Gloucestershire Blue Division

Hatherley Rangers  4    Churchdown Panthers  0

Sunday, 29 January 2012
After the disappointing draw at Stonehouse two weeks earlier Rangers played some of their best football of the season in the Bristol Combination U18 Gloucestershire Blue Division and ran away comfortable winners against table topping Churchdown
It didn't start that way however on a sticky KGV pitch where Churchdown edged the first half. Both teams created chances and Churchdown found Rangers keeper Miguel Arkell in fine form tipping a deflected shot over the bar and making a good reflex save at the near post. Ranger’s front pairing of Henry Stanimeros and Jack Stone were working the Churchdown defence hard but could not break them down.
The second half was again even for the first 15 minutes but Henry Stanimeros finally made the break through latching onto Jack Stones pass and causing confusion between the Churchdown defender and keeper enabling him to swivel and pass the ball into an unguarded net. Henry Stanimeros claimed his second 10 minutes later when Joe McCauley sent him clear and he finished well. Soon after it was three as Churchdown tired. Matt Armitage floated in a corner and Steve Brown headed home. Jack Stone hit the bar as Rangers confidence visibly grew and Man of the Match Henry Stanimeros hit the post before he got his deserved hat trick in the 85th minute latching onto another Jack Stone pass and rounding the keeper.
In the end the score line was harsh on Churchdown but Rangers took the points with an all round excellent team performance. Notable contributions came from Ryan Wiggett-Parker in defence, Stone, Arkell and Captain Matt Armitage in the heart of midfield.