Team: Bulmer, Harriman, ilesanmi, Smith, Harris, Wright, Nanetti, Davenport, German, Fernandez, Ehmer
Subs: Brittain, Vanterpool, Waters, Perring and Daniel Bailey
It was a warm, sunny morning at Harlington and as usual the game kicked off late. Rangers took a while to get going and the visitors went into the lead after 4 minutes. Michael Wright tried to clear the ball but a Posh player hooked it in from close range. Christian Nanetti was looking very lively and his corner was headed just over the bar by Max Ehmer. Peterborough went close soon after when the ball was kicked off the line and Nikki Bulmer made an excellent save. The R’s were beginning to dominate the game and their number 2 was booked for a foul just outside the box. Nanetti then stepped up to take the free kick which hit the wall and the follow-up went just wide.
A Nanetti shot hit low and hard seemed destined for the corner but their keeper made a great save and turned the ball round the post. Danny Davenport had a shot deflected just past the post for a corner. The equaliser was coming and the only surprise was that it took so long. It came with a wonderful curling 25 yarder from Nanetti which went in via the woodwork. A low swerving shot by Nanetti was well saved by the Posh keeper. Rangers took a well deserved lead in the 40th minute when Fernandez eluded German and Nanetti was on hand to knock the ball in. Half Time: 2-1
Joe Brittain came on for Danny Davenport and he soon had an effort that shaved the post. Rangers were well on top but there was a scare at the other end when their striker found himself unmarked and his header was well kept out when Bulmer somehow got a hand to it. Following a good run down the left, Antonio German crossed from the bye-line for Terry Smith to hit home from 6 yards. Vanterpool came on for Fernandez, the visitors pulled one back and our final substitution was Perring replacing Nanetti.
It was a good start to the season and the score-line certainly flattered Peterborough. They don’t have a game next Saturday but the following week there is the away fixture against Barnet. The U16’s started slightly later in their game against Portsmouth on the adjacent pitch and most of us walked over to watch the final 12 minutes or so. They were looking good and we saw the R’s equaliser. The match finished 2-2. I was disappointed to hear that the sausage/bacon rolls may be a thing of the past, hot drinks are still available though. Good turnout from the Saturday Morning Mob which included Dave McKernan, Robbie, Pat and Tom Harrison, Paul Davidson, Clive, Roger and Clive snr.
Steve Russell