FLASHES of lightning and heavy downpours of rain did not stop this Ardal Southern SW fixture between Mumbles Rangers and Garden Village from going ahead at the Swansea University ground at Sketty, Swansea on Wednesday (Nov 23).
The ground staff at the University had done a great job in ensuring this match was able to go ahead and neither side could complain as the pitch was in perfect condition and remained so throughout the game.
Mumbles Rangers knew that if they won this game they would move up-to second place in the league table. Garden Village on the other hand were looking to get away from the other end of the league table and pick up some valuable points.
Mumbles Rangers had the best of the opening exchanges in the first half and had two good chances within the first fifteen minutes to take the lead.
Rangers captain Chrissy Allen couldn’t quite find the finishes needed to score. However Rangers frustration was alleviated when Rangers striker James Loveridge did find the net twice within 4 minutes in the 28th and 32nd minute with a couple of quality strikes to give his team a cushion of two goals in the game.
Garden Village to their credit kept battling away and got their reward a minute from half time when the pace of wide-man Ricky Martin enabled him to pounce and from a wide angle hit the ball which was almost a cross into an unguarded goal as Rangers goalkeeper was caught out. Half Time 2-1 to the home team.
The second half saw Mumbles Rangers dominate the possession as they tried to pass their way through their opponents. Rangers were in control and played some neat football from back to front with Rangers midfielder Ricky Kerr pulling the strings.
However some good defensive play by Village thwarted most of the Rangers efforts. Rangers striker James Loveridge should have got his hat trick when only a couple of yards out from goal couldn’t quite direct his header on target and missed a golden opportunity to put this game beyond the opposition.
Rangers assertive play finally paid off when substitute Declan Banfield did manage to find the net and give his team a 3-1 lead.
With the game deep into stoppage time Garden Village did pull a goal back through Samuel Lloyd but minutes later all hope of a comeback was ended when the final whistle went.
A deserved win for the home team which could have been more emphatic on the chances created but credit to Garden Village who kept going until the final whistle.
Mumbles Rangers achieved what they set out to do before the game and for the time being sit second in the Ardal Southern SW League.
