Wasps provide the sting asRangers’ winning run ends

Rangers’ run of five wins came to an end on Saturday and they could have no real complaints against disciplined visitors who were worthy winners, writes Tom Storer.

It was the Wasps who started brightly and Sam Schaaf had a ‘goal’ disallowed for offside after only six minutes.

It seemed only a matter of time before they scored but they had to wait until the 32nd minute when Schaaf produced a deft touch to turn in one of many dangerous crosses by the outstanding Kieran Wilson.

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There then followed a delay as a sickening clash of heads led to Pat Rose and Grinstead’s John Sinclair both being taken to hospital. Sinclair had 10 stitches inserted, while Rose had his wound glued.

The hosts levelled five minutes before half time when they capitalised on the absence of Sinclair’s considerable aerial presence. An excellent set-piece delivery by Charlie Pitcher enabled Andy Mott to glance in a header.

After the break referee Kevin Roberts denied each side a penalty. He ruled Grinstead’s Jonathan Hampson had gone over a Rangers leg too easily and then when the ball was cleared to the other end, again failed to whistle when Marc Pelling appeared to kick the ball into his own hand.

Mr Roberts did give a spot kick on 63 minutes, however, when Jay Dodd tripped Ben Chick. Schaaf’s penalty was saved by Rob Gordon, who also kept out the follow-up effort but could not stop sub George Hillier-Jones making it third time lucky for the visitors.

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After that Rangers threw what they could at the EG defence but that had looked solid all afternoon and clear chances were hard to come by against the strong central defensive pairing of Pelling and Mark Zydonik.

Rangers: Gordon; Akehurst, Vinten, O’Neill, Barnes, Lawrence, Dodd, C Pitcher, Perry, Rose, Mott. Used subs: Maskell, Wilmott.

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