, Ben L and Alfie midway through the first half galvanised the side, and Jamie G enjoyed the honour of scoring the Greens' first-ever goal to reduce the arrears to 3-1 at half-time.

Ben L was pushed further forward after the break, and he had a storming second half, bringing the Greens right back into the game with a superb finish to make it 3-2 early in the half. When Ben J-H scored a deserved goal to equalise, it looked like the momentum had swing completely towards the Greens. Credit to the Tigers, though, who battled back into the game and created some excellent chances of their own, and the last 15 minutes produced some fantastic end-to-end football which could easily have produced a winner for either side. In the event, a draw was probably fair, and we look forward to taking on the Tigers again in the league in a few weeks' time. The whole squad contributed to an excellent performance and comeback, with Ben L and Alfie fitting in very well on debut. Alex S in goal made some stunning saves, Alex M and Ben J-H formed a solid central midfield partnership, James caught the eye with some powerful runs down the wing from defence, and Jamie G was just outstanding, both up-front in the first half and in an unfamiliar defensive role after the break. Much to work on, of course, but this was an encouraging first game for the Greens, and they will get stronger with experience.

11th September 2010 (Friendly)
Roman Rangers Greens 4 Roman Rangers Reds 3
Team (Scorers): Alex S, James, Jacob, Alastair, Bradley, Alex M, Ben J-H (1), Kai (2), Sam, Maika (1), Jamie G
 
The Greens followed up their encouraging performance in their first match last week by recording their first win, in this closely-fought club derby against the Reds. The first half was very tight, and the Reds held the lead at half-time courtesy of an unfortunate own goal. The game opened up more in the second half and the goals started to flow. Ben J-H got a faint touch from a cross to level the scores, and then two goals from Kai and one from Maika put the Greens 4-2 up, with Eben having scored for the Reds with probably the goal of the game, a fine shot in the corner from the edge of the box. Jude then scored for the Reds very late on to set up a great finish, and the Reds very nearly equalised at the death, being denied only by a stunning one-handed save from the impressive Alex S in goal.

The game was very tight throughout and could have gone either way, although the Greens probably just about deserved the win thanks to the amount of possession they enjoyed in the second half. The physical strength of Ben J-H and Maika was significant, but it was probably Kai who proved to be the difference between the two sides, not only for his goals but for his intelligent play throughout the second half. Kai is revelling in his new midfield role and his vision and clever passing helped to create numerous chances for his team-mates. The whole squad has contributed to their positive start to the season, and let's hope this continues for their first league game at Leighton Corinthians next week.

18th September 2010 (League)
Leighton Corinthians 0 Roman Rangers Green 8
Team (Scorers): Alex S, James, Jacob, Alastair, Bradley (1), Alex M (1), Ben J-H, Ben L (1), Alfie (1), Kai (2), Sam, Maika (2), Jamie G (2)
 
A great team performance by the Greens, to win their first league match of the season. Although Corinthians were the better team in the early stages, the first goal from Alex M settled the Greens down, and further goals from Maika (2), Jamie G (2), Bradley, Ben L and Alfie secured an excellent victory. Great to see the goals being shared around. Well done to Ben, for victory on his managerial debut!

25th September 2010 (Cup Round 1)
Roman Rangers Green 4 Heelands Rangers 6
Team (Scorers): Alex S, James, Alastair, Bradley (1), Alex M, Ben J-H (1), Ben L, Alfie, Kai , Sam (1), Maika (1), Jamie G
 
A thrilling see-saw cup tie, which was shaded in the end by Heelands, who probably had the edge on the Greens physically and organisationally. Goals from Maika, Bradley, Sam and Ben J-H kept the Greens in it at 4-4, but two late goals saw Heelands progress to the next round. Still a good performance though, against our strongest opposition so far, with particular plaudits going to Alex M for an outstanding defensive performance.