Claregate Park Rangers 2 vs 3 Old Cross Athletic

Claregate's winning streak came to an end this afternoon with a 3-2 defeat to Old Cross Athletic in a tight game.

Old Cross took the lead on 4 minutes when they made the most of some suicidal defending. They went 2 up in the 33rd minute when an Old Cross freekick ended up in a goal mouth scramble and was forced in. Claregate battled well though and deservedly got their reward right on half time when Carlo Bandiera cut in from the left and played in debutant Kyle Matthews who finished well across the keeper and inside the far post.

Claregate started the 2nd half in a 4-4-2 with Daniel "Burnzy" Burns joining Kyle in attack. A positive start from Claregate was rewarded with a leveller on 52 minutes when Burnzy delivered a corner to the far post for Marc "Tommo" Thomas to head back across for Danny Jones to nod home. Both teams produced some good football but it was Old Cross that grabbed the decider on 65 minutes when they countered with pace when a Claregate corner was cleared.

An entertaining game with both teams giving a good account of themselves. Claregate battled well but Old Cross took their chances.

Man of the match today went to Nathan Ratcliffe for a commanding performance. Subs involved were Rodney "Trotter" Williams and Jon Wilson.