London Senior Cup First Round
Team: Cant, Jude-Boyd, Shann, Sackey, Woodman, Hawkins, Adomah, Murphy, Jeche, Talla, Anthony
Subs: Loades, Rendall, Bala, Ajose
Attendance: 136
After a couple of postponements, this London Senior Cup tie finally got underway at King George’s Arena.
It must be noted that Rangers hadn’t competed in this Cup competition since we played Ilford in 1899! The first winners were Upton Park, who beat Old Foresters in 1883.
Harry Cant, currently on loan with Ashford Town (Middlesex), was brought back to start in goal.
After one minute or so, Rangers lost possession, and this resulted in Harry Cant making a very good save. It was then a fairly even contest for the next 20 minutes.
There was a long delay following what looked like a serious shoulder injury to a Casuals player! Eventually he was gingerly led across the pitch with the aid of some oxygen.
Lorent Talla’s strike after 36 minutes took a slight deflection before entering the net.
However, the home side equalised a couple of minutes later when Thibault Abie curled his corner kick directly into the far corner.
Micah Anthony was causing problems down the left, and after he was brought down in the box, he stepped up to convert from the spot.
The QPR left-winger, in a widish position, then saw his effort come off the upright.
After six added minutes were indicated, Murtra-Ebiesuwa’s shot at goal took a slight deflection, but Harry Cant was able to make a comfortable save.
At the other end, following a move set up by Albert Adomah, Micah Anthony’s strike was well saved by Arthur Leblond.
Then, Deon Woodman’s free header from a corner ended up wide of the target.
With wind-driven rain sweeping across the pitch, the away side added a third goal, when Harry Murphy successfully followed up after the ball had been cleared off the line. Half-time: 3-1.
Into the second-half, and Mr Keane wasn’t interested when Albert Adomah was clearly knocked over in the box! The ball ended up going behind for a corner. From which, Harry Murphy’s strike was well saved by Arthur Leblond.
Rangers were now dominating proceedings. Around the hour mark, Arkell Jude-Boyd made it four with the goal of the game when he smashed the ball into the top corner from over 20 yards.
Four minutes later, Trent Rendall replaced Deon Woodman and two minutes later Joseph Ajose was introduced at the expense of Micah Anthony.
Joseph Ajose received a pass from Albert Adomah close to the bye-line and the R’s substitute’s effort forced the keeper down to grab the ball.
There was a bit of a coming together involving players from both sides and when it re-occurred soon after on 73 minutes, Trent Rendall was shown a straight red.
Apart from some excellent defending from Arkell Jude-Boyd, when he denied Ayomide Majekodumni, Rangers comfortably negotiated the final stages of the match.
Well done to the Club for producing such an excellent match programme. There was a fascinating history of the Casuals and it also noted the three players who had played for both clubs, namely; Jackie Burns, William Charlton and Mike Pinner.
Rangers will face Dartford in the next round.
Thanks to Joe English for the lift back to Hanger Lane.
Steve Russell