Match Report 6-1-2013

Scorers: Marzouk (2), Elliott

Bearwood Sports Vs Halesowen Community Rangers

The first game of the New Year was away to promoted Bearwood Sports. The pitch conditions were good, it was a bit cloudy and the sun was trying to peep through.

HCR went through a good energetic warm up despite the holiday break; and a warm welcome is extended to Mazeed and Scott who joined us today for their debut. HCR were playing uphill in the first half and saw Chris with an early chance go just wide.

Bearwood had a free kick in a dangerous area but  HCR were able to take  care of it, HCR over cooked their attacks but it was a good start by both teams. Marzouk and Chris worked well together wth Chris heading goalwards with the Bearwood keeper collecting. Another good move involving Chris and Marzouk was judged to be offside. Bearwood’s No 10 was 1-on-1 with Javon but Javon was lively to the situation and denied any benefit to Bearwood. HCR were playing well, Tariq played a superb ball to Hamza whose shot was saved, however, Chris and Marzouk combined once again and Marzourk took it around the keeper and coolly finished for 0-1.

The chances continued with Chris missing out narrowly as his shot whistled past the face of goal. HCR seemed to be enjoying a good passage of possession and when awarded a free kick Marzouk’s shot was well saved.

Bearwood who were down to 10 men were persisting and they won a free kick which Chris headed away brilliantly, seeing HCR into the break one goal to the good.

Half time: Bearwood Sports 0 Vs 1 HCR

The second half saw HCR playing downhill the attacks were flowing, Mazeed, who was making an excellent debutplaced a free kick into the area but Marzouk was unable to finish. However HCR kept passing the ball around and Marzouk finished well for 0 Vs 2, a lovely goal and just what the game needed. The rest of the game was pedestrian at times. Elliot scored from an offside position following good work from Marzouk.

The final phase of the game saw some good attacking play from HCR Paddy won the ball high up the pitch, passed to Hamza who switched play over to Mazeed whose sublime pass into the box was vollieyed home by Elliott to open his HCR account, a lovely team goal, well done lads!

Final score:

Bearwood Sports 0 Vs HCR 3

There were lots of contenders for Man of the match, Elliott opening his account, Marzouk bagging two goals and combining so well with Chris. Brad lively and using his footy brain, man of the match awarded jointly to Mazeed for a very promising debut and to Sam for an energetic and passionate start to the New Year.

A great start to 2013, keep up the hard work.

Match Report 16-12-2012

West Hagley North vs Halesowen Community Rangers

HCR were the visitors to West Hagley following our recent last gasp draw a couple of weeks earlier. Both teams started brightly Aaron and Maien lively and effective with the ball. Elliott scored from an offside position keeping the score 0-0 but things were looking good. Taha was industrious and combining well with Hamza who drew the keeper out only to shoot just over the bar.

Hagley won a corner which Javon parried out and Hagley finished well for 1-0. Shortly afterwards Hagley scored their second of the game when the ball trickled over the line for 2-0, a very soft goal for us to concede and in contrast to the positive start that HCR had made. Javon was called into action as the confidence in the home side was visibly growing and he pulled off a great save to keep HCR in the game. However HCR were thwarted soon after and were victims to a well worked goal by Hagley for 3-0. Half time looming Aaron managed to persist and score for HCR.

Half time: West Hagley North 3 vs Halesowen Community Rangers 1

The second half started well Taha’s great effort was saved, up the other end Javon saved a Hagley attempt. Then Javon was off his line and conceded for 4-1. From this point Hagley surged into “all out” mode whilst HCR appeared to allow this to happen. A flurry of home goals leaving the final score  at 7-1. A strange game to watch with one left scratching one’s head, well done to Paddy who was forced to play in goal and made one great save and conceded one.

Final score: West Hagley North 7 vs Halesowen Community Rangers 1

Let’s hope this was a one off, the Christmas and New Year break looms with our first match of 2013 against our Locals Bearwood Sports on 6.1.2013. Have a great break everyone and see you next year! 

Match Report - Sunday 2nd December 2012

Halesowen Community Rangers  Vs  West Hagley North

We welcomed West Hagley to very boggy conditions  at Hurst Green on Sunday, however it must be said that West Hagley brightened the day by bringing along the cutest team mascot in Zara “the teddy bear dog”.

It was good to get a game underway with so many games cancelled due to the weather recently. All credit to the 30 players and the match official for coping in very muddy conditions, it can’t have been easy. Thanks also to Gamel Saleh and match official Matthew Flanagan for carrying out an early pitch inspection.

Both teams made a good start; this was not going to be an easy game with the conditions affecting the movement of the ball and the players. Marzouk was lively and had an early chance forcing a good save from the Hagley keeper who looked to be a safe pair of hands, which we found as the match unfolded. Chris and Zeyad were combining well, Hamza was taken down nothing awarded.

A slip up at the back allowed Hagley to open the scoring with a good finish. HCR continued to press with Maien and Chris moving the ball forward to Hamza who won a penalty and placed it just wide.

The half time whistle blew with the visitors one goal ahead.

The second half saw HCR come back on the field of play and persevere with the conditions uphill. Early on there were two excellent chances when both  Hamza and Aaron shot across goal with no one able to get to them and finish, this was encouraging play  with Taha, Zeyad and Marzouk working away, breaking up play and creating. Hagley were fast in the attack and were on target for a sure goal in the top left hand corner and somehow Javon got to it for a top quality save.

Marzouk was looking likely to score when his shot was parried out to Elliot who was making an impact on his debut, 1 on 1 with the keeper his shot went just wide. HCR were building their momentum with Aaron shooting over the bar. There was spirit and passion evident and Aaron, Elliot and Marzouk were linking up only for Marzouk’s shot to go wide, on another day we would have put these chances away.

HCR were trying to grab an equaliser which was looking likely by the effort and commitment but the clock was ticking down. We were awarded a free kick on the half way line with only minutes to go. Mo who was playing in defence on his debut was the only man back and Javon (GK) appeared to being taking the free kick, the HCR faithful on the side line rallied and encouraged him and the ball flew through the air, in under the bar and plopped in the muddy goal to get the equaliser the whole team had been working for. There was heartache for Hagley and happiness for HCR. This may well be our defining moment of the season where we get our season well and truly under way, the jubilation was a joy to see. A point salvaged but more importantly team spirit ignited. Hagley’s rapid No 13 raced through the defence and shot over the bar just before the final whistle to keep the score level. A point each.

Final Score HCR 1  -  West Hagley North 1

Man of the Match – Javon Bailey for pulling off a top quality save to keep us in the game at 1-0 and for scoring the equaliser from a free kick on the half way line.   

Aston Villa Stars line up for Charity Football Match

Charity Football Match in aid of Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research

Aston Villa Lions & Legends

vs

Petrovs X1

on Sunday 18th November 2012

Gates open 12pm. Kick off: 1.30pm

Venue: Halesowen Town Football

The Grove, Old Hawne Lane, Halesowen B63 3TB

Admission Fee

Adults £5.00
Children £2.50

Resonate Menswear are proud sponsors of the match balls.
www.resonatemenswear.com

Pigroast and refreshments available on the day.
www.pigroastbirmingham.co.uk

Proud sposnor of the kit: www.protection-services.com

 

March Report 28.10.12

Black Country Rangers   2     Halesowen Community Rangers   1

HCR made the journey over to Victoria Park. It was a wet and dreary day. The game kicked off at 15.00. BCR started more brightly putting HCR under pressure and HCR were slow to react. BCR looked hungry and in the first half hit the woodwork twice before managing to open the scoring with a rapid attack that, whilst Javon came out, we were unable to prevent the ball crossing the line. The game was more even thereafter but HCR went into the break trailing 1-0

Half time score BCR   1-  0 HCR

The second half was a different story with HCR waking up to the challenge. We were missing Tarik and Marzouk who were not available and Zeyad who had been injured in the match and could play no further part.

HCR contended and created and worked harder, whereas in the first half we had only tested the keeper once the second half was proving to be a much more competitive affair. Hamza had a couple of cracking attempts which went just wide, Taha was pressuring the ball when he managed to unravel the ball and combined well with Chris and Mahamood was able to latch onto the fast flowing ball and slot it past the keeper for 1-1.

HCR and BCR were battling from end to end. The game looked like it was going to be a draw with a couple of close chances for each side when HCR kicked the ball apparently out of danger over the line and as our players began to regroup in expectation of a throw in, BCR made reasonable advantage of the fact the whistle had not been blown and put the ball in the back of our net for 2-1.

Despite industry and hard work HCR were unable to recover and all the points went to BCR.

Man of the match was Javon who made a number of great saves in difficult playing conditions.

HCR Match Report 21.10.12

Halesowen Community Rangers   3  Vs  Bearwood Sports   1

Goal Scorers:

Marzouk

Sam

Hamza

Halesowen kicked off their 5^th league game of the season against Bearwood Sports, who took us to the final game of last season in order to decide who would claim the Division 3 title.

Both teams started brightly, Bearwood looking to avenge last season and HCR hoping to record a 3^rd successive victory over their local rivals. Marzouk and Hamza, who was back in the team after recovering from an injury, were both looking to test the opposition keeper early on with Bearwood  endeavouring to do likewise, although Javon was equal to any Bearwood attempts.

HCR were finding it difficult to establish themselves and make an impact on the game as normal slick passing was thwarted by the boggy conditions of the Hurst Green Pitch. Looking to capitalise on HCR’s misfortune Bearwood attacked in their numbers looking to play through their striker, but the back 5 of Javon, Matty, Sam, Paddy and Tarik were able to deal with the Bearwood attacks.

The first goal came, however, midway through the first half when a miscommunication between the 2 centre-backs Paddy and Sam saw the opposition’s forward break through on goal and he was able to slot it past the oncoming keeper. Finding themselves on the back foot HCR battled to try and get back on level terms but the condition of the pitch meant the midfield  of Chris, Marzouk, Taha and Aaron found it hard to move the ball around, with the 2 forward men finding themselves becoming more isolated from the play forcing them to drop deeper in search of the ball.

As the players acclimatised themselves to the pitch HCR began to mount some attacks on the Bearwood goal, with Taz and Chris linking up well and Taha working hard to retain possession. Aaron and Marzouk combined well only to see the Bearwood defence deal with Aaron’s inviting cross. Just as HCR were beginning to play and the 2 forwards were becoming more involved in the play, the referee blew for half time. Rangers went into the break trailing 1-0 although there were positives to build on in the second half

Half time score

HCR  0  -  1  Bearwood Sports

The second half saw HCR mount several attacks only to meet the committed work of the Bearwood defence who were clearly working well and did not want to allow the HCR forwards any chink in their armour. Bearwood were being well dealt with in the middle of the park and Zeyad, Taha, Marzouk, Aaron and Hamza with  new signing Brad were working well and creating some good chances. Taz knocked a well placed free kick into the area, Sam chested it down, it hit off the keeper only for  Marzouk to pounce on it and lash it home for 1-1. This was encouraging and revved up the whole team, play continued in a positive and determined fashion.  

HCR won a corner and Zeyad’s delivery was nearly met by Aaron who competed for it, however Sam curled it into the back of the net allowing the home side to take the lead for the first time in today’s proceedings.

HCR played out the rest of the game with confidence with Bearwood making a fine forward attack which was cleared by Aaron who had tracked back to clear the danger. Marzouk won the ball in the middle of the pitch and sent Hamza through 1 on 1 and Hamza finished neatly to bring the home side’s tally to 3 for the day. Play continued until the final whistle with no further goals recorded.

A tense game but a fine finish against a good side in Bearwood. Character shown to come back from a one goal deficit. Today’s man of the match goes to Sam for his energy, persistence and strong role in defence.

HCR Match Report 14.10.12

AFC Hinksford  1  VS   Halesowen Community Rangers 2

Goal scorers:

Sam and Chris

The rangers made the journey to the picturesque setting for this away fixture with Hinksford. It was  a lovely playing surface  and there were wonderful rural  views all around. Despite the lovely blue skies we were without the inform Hamza Javaid, who was sidelined with an ankle injury, we were always going to miss his lethal threat in front of goal and on the wing.

The first half saw Hinksford having the lion’s share of possession and  forcing Javon into action on a number of occasions. Javon Bailey is a quality keeper and plays with a smile on his face, he is truly a pleasure to watch. He was forced to make a double save from a Hinksford free kick.

Halesowen whilst not playing to their potential in the first half had their moments; Chris was running up and down the left wing, winning balls and outpacing the defender, he created a wonderful chance for Marzouk who hit the post. When HCR put on the pressure it was impressive and this time Marzouk fed Chris who forced a save from the confident Hinksford keeper. Once again Chris and Marzouk combined with Marzouk heading just over the bar.

Javon was 1 on 1 with a Hinksford forward, Javon cleared the ball and within minutes Javon calmly made another  great save to keep the score 0-0.

Our new look back four, Matty, Sam, Paddy and Tarik were combining well showing organisation and commitment with Sam making a vital final clearance, great stuff Sam. AFC won a corner and Javon got his hands to it. Then Paddy made a committed and well timed tackle to cancel out the AFC attack.

AFC continued to put us under pressure with us failing to retain possession in the middle of the park.  Marzouk managed some of his magical play with his shot going just wide. Maien was energetic and causing all sorts of trouble, he was attacking in the box and was the recipient of a push in the back but nothing was given.  

Hinksford broke from a corner, a through ball split the Halesowen defence  allowing their forward a 1 on 1 opportunity with Javon. Javon had no choice but to commit himself to the ball, and his unintentional connection with the player left the referee pointing to the spot which was converted for 1 – 0 to the home team. It was a blow for the visitors to concede just before the half time whistle was blown.

Half time score AFC Hinksford  1   Vs   Halesowen Community Rangers  0

The half time team talk must have been inspiring as Halesowen Community Rangers entered the field of play with some more energy and belief. The midfield of Marzouk, Taha, Aaron, Chris and Zeyad were winning more balls and contending. Halesowen were awarded a corner which was taken by Marzouk and Sam hit sweetly with his left foot  into the back of the net, a quality finish from Sam .Sam has a knack of scoring hugely important goals for HCR,  as  was this one  – the all important equaliser that our improved play warranted.

Confidence and energy was up, Mohamed  was lively and shot just wide, he then set Aaron up with a great ball which Aaron did well to get to and his shot was collected by the keeper. Maien was a revelation upfront, busy, threatening and skilful and he  forced a great save.

The game was end to end with both teams pushing hard for the winner, AFC won a corner which Taha cleared, Sam then made  a crucial challenge with Javon gathering to make sure the ball didn’t cross the line.

Zeyad was playing with renewed energy and making great forward runs but shot over the bar, nearly grabbing the winner, on another day it would have sailed into the net. He didn’t give up he kept going and crossed an exquisite ball into the area, Maien unselfishly left it for Chris to smash into the back of the net. His team mates proceeded to swamp  him in a pile on to show their appreciation. Halesowen had audaciously grabbed the winner ahead of the final whistle, no doubt a blow to Hinksford but sheer joy to the rangers as their improved passage of play deserved this outcome.

There were many candidates for Man of The Match, Javon saving the day on many occassions, Paddy with his last ditch tackles, Zeyad with his no nonsense football which elicited the killer cross for the winning goal.

Today’s Man of the Match goes to Chris for his industry in the first half and for scoring the all important winning goal and opening his HCR account. Well done Chris.

A very entertaining game of football with Halesowen not at their best but showing great character and determination to come back from conceding a goal before half time to take home all three points and we look forward to moving up the league table.

Well done to everyone !