Foresters Rangers United visited Tonbridge Junior Falcons, the game held at the Angels’ Football facilities, which are of a very high standard. It was therefore it was a pleasure for the boys to play at the stadium and sample a semi-professional environment.

The game itself was very much a stalemate particularly in the first half where both sides were looking to exert some dominance, but the two sides were well matched. The midfield certainly was congested and Rangers United attempted to play down the flanks without much success. In contrast, Tonbridge’s midfield looked to go straight down the middle and the two defensive midfielders for RU allied with the defence worked hard to keep Tonbridge at bay.

Tonbridge deservedly took the lead in the first half with a goal that could have been called for offside, it was very close. However, Rangers United continued to probe and endeavoured to get back on level terms. A number of substitutions were made to see if they could exert more dominance in the midfield.

There was success for the team and Rangers United equalised. The half ended 1-1.

The second half began with Rangers United being the dominant team, a change of formation allowed them to exert control in the midfield and to stop the Tonbridge runners from deep, the full backs played high up the pitch to try to overload. RU had the majority of the possession and six minutes into the second-half Rangers United took the lead.

From there on in Tonbridge Junior Falcons tried their very best to get back onto level terms and certainly RU were pushed back. It wasn't all one-way traffic however with Rangers United countering and attempting to also exert control and keep the goalkeeper busy. With 25 minutes to go Tonbridge Junior manage to break free down the right-hand side and from a very tight angle that striker scored with a very well executed goal, Rangers is goalkeeper didn't have a chance. The last 15 minutes was back and forth for both sides going for the win. There was a cry for a penalty by Tonbridge Junior which could have been given on another day, Rangers United were perhaps a touch fortunate.

In the end the game ended with Rangers United holding much of the possession in the opposition’s half but without success. The team felt that it was a loss of two points rather than a draw given the amount of possession in the last 10 minutes as they pushed for a win, making their defence work hard.

The game was competitive played in good spirits, and respect. Hands was warmly shaken at the end with the acknowledgement of a good contest. No doubt the return fixture will be of interest.