MATCH REPORT: CUCKFIELD RANGERS

Max Carbune with a defensive header. Image credit Will Hugall

Rotherfield finished their run of seven consecutive home fixtures with a narrow defeat to Cuckfield Rangers on Saturday.

Rangers were in a similar league position to the the Greens, both with three wins, so it was bound to be an even contest.

The manicured surface was able to take a stud due to the recent wet weather, which allowed for a few sliding challenges.

The closest effort for the Greens in the first half was when Jack Spampanato drove the ball from the edge of the box, towards the village hall end, and placed his effort from near post to see his effort clip the far post and away from the goal.

Five minutes later Max Carbune sent a delivery from deep which Mike Peevor was first to meet the ball with is head only for his effort to end up into the opposing keepers arms.

The second half continued in the same fashion with few clear-cut chances for both sides. However, a moment of brilliance happened on the 70th minute when a Cuckfield Rangers player hit a tremendous effort which Kieran Sumner managed to get his fingertips to help the ball onto the crossbar and over.

Five minutes later, Cuckfield played a ball across goal for the intended recipient to head under Sumner and go over the line.

Rotherfield had fifteen minutes to get level and the Greens had thought they had when a Rotherfield corner was destined for Jack Turners head, which he met and nodded beyond the keeper into the top corner but to be ruled out by the officials for offside.

Then on the very last phase of play, Alex Kerslake was brought down in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Jack Turner had a chance to be a hero once again when he was the nominated penalty taker in the absence of skipper Sam Saunders. His effort was weak and the Rangers keeper was able to hold onto his shot as the referee blew for full time.