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 !

Pics from Awards Night 2012

A few nice memories from the summer, what a fantastic Awards Night - well deserved by the squad. Here they are photographed with the Mayor of Dudley.

But can we do it again this season?

Yes we can!

Keep the faith and believe in yourselves.

 

Halesowen Community Ranger 5 Vs Trysull Tigers East 0

HCR Match Report 7.10.12

Halesowen Community Ranger 5   Vs  Trysull Tigers East 0

Goal scorers:

 Hamza 3

Marzouk

Mohamed

After a wobbly start to the 2012/13 campaign HCR are now starting to acclimatise to the altitude in Division 2 and demonstrate their ability to compete at this higher level.

HCR welcomed Trysull Tigers East to Hurst Green for this home encounter. HCR were looking lively so too were the tigers, Hamza played in a great cross which was swiftly cleared by the visitors. HCR’s competent back 4 of Tariq, Sam, Paddy and Matty were working hard and were communicating well and seeing off most of the danger.

Marzouk won the ball well and his first time shot was collected by the keeper,   the HCR faithful knew it was only a matter of time before we would convert as the passes were being strung together and there was a forward energy.  It was no surprise when Mohamood linked up well with Hamza to opening the scoring as Hamza despatched the ball decisively into the bottom right hand corner of the net for 1-0.

The tails were up and more attacking play was in evidence with Mohamood shooting on target forced  the Tiger’s keeper to make a great save. Up the other end Trysull made a surging run for what was a certain equaliser only to be denied by a quality save from Javon.

Half time score HCR 1 – Trysull Tigers East 0

The second half started with gusto and within minutes Mohamed fed the ball to Hamza who made no mistake for 2-0.

HCR were enjoying a lion’s share of the possession with Zeyad, Taha, Aaron and Marzouk passing the ball well and tracking back to regain possession when necessary. Paddy and Javon were combining well to eliminate any problems at the back. Mohamood battled to win the ball, passed to Marzouk who fed Mohamed who slotted home for 3-0.

With the momentum with us Marzouk scored a great individual goal twisting and turning and finishing a well-crafted goal to bring the tally to 4-0. The inform Marzouk went on a similar run and skilfully took the ball around the keeper only to shoot just wide of the post. Aiman was battling well on the right wing and Hamza was brought down on the edge of the box, he coolly stepped up to despatch the awarded penalty into the back of the net to complete his hatrick, his second in two games, bringing the score to 5-0.

The excitement didn’t stop there and HCR continued to press and create, with both Aaron and Taha being denied by the woodwork before the final whistle. Three points, five goals and a clean sheet. The 13 men of HCR combined well as a unit with all players contributing to a fine display. Well done to you all.  

MAN OF THE MATCH went to Tariq who was very disciplined in a new position, held his back line well and put in some important challenges.

It was great to see Maien and Jack on the side lines, wishing them both well.

Welcome Back

Welcome back to the HCR Blog for Season 2012 - 2013

Let's get blogging but more importantly let's get winning!