Mullion 1 v Porthleven Rangers 0

This week Rangers travelled to local rivals Mullion for an eagerly awaited Derby Game. This match was always going to be a close encounter with both sides looking for the vital 3 points. Rangers travelling support was a little light this week when the Nauti One was layed up at home with a bad back and his england rugby shirt at the ready, egg chasing on a saturday disgrace.

The game didn't start well for Rangers when before a ball was even kicked centre half Brum Willets declared himself out after tweaking a groin whilst getting dressed. This led to a reshuffle of the side and saw the veteran player manager L Powell the spaniard getting a rare start.

With a strong sea breeze blowing end to end and the sun casting long shadows over the Mullion field Rangers opted to play with the wind in the first half. After watching Mullion knocking the ball around and playing some lovely little triangles for the first few minutes Rangers finally awoke and started about the task. When Neal U O A Dozen English Bartlett went through on goal it looked like the break through but he lifted the ball over the advancing Keeper and wide of the mark. Then after a lovely move which included a touch of the continental or back heel saw a great strike from TT Hichens into the top corner but the keeper at full stretch pulled of a fine save.

As the half wore on Rangers for all there efforts could not find that all important break through. With the Mullions Linesman's arm getting a good work out the Rangers front line just couldn't seem to beat the trap. Then just when it looked as if the half would finish goalless a break down the Rangers left a ball into the box, to what looked like three players stood offside saw a great last ditched effort at the back stick by Bouncer Dan Thomas to score his first for the Club unfortunately that club was Mullion. The referee was its fair to say not quite up with play and the Rangers defence were somewhat bewildered as to why the flag had not gone up but hay when you look at the score sheet it still reads Thomas OG.

With just a few minutes left on the clock Rangers tried desperately to get back on level terms but it was not to be. Mullion however still had one more crack at goal, when their front man was slid in it looked like he would make it 2 but Rangers Keeper Bart the younger Wortley pulled of a fine save touching the ball onto the post before retrieving it.

The second half saw Rangers playing into an ever stiffening sea breeze and it looked like it could be a tough one to pull out of the fire. With the wind at their backs Mullion did start to push hard but the Rangers defence refused to crack. The older heads of Rangers did have one or two things to say for themselves and on a couple of occasions the ref interceded and with some strong words of his own. Never been to sure on the foul and abuse language rules but you just cant give yourself a card these days.

Mullion were now dominating the field position but to be honest for all their possession and bluster never really looked like they could break down a stubborn Rangers defence. With Rangers being forced to play on the break chances were few and far between but the Mullion keeper was called into action on a couple of occasions and was always quick of his line when he needed to be, twice taking the ball at the feet of the Rangers forwards.

The game was by now not the best by a long way and both sides were guilty of giving the ball away all to often. Then one of the games darkest moments took place when Dan OG Thomas was booked by the Referee after a very ugly Totting followed by a very nasty shake of his head, after he was stalked by the referee like a great white hunter on the sent of his prey. All this brought about after a delayed dive sent the young Thomas to the floor after being caught on the ankle by a mullion player just 5 or 6 seconds earlier. The Ref had no option but to show him who was boss sorry I mean a card. That kind of Totting and Head Shaking has no place on the field and should be saved until after the water shed at least. A complete disgrace and I'm sure the club will be looking to take action of there own, perhaps a neck brace or collar for the young man.

With time now nearly out Rangers changed their shape for one last effort and shifted young Jonny Ice out right brought the Old Mother Hubbard into the middle and pushed leading scorer TT Hichens back up top. This change did seem to give Rangers a little more time with the ball and when Young Ice was brought down outside the box with a late and high challenge. Which brought the Refs cards out again. This time being used for what they were designed. With the wall almost the full six yards back and encroaching by the second Twelve pounds Bartlett took on the shot cleared the bar and Mullion survived again.

When the final whistle went Mullion had the points and I should think they were more than pleased with themselves for it. Rangers can look back on missed opportunities in the first half . The Ref can go back to playing 6 aside and can look back on what was probably not his finest game.

Next Saturday Rangers entertain Mullion in the reverse fixture (How does the this fixturing work I'll never know) at Porthlevens Gala Park. This may not be a game for the faint hearted with both sides still with all to play for and with dented prides to mend.

Match Report by Cozy Powell