Southampton Rangers 1 Robin Hood 2

Robin Hood increased their chances of survival with a dominant victory over Southampton Rangers yesterday.

The visitors took control quickly, creating their best chance of the first period from a decent cross by Daniel Cook, which striker Chae Brangman fired straight at goalkeeper Dwayne Adams. Neither side created anything of note for the remainder of the first half, though the visitors dominated possession and territory.

Early in the first half, the hosts, pushing to remain in the top division themselves, took a shock lead, when a lovely ball by Travis Wilkinson was headed towards goal by Akale Bean, whose effort was saved before Keishon Wilson stepped in to tuck home the rebound.

Hood, whose youth team Warwick Archers dominated the Appleby Youth Finals last month, continued to create the openings following the goal.

Archers’ Under-17 star Cook, created the first golden opportunity to equalise, feeding Kwame Naylorm, who eventually fired well wide from outside the penalty area. Minutes later, a good ball by Liam Evans was expertly controlled by Brangman before his shot brought a strong reflex save out of Adams. The former North Village shot-stopper was at it again following the hour mark, after Malachi Henry started a move, which ended in a strike by Ereico Outerbridge being fisted over.

Hood finally found the goal their play deserved when good ball, clipped in by Niyan Outerbridge, led to Lekan Scott being brought down in the box by substitute Tajai Goater. Brangman stepped up and coolly smashed the resulting penalty kick into the top corner.

At this point, the hosts were running out of ideas and left themselves open at the back for numerous counter-attacks.

When it seemed like Rangers would cling to a draw, Hood managed to clinch the victory in the second minute of stoppage-time when Cody Robinson got his head to a lovely ball from Ereico Outerbridge to net the winning goal.

Shortly afterwards, Cook missed his best individual opportunity, smashing wide from close range after carving the hosts apart through midfield.

Hood head coach Dante Leverock knew the result was key, especially given a lack of experience at his disposal.

“The young players stepped up really well,” said the former national team captain. “I was impressed with debutant Malachi Henry.”

Leverock was, however, concerned with the lack of finishing touch, but took pride in the development of the younger players in his squad.

“We created several chances to finish off a strong Rangers side. Despite this, we must be more clinical to get better results. The youngsters are improving every game, I see big things for the next generation coming through,” Leverock said.

SCORERS

Southampton Rangers: Wilson 47

Robin Hood: Brangman 77 pen, Robinson 90+2

TEAMS

Southampton Rangers (4-2-3-1): D Adams 8 – A Rocker 5, L Scott 4, R Lowe 4, D Hill 5 – T Wilkinson 6, J Bean 4 – T Smith 5, K Wilson 5, M Basden 4 – A Bean 5. Substitutes not used: J Hollis, C Henry, Z Iris

Robin Hood (4-3-3): M Holder 5 – C Robinson 6, M Henry 7, J Bather 6, D Cook 6 – L Evans 5 (sub: T Bean 50 5), E Outerbridge 6, N Massa 5 (sub: N Outerbridge 46 6) – A Simons 5 (sub: T Goater 65 5), C Brangman 5, K Naylor 5. Substitutes not used: K Knights, M Fullerton

Referee: A Augustus