Not the smoothest of pre-game preparations with a couple players thinking kick-off at 4pm (since when has this occurred in the Cosmo league?), young fellows nursing hangovers, and a child’s multi-colored beach ball for warm-up did not auger well for a good afternoon.

However, Rangers had a strong side at the pitch and steely resolve to continue building on our recent form. From the start Vikings controlled early play and possession with their attacks focused on swinging the ball into the box but met handily by Chidi and Sane and when balls did get through Pepe was cat-like quick to pounce and mop up.

Our first serious foray into the Vikings end was a quick counter attack with Ozzy beating the left fullback, swinging the ball into Toddy who kept it moving left to Mark and left alone in front of the keeper, the youngster calmly put us up one nil. Over the next 20 minutes, right fullback went through some pressure as first Joaquin re-injured his hamstring muscle to be replaced by Sybe who lasted only long enough for Friday night’s consumption to render him nauseated and cramped. Time for Mr. Stockwell to put a lock on this position as he moved back from midfield allowing the late arriving Ned to take his usual spot in the middle of the park. It was this series of changes and some slack marking at the top of the box that allowed Vikings to equalize. The fact that we coughed up another lead did not deter us on this day and before the half ended we went on to create more pressure with two sterling chances, including a one on one that our suave Frenchman pushed just wide and on then shortly after a massive blast from Ned that hit squarely on the crossbar.

A very upbeat and positive half time talk led to an inspired second half with Rangers always looking dangerous on the counter attack and about midway through the second frame, monsieur Pierre atoned for his first half miss with a sublime 25 yard floater over a stranded keeper to give Rangers a lead that would not be surrendered. Ned added to the lead later to give us the final score and while we did soak up some pressure during the last 15 minutes there was only one serious effort on goal and Pepe made a great diving save, otherwise our back four with a solidly defensive midfield kept Vikings at bay. Of note were a number of counterattacks that resulted in a few additional Rangers opportunities once up 3-1 and hard running from many positions including forays deep into the opponents end by Naughty and Shane  that could have resulted in goals, however perhaps a candidate for ‘Blooper” of the year came with Toddy in all alone on the keeper  which was surely looking like a fourth goal only to see him recognize as much confusion on EuJin’s  face (Is he going to shoot or go round me??) that froze our leader  and saw him weakly surrender ball position and tumble to the ground drawing guffaws from the sidelines. Next time Mate!

Overall a very good effort and consistency in the squad now starting to show on the pitch with determined efforts and some nice football. It was very difficult to select man of the match because the entire team played well but we will give it to Chris Stockwell for his tireless effort both in midfield and at right back. His best performance for a long time!  Finally thanks to the Vikings for a fairly played game.