Many thanks to Leighton who provided these match reports.

Sunday 12th May v Stoke Dynamo’s, PJYL Div 3, at Sir William Stanier

With the league title in the bag Rangers wanted to finish the season unbeaten in the league but an early attack by Dynamos and some below par defending led to the opposition finding the net, luckily it was ruled off-side. Brookfield got into their stride and won a corner which resulted in a goal-mouth scramble and the ball being bundled over the line - Lewis Dobson getting the final touch (1-0). Literally the next move of the match was another Stoke attack and again some lax defending let the opposition through for an easy tap-in to level the score (1-1). To add to the misery, the referee judged a Stoke player to have been fouled in the box and a penalty was given which Dynamos put away to take the lead (2-1). Rangers forced another corner late in the half and Ellis Gray’s shot hit the bar and fell for Ryan Forrester to nod into the net (2-2).

2^nd Half

Rangers started the half much brighter and with a renewed determination. A good passing move on the left and a through ball to Ali Chapman set up the shot which was blocked but Ellis Gray hit a powerful second attempt with the outside of his foot to take Brookfield back into the lead (3-2). Another break on the left saw Tom Dale put in a useful cross allowing Matt Boxer to chip the keeper and extend Rangers lead (4-2). The next Brookfield attack came from the right with Matt Boxer crossing into the box – the defence failing to clear and Tom Dale showing good technique to volley home (5-2). A well placed throw in deep in the Stoke half found Ellis Gray who floated the ball into the net from a tight angle (6-2). More Brookfield pressure led to another corner and Tom Dale’s kick found Ali Chapman who fired in an excellent shot to put Rangers further ahead (7-2). The final goal came from an attack down the right hand side of midfield Lawrence Purcell picked up the ball in the box turned neatly and fired home to make the final score 8-2.

After an even first half, Brookfield took control and secured the victory – a great end to the season.

Scorers: Lewis Dobson, Ryan Forrester, Ellis Gray (2) , Ali Chapman, Matt Boxer, Tom Dale, Lawrence Purcell

Man of the Match; Tom Jones

Thursday 2nd May v Stoke Redz, PJYL Div 3, at Sir William Stanier

Rangers went into this match on intermittent form having lost and drawn there last 2 matches needing a point to secure the Division 3 title. Brookfield nearly snatched an early lead with Josh Forrester hitting the bar from a free kick and Kieran Wright following up but the linesman flagged for off-side. The the breakthrough came with a long corner from Matt Boxer for Ryan Forrester to head back across goal and Kieran Wright to nod in (1-0). Rangers then lost concentration and some uncharacteristic defending led a chance that was well taken by Redz to level the score (1-1). Josh Forrester then threaded a pass through to Kieran Wright to put him in on goal – a blatant foul in the box gave Rangers a penalty kick. Kieran Wright stepped up and calmly slotted into the bottom left corner (2-1). Brookfield again threw the lead away with some poor marking and defending from a corner allowing Stoke a free header at the near post to level the score again (2-2). A long throw reached Tom Dales who’s heel flick hit the post. Another Josh Forrester long throw dropped to Ali Chapman who controlled and turned well to fire Rangers back into the lead (3-2).

2^nd Half

Yet again some poor defending let Redz straight through the middle to level the score at 3-3 early in the second half. Some good play led to a free kick just outside the box on the right side of the pitch – Ellis Gray struck well leaving the Redz keeper to spill the save and Kieran Wright cleared up to take Brookfield into the lead for the 4^th time (4-3). Another set piece led to Redz equaliser – this time a free kick wasn’t dealt with and a glancing header found the back of the net (4-4). A decent Rangers attack won a corner - Matt Boxer took and found the head of Ellis Gray, the keeper saved but again Kieran Wright was there to fire home (5-4). A pass from midfield set Kieran Wright on a surging run and the cross ball found Lawrence Purcell who shot but the keeper saved – Ellis Gray made no mistake and extended Rangers lead by more than one goal for the first tiem in the match (6-4). All Rangers needed to do was to keep a tight ship and play out the remainder of the game but yet again tired legs let Redz back into the game to set up a nail-biting final 10 minutes. Brookfield held on with the final score 6-5.

Rangers played some good football but looked a little tired after a long hard season. The great news was the title was in the bag with the final league game left to play. WELL DONE BROOKFIELD RANGERS!

Scorers: Kieran Wright (4), Ellis Gray , Ali Chapman

Man of the Match; Kieran Wright

Sunday 28th April v Madeley White Star, PJYL Sub Cup Quarter Final, at Manor Road, Madeley

With Madeley top of Division 2, this match was going to prove testing for Rangers. A long throw from Josh Forrester into Ryan Forrester produced a headed chance that went just over the bar. A further chance for Brookfield went begging when Tom Jones threw in to Tom Dale who connected well with Ryan Forrester laying off for Ali Chapman  to shoot producing a good save from the Madeley keeper. Madeley then put some pressure on and an uncharacteristic defensive mistake led to Rangers going 1-0 down. Josh Forrester put a free kick over the bar as Rangers failed to convert. Madeley won a corner and a long ball was not cleared allowing Madeley to scramble it over the line to double their lead (2-0)

2^nd Half

A puzzling decision from the referee gave Madeley a free kick in Brookfield’s half - the ball rose high towards the far post and a glancing header put Madeley 3-0 up. Brookfield had some clear chances but failed to convert with Ali Chapman firing over the bar and Tom Dale hitting the left post. Madeley sealed the game with a good move which again was not well defended with the final score finishing 4-0

Man of the Match: Josh Forrester

Thursday 25th April v Biddulph Valley, PJYL Div 3, at Mill Hayes Sports Ground, Biddulph

This was a very close, competitive game on a bumpy pitch that did not suit a passing game. Early possession was even but Biddulph started to get on top and pressure from them led to a ball not being cleared properly form Rangers defence and Valley slotted the ball in to take the lead (1-0). Towards the end of the first half Brookfield won a throw in deep in the opposition’s half – Josh Forrester fired a long throw into the box and Lewis Dobson made enough contact to set the ball over the goal line to even the score at 1-1

2^nd Half

The second half again was even and a real battle for both teams. Both sides created chances with Rangers best coming from Ellis Gray who chest-trapped a high ball and put a well weighted pass into Ali Chapman who fired into the side netting.

A tight game that left Brookfield still needing a point to secure the Division 3 title

Scorers: Lewis Dobson

Man of the Match: Tom Jones

Sunday 21st April v Betley FC, PJYL Div 3, at Betley Playing Fields, Betley

Rangers enjoyed a lot of early possession and played some neat passing football but failed to convert this into goals. Brookfield came close with a effective move starting with a throw in from Jack Morris to Lawrence Purcell then in central to Ellis Gray who linked well with Ali Chapman whose shot hit the outside of the right hand post. The breakthrough came towards the end of the second half with a free kick taken by Josh Forrester. Ellis Gray put in a well steered header which the keeper was unable to hold and Kieran Wright slotted in from close range (1-0)

2^nd Half

The second half started again with a lot of possession for Rangers. It was another set piece in the form of a free kick again taken by Josh Forrester which led to well taken headed ball towards goal forcing a good save from the Betley keeper. The second goal yet came from a Josh Forrester free kick - this time with Ryan Forrester on the end of it putting in a very well placed header to leave the keeper stranded extending Brookfield’s lead (2-0). Further central midfield pressure lead to a hasty clearance from the opposition, which fell to Lewis Dobson on the half-volley. A powerful shot took a slight deflection and found the back of the net to seal the victory for Rangers (3-0).

With 3 league games yet to play and Rangers still top of the division, they have great opportunity to push for the division 3 title. Good results will be needed during the run in to the end of the season.

Scorers: Kieran Wright, Ryan Forrester, Lewis Dobson,

Man of the Match; Lewis Dobson

Thursday 18th April v Bradwell FC, PJYL Div 3, at Sir William Stanier

Ten minutes into the game and some early pressure led to a good attack on the left wing from Tom Dale winning a corner. Ali Chapman floated it in and a glancing header was well placed to leave the keeper stranded from Lewis Dobson (1-0). A further attack produced a good ball into Ellis Gray who shot just wide of the left post. Josh Forrester put a long throw in deep in the oppositions half and Ellis Gray again went close heading just over the bar. Further pressure led to a corner and Tom Dale put a long kick in to the far post where Josh Forrester was well placed to head into the net (2-0)

2^nd Half

An early chance fell to Bradwell with Lewis Steele saving at close range to preserve Rangers clean sheet. Immediately following that, the goal kick out found Kieran Wright put Tom Dale through with an excellent ‘flick-on’ header. Tom Dale finished coolly to extend Brookfield’s lead (3-0). Some constant pressure again through midfield led to a defensive mistake. Tom Dale took full advantage on the left to score his second of the game (4-0). Good play again in midfield from Lewis Dobson with a quick touch through ball to Kieran Wright set up another attack which resulted in Kieran Wright being taken down in the right hand corner of the box – a penalty was awarded. Robbie Price stepped up and calmly stroked into the bottom right hand corner to make the final score 5-0.

Brookfield some way back to their best with a very solid performance against tricky opposition leaves them 6 points clear at the top of Division 3 with 4 league games to go.

Scorers: Tom Dale (2), Lewis Dobson, Josh Forrester, Robbie Prince (Pen)

Man of the Match; Tom Dale

Sunday 14th April v Stoke Dynamo’s, PJYL U16 Sub Cup 2nd Round, at Sir William Stanier

Early exchanges led to a chance as Kieran Wright broke and threaded a ball into Robbie Prince who couldn’t quite get an accurate shot in. Dynamos then caught Rangers on the break and only a very good save from Lewis Steele with his feet avoided Brookfield going a goal down. A good move down the right involving Robbie Prince and Matt Boxer put Kieran Wright through who went on an excellent run to put in a low cross for Tom Dales to slot home (1-0). Kieran Wright was fouled on the right of the box and Josh Forrester floated the free kick into the top left corner of the net. Rangers didn’t seem to be there usual force and some lack-lustre play led to poor defending allowing a well taken shot into the net for Dynamos (2-1). Some further uncharacteristic play defending a corner again let the opposition in again to level the score (2-2). A further chance for the opposition came when an awkward bounce from a long range shot needed palming onto the bar and then a good save from the follow up shot by Lewis Steele. Lewis Dobson moved the ball left to Thomas Jones who put well placed pass up to Tom Dale. Tome Dale fed into Ellis Gray who shot into the net from a tight angle to restore Rangers lead (3-2).

2^nd Half

The second half was a close affair with Rangers again putting in a below par performance. Some pressure through midfield led to a ball into Ellis Gray at chest height – Ellis controlled and put the ball into the net but it was disallowed for a high foot. Ellis Gray also had a second goal disallowed as it was judged off-side.

A performance that was well below Brookfield’s normal standard but they progress to the next round of the Sub Cup where they meet Madeley White Star who are currently leading Division 2

Scorers: Tom Dale, Josh Forrester, Ellis Gray

Man of the Match; Thomas Jones

Sunday 24th March v Audley, Sentinel Cup 3rd Round, at Sir William Stanier

Brookfield faced Audley for the second time in a cup competition since Christmas and with the opposition sitting top of division 1 this was going to be another tough test. The early exchanges were even with much of the battle being in midfield. The pitch was holding a lot of water and started to cut up as the game went on. Some early pressure from Rangers won a free kick and Josh Forrester went very close from the set piece with a direct shot. Audley then caught Brookfield on the break and despite two excellent saves from Lewis Steele the 3^rd shot found the net and the visitors took the lead (0-1). The Rangers defence held up well as Josh Forrester in particularly had a fine game.

2^nd Half

Brookfield found themselves under pressure straight away in the second half with another Audley attack forcing a good save from Lewis Steele. Tom Dale received the ball on the left wing and after a short run put an accurate ball through to Ellis Gray who threaded an early ball into Kieran Wright who calmly slotted home to level the score at 1-1. The rest of the game was very even with some good defending from both teams. Audley broke switching the ball from right to left in midfield leaving the left winger to cross. The angle caught Rangers off guard and the ball slipped into the net. With 10 minutes to go Brookfield moved to 3 defenders and threw everything they had at Audley. This close game saw the score stay at 1-2 to Audley with Rangers unlucky not to get something out of it.

A good performance from Brookfield showing that they can compete with the top teams in the Potteries League.

Scorer: Kieran Wright

Man of the Match: Josh Forrester

Sunday 17th March v Biddulph Valley, PJYL 3rd Division, at Sir William Stanier

This was set to be a crunch match with Valley only losing one game in the league so far. The winners of division 3 are likely to come from the current top 3 places – ourselves, Biddulph Valley & Leek Predators. Rangers started positively on a water logged pitch that was sure to cut up as the game went on. A good move across the centre of midfield involving Matty Boxer and Ali Chapman put Tom Dale through just outside the box where he was brought down by a defender. Josh Forrester stepped up to put a superb free kick into the top left hand corner of the net (1-0). Next a move from the left saw Tom Jones and Tom Dale combine to feed Kieran Wright who rode a tackle from the Valley keeper to put a tight-angled shot into the net for 2-0. Ellis Gray controlled well and put in an early ball to Tom Dale who was then fouled inside the box. Ellis Gray stepped up to take the penalty and placed very well into the bottom left corner to extend Rangers lead to 3-0.

2^nd Half

Brookfield just lost a little of their concentration and determination early in the second half, allowing Valley back into the game. Biddulph caught Rangers on the break down the left hand side and a well-taken shot put them on the score sheet (3-1). A great move between Ellis Gray and Kieran Wright ended up with the ball being buried in the net but it was judged off-side by the linesman. More pressure from Biddulph led to them winning a corner – the ball was nodded home to put Valley very much back in it. The pitch had by this time cut up really badly and the thick mud made for slippery conditions. Both teams battled in the poor conditions but it was a break from midfield through to Ellis Gray who again played a quick ball across the box to Kieran Wright who took the ball well on his chest and fired home to extend Brookfield’s lead. A late attack saw Tom Dale steal the ball off a defender and battle well just failing to get a shot off to extend Rangers lead further

A good win for Rangers in poor playing conditions brings them a step closer to the Division 3 title

Scorers: Kieran Wright (2), Ellis Gray, Josh Forrester

Man of the Match; Josh Forrester

Sunday 10th March v AFC Alsager, PJYL U16 Sub Cup 1st Round, at Sir William Stanier

Another test against a Division 1 side provided the next challenge for Rangers with Brookfield starting well pressing form the start through midfield. Robbie Prince broke from a central position and struck a long range shot that shook the cross-bar. More pressure led to a throw-in deep in Alsager territory with Josh Forrester putting a long ball into Tom Dale who turned and threaded a low cross into the box for Ali Chapman to place well to open the scoring (1-0).Rangers kept up the pressure with a floated ball up to Eliis Gray who headed onto Ali Chapman setting him up for a strong run and a well placed shot into the bottom left hand corner of the net to double Rangers advantage (2-0). Alsager put together a few good attacking moves hitting the post and forcing a good save from Lewis Steele as the ball bobbled awkwardly. Late in the first half Matty Boxer put in a well weighted ball to Kieran Wright who after a strong run was tripped in the box. Brookfield were awarded a penalty – up stepped Ali Chapman for his hat-trick but put the ball over the bar.

2^nd Half

Rangers kept piling on the pressure with Tom Dale feeding a through ball into Ali Chapman battled well to get a shot off to move Brookfield into a 3-0 lead. Rangers started to dominate in mid-field with Lewis Dobson and Robbie Prince pulling the strings. Matty Boxer put in a well placed cross with Kieran Wright catching a glancing header which hit the bar. The Alsager keeper could not get to the ball and Tom Dale smashed the ball into the net (4-0). Kieran Wright stole the ball from an Alsager player and put in a low pass for Ellis Gray to slot in Rangers 5^th goal (5-0). The final action came late in the game with an excellent move from midfield – Ellis Gray controlled well and passed through to Kieran who was fouled near the box. Josh Forrester hit a thunderous free-kick which rattled the bar narrowly failing to extend Rangers lead further.

Another very solid performance from Rangers with a clean sheet saw Brookfield progress to the next round

Scorers: Ali Chapman (3), Ellis Gray, Tom Dale

Man of the Match; Ali Chapman

Sunday 3rd March v Shotfields Valiants, PJYL Div 3, at the Hardman Football Centre, Milton

The recent dry weather presented a firm pitch in good condition although quite small. Rangers play best on larger pitches which allow them to use the wings effectively. The game opened with our quickest goal of the season. Ellis Gray received the ball from the kick off and put in a thunderous left footed shot which beat the keeper to open the scoring (0-1). Ten minutes in and Lewis Dobson picked up the ball wide right making a run and putting in a low cross into the box for Kieran Wright to convert to double Brookfield’s lead (0-2).

Late in the first half some strong Brookfield possession led to a corner - Ali Chapman took it and the ball was not cleared leaving Kieran Wright to follow up for his second of the game.

2^nd Half

The Valiants got much more into the game during the second half and had much more possession, however good defending from Rangers ensured a clean sheet. Brookfield also controlled most of the play in midfield with Lewis Dobson dominant in the middle and hitting the post with a long range shot . It wasn’t until late in the game that Brookfield extended their lead through a break from midfield by Lawrence Purcell who floated a dangerous ball into the box which the Shotfield defence failed to deal with and the ball ended up in the back of the net. Final score 0-4

A solid performance which sees Rangers retain their top spot with a game in hand over Leek Predators in second place

Scorers: Kieran Wright (2), Ellis Gray, Lawrence Purcell

Man of the Match; Lawrence Purcell & Matt Boxer (Joint)

Sunday 24th February v Audley, Potteries League Cup 2nd Round at Townfields, Audley

Another Cup game gave the chance for Brookfield to test how well they’re doing against First Division opposition again and it was soon obvious that this was going to be a harder game than last week’s. Audley were soon putting the Rangers defence under pressure and Lewis made a good save. After soaking up more pressure, we were awarded a free kick which Foz drilled in on goal but their keeper made a good save. Audley then made it 1-0 after the Rangers defence failed to clear the ball. Lewis was having a great game in goal for us and made several great saves to keep us in with a hope but we were finding it hard to break through the Audley defence. Shortly before half time Kieran had a good header well saved by their keeper so the score remained at 1-0 at half time.

Into the second half and Lewis continued to keep the Audley strikers at bay, with Matty and Foz also doing well in defence but Audley struck again with a shot that went in off a post to make it 2-0. Robbie made a good break but his shot went over the bar and Kieran had a half-chance of pulling a goal back but Audley made it 3-0 from a free kick and that was the final score.

A good performance against strong, physical opposition. Hopefully we’ll have learnt a few lessons as we play them again soon in the 3rd round of the Sentinel Cup.

Man of the match was Lewis S for several great saves.

Sunday 17th February v Silverdale, Sentinel Cup 2nd Round, at Sir William Stanier

This fixture gave Brookfield a chance to put the skills to the test against Division 1 opposition. The game started with some even exchanges, Silverdale looking good value won an early free kick around 30 yards out. Only an excellent save from Lewis Steele kept the away team from taking the lead. A trade-mark long throw from Josh accurately found Lewis Dobson whose well placed glancing header guided the ball into the net to open the scoring (1-0). Ellis Gray received the ball deep in the opposition and a fine control and turn released Lewis Dobson with a through-ball. Unselfishly Lewis Dobson put an accurate pass in for Tom Dale to slot into the net (2-0). Another long throw from Josh Forrester was taken well by Ellis Gray who once again controlled and turned neatly to create a shooting chance. The shot was blocked but Ali was well positioned to follow-up and hit the back of the net (3-0). Another attack from midfield allowed Matt Boxer to drill the ball into the box low and hard – the keeper spilled and Ellis Gray tidied up into the net (4-0). A foul on Tom Dale in the box gave Rangers a penalty which Ellis Gray placed in the bottom left corner to complete an impressive first half for Brookfield (5-0)

2^nd Half

Silverdale had by no means given up and came out competing strongly. This half was much more even however it was again Rangers who added to their tally with pressure from the right of midfield leading to a strong shot from Ali Chapman. The Silverdale keeper saved well but could not hold on to the ball and Kieran Wright was well positioned to convert from short range (6-0). Silverdale kept the pressure on and a good attacking move from the left hand side caught the Brookfield defence off-guard and they didn’t effectively deal with the clearance. Athletic took advantage and pulled a goal back (6-1). More good play and pressure from Silverdale again from the left of midfield won them a free-kick just outside the box. A powerful well-placed shot beat the wall and Lewis Steele to make the score 6-2. Silverdale well and truly back in the game now moved in on goal again and only a fine save from Lewis Steele kept visitors at bay. The final action came from a probing run from Tom Dale on the left wing with a quality cross in finding Ellis Gray well positioned to take his hat-trick and make the final score 7-2.

A strong performance from Rangers against determined opposition sees them move into round 3

Scorers: Kieran Wright, Tom Dale, Ali Chapman, Lewis Dobson, Ellis Gray (3)

Man of the Match; Ali Chapman

Sunday 3rd February v Chesterton, PJYL Div 3, at Chesterton Community High School, Chesterton

Brookfield got straight into it and won an early corner. Tom floated a good in and Dobbo hit the bar with a powerful header. Chesterton hit Rangers on the break with some quick play - the early through ball was converted into the bottom right corner of the net to put the home side into the lead (1-0). It didn’t take Brookfield long to respond with an attacking move leading to a shot from Ellis which was blocked but came out to Tom who put a low cross ball back into the box - the Chesterton keeper couldn’t get to it and Keiran slotted home to level the score (1-1). A move on the left resulted in Ellis feeding a well weighted pass into Tom to put a very well placed shot past the keeper (1-2). More quick passing on a familiar home pitch from Chesterton saw a well placed shot beat Lewis to even the score again (2-2). Lewis put in a long goal kick which found Kieran who battled well against the defence to put Rangers into the lead again (2-3). Tom picked up the ball following a Brookfield corner which the opposition keeper could not keep hold of to tap in and extend Rangers lead just before the half time break (2-4)

2^nd Half

Chesterton came out competing again winning a free-kick just outside of the box – only a super save from Lewis stopped Chesterton from pulling a goal back. Some good pressure from Rangers led to Ali being fouled in the box and being awarded a penalty – Loz stepped up confidently and put an excellent penalty kick into the bottom left corner of the net (2-5). Brookfield then won another corner as they started to get on top of the game. Dobbo stepped up to take it and a great curving ball caught the defence off guard and the ball ended up in the net (2-6). Chesterton kept pressing and won another free-kick just outside Ranger’s box. A well struck shot beat the wall to make the score 3-6. The final goal came again from a Rangers corner – the ball was only partially cleared out to Dobbo who put a low cross in with Ellis showing good strength fending off 2 Chesterton players to slot the ball into the net. Final score 3-7

This was a tough game against a determined team on a small pitch that had cut up badly with the wet weather – a good away win for Rangers.

Scorers: Kieran (2), Tom (2), Loz, Dobbo, Ellis

Man of the Match; Dobbo

Sunday 7th January v Betley, PJYL Div 3, at Sir William Stanier

In the first league fixture of the new year – Rangers fully expected to pick up where they left off in 2012 and the intent was clear from kick-off. Early pressure in the first 5 minutes down the left hand side resulted in Tom feeding the ball to Ellis, who put in a great cross for Kieran to head home to open the scoring (1-0). A attack down the right won Brookfield and corner which Josh played short to Tom who placed well position cross ball into the box for Toby to convert for another headed goal (2-0). Josh again started a move this time switching left to Tom , side footing the ball into Kieran who slotted home for his second of the match (3-0). A well placed goalkick from Lewis started the final scoring attack of the half with the ball bouncing nicely for Ellis who played an early through-ball to Kieran for a well-taken finish to notch up his hat-trick before the interval. (4-0)

2^nd Half

Brookfield started strongly with heavy pressure across the whole of the midfield. The ball was played into the box leading to a goal-mouth scramble  - Ali had a shot blocked but Dobbo was well positioned to tap in the follow-up (5-0). Josh picked the ball up in central defence and went on a run through midfield playing the ball through to Ellis whose initial shot deflected off a Betley player leaving Ali to finish neatly for his first goal since returning from injury (6-0). Ellis and Tom linked up well on the left with a low cross from Tom finding Robbie whose first shot was well saved but not held by the Betley keeping allowing Robbie a second chance to blast into the net (7-0). More heavy pressure followed from Rangers with the ball finding its way in front of goal – a novel back-heel from Tom made the score 8-0 and the final goal of the game came from Tom linking up well with Ali setting Robbie up for his second of the game.

A great start to the new year with some quality finishing and a clean sheet  - final score: 9-0.

Scorers: Robbie (2), Kieran (3), Tom, Toby, Dobbo, Ali

Man of the Match: Kieran

Sunday 16th December v Stoke Ramblers at Woodhouse Fields, Longton

The last fixture of the year saw Rangers visit Stoke Ramblers. Brookfield started well and challenges in defence and midfield from Josh & Ellis gave Matty the opportunity to break from the right and put a well weighted pass into Kieran who struck well to open Brookfield’s account (1-0). The next goal started with a strong challenge from Robbie passing the ball wide right again to Matty who this time delivered a excellent cross for Ellis to head home (2-0). Kieran then broke from right midfield to supply Matty who put in an ‘inch-perfect’ cross this time for Tom to steer home for another headed goal (3-0). A rare lapse of concentration from Rangers led to the ball not being cleared properly from defence – a long range shot caught Lewis off guard and he was unable to hold on to the ball in the wet conditions (3-1). Brookfield won a corner which led to a goal-mouth scramble, however a neat turn and shot from Josh made the score 4-1. Late in the first half , Brookfield continued to battle down the right hand side winning a throw-in. Jack picked up the ball and fired in a strong shot which the Ramblers keeper spilled and Tom was there to poach the follow-up (5-1).

2^nd Half

Brookfield started the half with a build up of play on the left – TJ played the ball through to Tom, a quick pass into Ellis allowed time to slot the ball in the net for a very well worked goal (6-1). Jordan challenged well in defence and picked up the ball feeding it forward to Ryan who put a well-weighted chip into Kieran who finished neatly to take the score to 7-1. After some further pressure through midfield, Robbie picked up the ball to the right, on the edge of the box and delivered a sublime cross into Ellis who placed his second headed goal of the game (8-1).More pressure through the centre followed from Rangers and when Ramblers failed to clear, TJ was positioned well to curl a left footed shot into the top left hand corner of the net (9-1). Loz picked up the ball on the right and set up Ellis who hit a powerful shot to take Rangers into double figures (10-1). It was then Ryan’s turn to get on the score sheet picking up the ball deep in Stoke’s half - a short burst of speed and an excellent shot beat the keeper again (11-1). The final goal of the game came from some good work down the left side with Tom supplying a well placed low cross into Robbie who struck a low accurate shot into the bottom right corner to make the final score 12-1

A comprehensive performance from Brookfield keeps them top of the table for Christmas.

Scorers: Robbie, Ellis (4), Tom (2), Kieran (2), Josh, TJ, Ryan

Man of the Match; Matty

Sunday 25th November v Leek Town Predators, PJYL, at Sir William Stanier

This top of the table clash started well for Rangers - a confident start led to a throw in deep in Leek’s half. Josh put in a long throw to Tom who steered a powerful shot into the net to open the score (1-0). An attack down the right from Kieran led to a great cross into Tom who turned the defender and fired Brookfield into an early 2-0 lead. The play then evened up and Tom had to clear of the line to stop the visitors getting on the score sheet. Tom put in a corner from the left and Dobbo headed just over the bar. A Leek attack finished with a long range shot that slipped in the near post to put Predators back in the game (2-1). An excellent tackle from Matty started a move down the right passing to Kieran who put in another great cross for Ellis to head home (3-1). More pressure from Rangers earned a corner and Ryan steered a nice ball in for Dobbo to score on his season debut (4-1). Another Leek attack forced a great save from Lewis but the ball fell to a Leek player who fired in (4-2)

2^nd Half

Again Brookfield started well and a break on the left allowed Tom to cross in to Loz whose short pass to Kieran gave him an easy tap-in to make the score 5-2. Rangers had several good chances but it wasn’t until a good move from midfield set up Kieran with a break playing the ball up to Jack just outside the box  - he let a screamer go which found the top left corner to open his scoring account for the season (6-2) Rangers looked to be safe but a late break from Leek led to a strong run from midfield finished with a shot that just beat Lewis to make the final score 6-3.

A great team performance which will see Rangers retain their top spot in the table

With the official referee failing to turn up due to car trouble - a big thanks to Garry for stepping in to ref the game – not an easy job.

Scorers: Tom (2), Ellis, Dobbo, Kieran, Jack

Man of the Match; Robbie

Sunday 18th November v Newcastle Rovers, PJYL U16 Cup, 1st round, at Sir William Stanier

Rangers started brightly with early an attack and a good save from a shot from Robbie. Kieran controlled well feeding into Ali who shot just over the bar. Rovers then caught Brookfield on the off guard winning a corner and forcing a good save from Lewis from a short range shot. Some good passing then followed down the right from Jack and Loz supplying Kieran who dribbled through but again the shot went over the bar. Then the breakthrough came from a corner with Ryan hitting the post and Kieran on hand to poach the follow up (1-0). The next move from Rangers came from the left with Tom’s shot blocked by Rover’s keeper - Loz did well to pick up the ball and steer it to Kieran who struck his second goal of the game (2-0). Loz and Ellis linked well to put Jack into an attacking position putting a cross into the box which was cleared with a glancing header. The half finished with an excellent ball in from Matt – Kieran controlled well and laid the ball off for Ellis to put a powerful shot in to make the score 3-0.

2^nd Half

Brookfield started the half as they finished putting Rovers under pressure. Matty tried an ambition over-head kick which nearly found the back of the net. Josh played a useful ball into Ellis who forced a good save from the Newcastle keeper. Matt floated a corner in and this it was Ellis with the over-head kick which again forced a decent save. During the next attack, Tom laid a good ball back to Robbie who hit a screamer that went in off the right post (4-0). Tom picked up the ball and fed a great pass into Ellis whose strong shot beat the keeper (5-0). Robbie ,Tom and Kieran linked up well to give Tom a through-ball which he converted with a very well placed shot (6-0). Some pressure from Newcastle then followed with only some good defending Jordan and a save from Lewis kept a clean sheet intact. With Rangers back on the attack Tom passed into Ellis whose shot was blocked and Ali hit the bar on the follow-up. A Rovers corner forced another decent save from Lewis from a close range effort.  A long throw from Josh into Ryan set up Rangers final goal with Ryan and Ellis combining well to set up Loz for a tap-in at close range (7-0). Rovers were awarded a penalty following a trip in the box making the final score 7-1

Rangers progress through to the next round in confident mood.

Scorers: Kieran (2), Robbie, Ellis (2), Tom D, Loz

Man of the Match; Tom D

Sunday 11th November v Leek Town Predators, PJYL Div 3, at Westwood College, Leek

With Rangers and Predators both doing well in the league this was always going to be a close-fought and entertaining fixture. It proved to be just that with both teams up for a competitive game. Several chances fell to both teams and possession was fairly equal. The first break-through came in the middle of the 1^st half - some good battling from Tom and Ellis forced a clearance out to Josh who put in a strong shot from range which bobbled. Leek’s keeper couldn’t hold on to the ball and in it went for 1-0. Leek equalised quickly when Rangers failed to clear properly with the balling falling to a Leek player whose lobbed shot beat Lewis (1-1). Tom and Ellis combined well on the left - the ball was fed into Ryan who laid the ball off perfectly for Robbie to slot home to take Brookfield into the lead again (2-1). Leek made the most of set pieces - they were awarded a free kick which was floated in and only an excellent save from Lewis kept Leek from drawing level again. However the following corner saw Leek’s well organised set –piece give them a headed goal to level the score at 2-2. Lewis then kept Rangers very much in the game with 2 excellent saves; the first from a header off of a free kick and the second another headed chance from a corner. Ali made a long awaited return after injury replacing Ellis giving us a different threat up front. He worked well with Tom and Robbie to set up a chance which Tom took well placing into the bottom left hand corner of the net – Rangers were in the lead once again.

2^nd Half

Brookfield started the half very positively and dominated possession for the first 10-15 minutes. Rangers had several clear cut chances to extend their lead but some good close range saves from the Leek keeper kept Brookfield’s lead to a slender single goal. Leek broke on a counter-attack and forced another very good save from Lewis, however the ball spilled out to a Leek player whose shot took a deflection and went in to even the score at 3-3. The rest of the game saw good determination from Rangers with chances falling to both teams. Brookfield’s best chance to steal a win was a break on the left from Tom feeding to Ellis whose shot was well saved at very close range by the Leek keeper. The score finished 3-3 with Rangers looking forward to the return home fixture in 2 weeks time

Scorers: Foz, Robbie, Tom

Man of the Match; Lewis

Sunday 4th November v Stoke Redz, PJYL Div 3, at Riverside Road, Trent Vale

Redz started the game positively with some early pressure leading to headed attempt on goal. Rangers attacked and won a corner Tom crossed from the initial clearance - Ellis headed just wide. Redz again put together several chances with some robust defending keeping the score sheet clean. Tom, Robbie and Ellis combined well with a shot from Robbie again just wide of the net. Matty took a Brookfield corner with Ellis narrowly missing a headed chance. Redz then broke from midfield with a ball over the defence. The forward put in a good shot which Lewis got to but the contact was not quite enough to stop the ball from trickling into the net – 1-0 to Redz. Josh took a Rangers free kick which found Robbie who played the ball out to Tom who’s effort was wide of the net

2^nd Half

Brookfield started the half positively and some early pressure led to the Redz defence being caught off guard – Robbie was able to slot home to level the score at 1-1. Redz again found their feet and attacked down the right hand side of the pitch. Stoke created a clear shooting chance and fired a well struck shot to take the lead for the second time (2-1). A good tackle from Ryan on the right of midfield turned a Redz attack into a break for Rangers leading to a corner. Ellis found a good position and took his chance well to even the score at 2-2. Chances fell to both teams in an evenly matched contest. Tom broke down the left flank and put an early cross into Kieran who after a skilful run shot wide. Redz were awarded a free kick from around 35 yards out. The ball was struck well and a Redz player managed a glancing header to push them into the lead for the third time (3-2). Brookfield did not give up and kept the pressure on – they were rewarded for their final efforts having won a corner which was cleared, however Robbie was well positioned at the edge of the box to shoot clinically into the bottom right corner to level the score at 3-3

This was a real test for Brookfield against a well organised team. Rangers will need to convert chances into more goals as they move through a challenging fixture list in November.

Scorers: Robbie (2), Ellis

Man of the Match; Robbie

Sunday 21st October v Chesterton, PJYL Div 3, at Sir William Stanier

Brookfield went into this game looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the season and their place at the top of the table. Rangers put early pressure onto the opposition playing some nice football. Several moves involving Kieran, Matty, Tom, Robbie, Toby Foz, TJ & Ryan set up a number of chances but Brookfield were unable to convert until late into the 1^st half. Some further pressure from Rangers had resulted in a corner taken by Toby who floated it high and long. The ball was partially cleared but fell to Robbie on the edge of the box struck a good shot forcing a stretched saved. The keeper could not hold the ball and Tom was on hand to slot home from close range. Chesterton put a couple of decent attacks together which were well defended.

2^nd Half

Brookfield got into their rhythm in the second half with an early goal from Robbie – a through ball from Loz panicked the defence with Robbie picking the ball up and firing in for 2-0. Ellis came on and made an immediate impact collecting the ball on the left of mid-field and hitting an early powerful shot which beat the keeper (3-0). The next goal saw Jack, Loz and Robbie combining well on the right flank with Loz putting a final ball into the box for Kieran to head in (4-0). The same 3 players combined well again producing a shooting chance for Jack which skimmed the bar. The front pairing of Ellis and Kieran combined well with Ellis feeding in a well weighted pass for Kieran to finish (5-0). With Rangers getting some considerable success from set pieces, Tom put in a long corner which found TJ who put away a long range header for 6-0. The next goal was very well-worked with Josh putting in a long ball to Kieran who laid off to Ellis who again placed well to take the tally to 7-0. Another attack from Rangers down the left side of the pitch resulted in a hard shot from range from Tom, the keeper parried but again Ellis was their to make the next bulge (8-0). Opposition heads dropped a little at this point but Rangers were not finished yet – Ellis chased and won the ball to the left of mid-field putting a low cross in for Toby to head into the net (9-0). A simple through-ball from Loz set Kieran up for his hat-trick taking the score into double figures. The final goal came from a Josh long throw-in which found Ellis for him to put away his 4^th goal of the match.

A final score of 11-0 made sure that Brookfield stayed top of the table. A rest week next week will enable Rangers to prepare for an important few games in November when they play some of the stronger sides in the division as well as a cup tie against Division 2 opposition.

Scorers: Tom D, Robbie, Ellis (4), Kieran (3), TJ, Toby.

Man of the Match; Ellis

Sunday 14th October v Bradwell, PJYL Div 3, at Wolstanton High School, Newcastle

After a couple of weeks break from league action, Rangers were back in pursuit of their 4^th league win.

The pitch was very wet and cut up as the game progressed

Brookfield started well with some early pressure on Bradwell through both the left and centre of midfield. Ellis had an early shot but fired wide left. Rangers seemed to lose their way a little around 10 minutes into the game as Bradwell put in a strong period of possession mainly through the centre of the park. Matty started a good move for Brookfield on the right of midfield passing inside to Kieran, the ball was partially cleared but fell to Robbie who slotted just wide of the left post. Some pressure from Bradwell led to an attack with them being awarded a penalty for an adjudged trip in the box. Rangers protested but to no avail. The spot kick was taken and Lewis pulled off a fantastic save. More controversy followed as the referee claimed that the keeper had moved off his line and demanded the penalty kick to be re-taken – a harsh decision for Rangers. Bradwell duly slotted home this time to take a lead against the run of play. It wasn’t long before Brookfield found their feet again and a long throw from Josh was blasted in at close range to even the score at 1-1. More good play from Rangers followed with Robbie intercepting the ball in midfield passing to Ryan who fed the ball to Kieran on the right. Kieran caught the ball sweetly for a long range shot which beat the keeper as Brookfield moved into the lead at 2-1. Action at both ends followed with both teams creating chances as the half time whistle went.

2^nd Half

Some even exchanges kicked off the second-half, however Bradwell then broke from midfield and a very well struck long range effort beat Lewis to even up the score again at 2-2. Brookfield took the initiative again with a half cleared ball falling to TJ who put in a well placed high cross which Ellis was able to get his head onto to lob the keeper and restore Rangers lead. (3-2). Rangers then had a good period of dominance and possession with Ellis & Tom combining well to set up a chance for Robbie with a shot that went just over the bar. A similar moved set up Ryan for a shot on goal narrowly missing the target. The decisive goal came with a well-worked move starting with Jack going on a short run and feeding the ball up to Kieran. Robbie and Ellis worked the ball well to open up a shooting chance for Tom  - a powerful left foot shoot put the game beyond Bradwell. Rangers had a late chance to increase their lead with a well placed free kick from Matty lead to a goal mouth scramble. Jack’s shot was deflected out for a corner which was then cleared.

A 4-2 win for Rangers kept their unbeaten league start intact for another week as they moved to second place in the table.

Scorers: Ellis (2) Kieran Tom

Man of the Match: Robbie

Sunday 7th October v Stone Dominoes, friendly, at Yarnfield Road, Stone

The game kicked off with some equal exchanges during the first 5 minutes then a move through the centre involved Ellis putting a through-ball into Kieran whose shot went just wide. Further Brookfield pressure led to a throw in deep in Stone’s half. A long throw from Josh led to a goal mouth scramble with Kieran having another shot blocked at close range by the keeper. Rangers pressed hard and play some good football but were unable to convert. A well-place ball over the top from Robbie dropped nicely for Tom whose dipping shot hit the shot bar.

Ellis and Ali linked up well to produce a through ball to Tom who hit a well struck shot that unfortunately hit the side netting. Another long throw from Josh led to another goal mouth scramble as Ali shot wide right. With Robbie trying a long shot forcing a good save from the keeper, Rangers were beginning to think it just wasn’t going to be their day, however the break through came just before half time. Josh went on a run which took just left of the box and fired in a cross which Ryan controlled well to set up Ali to place into the right hand corner for Brookfield to take a 1-0 lead.

2^nd Half

The second half began much as the first had ended with Rangers dominating possession and creating chances. There was early pressure down the left had side of the pitch with Ali and Tom combining well. Josh fired a long shot from a free kick which only partially tested the keeper. An attack down the left allowed Tom to cross into Kieran whose shot went wide left. Jordan and Loz made way for Matty and Ryan to come back on as Rangers switched to a 3-5-2 formation. Dominoes put together a rare attack down the left to which was crossed in but the forward shot wide right. Brookfield restored their upper hand and once again Ali and Tom put some neat passes together but Tom’s shot went wide left. Probably Rangers best chance of the half came towards the end of the match with Matty putting in a very well-weighted curved ball to set Ali off towards goal with only a good quality save from the keeper on his right stopping Rangers from increasing their lead.

The score finished 1-0 with the lads having had a good work out on what would have been a rest week. Stone showed a lot of spirit and resilience and showed they are a tough team to break down. Back to league fixture next week.

Scorer: Ali

Sunday 30th September v Hillgate Boys U17, Cheshire Youth Cup 1st Round, at Sir William Stanier

Cup age range this year is open to U16 & U17 teams. Having drawn an U17 team from the Stockport area - this would be a good test of Rangers strong league form.

Brookfield got off to a great start with an early move starting with Robbie playing the ball out left to Ali who then crossed in with Tom’s shot being deflected for a corner. Ali floated a well placed kick and Josh was there to head home for Rangers to take an early lead- just what Brookfield needed . With the next exchanges fairly even Hillgate started a move through the centre and chipped a ball over Rangers defence, the forward finished well to make all square again at 1-1. Ellis headed the ball strongly into the path of Ali who flicked onto send Robbie through with an excellent finish to restore to lead to 2-1. Just before half-time, Rangers were pressurising the Hillgate defence further – the ball spilled out to Ellis who connected well with his left foot to score in the bottom right hand corner for 3-1

2^nd Half

Although Rangers were leading by 2 goals Hillgate always looked dangerous on the attack and clearly had not given up the fight. A Hillgate attack led to a corner, a goal mouth scramble followed with the ball forced over the line to make the score 3-2. Hillgate again broke from the left with the left midfielder riding a tackle and getting a cross in which was slotted in to level the score at 3-3. Another break from the opposition saw another high ball place over the top of the defence – again the forward was in on goal, only a tremendous save from Lewis stopped the U17 team from taking a lead. Rangers got the initiative back with a well worked moved resulting in a thrown in deep into Hillgate territory. Josh with a trademark long throw found Toby who managed to find the net with a lobbed header. (4-3). Again some even exchanges followed with Hillgate awarded a free kick around 30 yards from goal. The Kick was very well taken and just beat Lewis to level the score again at 4-4

Brookfield thought they had won the game with minutes to go as Ali played the ball wide left to Tom, who with a neat run slotted the ball into the low and hard in to the bottom right hand corner. However there was more to come with Rangers just losing concentration allowing a last ditch effort to be converted at close range to once again level the score (5-5)

Extra Time

10 minutes each way of extra time followed with chances for both teams. Josh hit the post and Ali shot just wide. Hillgate put in a dangerously placed free kick and the ball was bundled over the line, however the ‘highly alert’ linesman flagged off-side - a decision the referee fully agreed with. The score finished 5-5 as we moved to penalties. Both sides put in 4 well-taken spot kicks. Ryan placed well but hit the bar with the ball bouncing down onto the line but did not go over – tremendously unlucky. Hillgate scored a fifth and Rangers existed the Cheshire Cup with heads held high knowing that they had given an older and more physical team a very close match. Well done to the whole team.

Scorers: Josh, Robbie, Ellis, Toby, Tom D.

Man of the Match: Lewis

Penalty Scorers: Ellis, Ali, Robbie & Josh

Sunday 23rd September v Stoke Ramblers, PJYL U16 Div 3, at Sir William Stanier

Rangers went into this game in confident mood having retained their place at the top of the division.

After an even first few minutes, Ramblers broke for an early shot that went wide right. Robbie picked up in central midfield and played wide left to Tom who showed good skill and pace to move past the right back and supply the ball back to Robbie for him to slot home for 1-0. Minutes later a text book long throw in from Josh found Kieran’s head who directed down for Tom to fire home from close range for 2-0. A great one-two move involving Ali & Tom then followed with Tom’s shot just wide of the post. Ali then supplied a great ball into Ryan whose shot went fizzing over the bar. A Brookfield corner from Loz was cleared by the defence but the ball fell to Tom who placed into the bottom left corner on the net to make it 3-0. Some pressure through the centre from Stoke then followed down the right of midfield forcing Jordan into an excellent tackle – he also managed to win the throw in as the ball went out of play. A nice piece of skill followed with Ali curling the ball in directly from a corner to make the score 4-0. Brookfield were playing some well thought-out football switching across the pitch in midfield to further unsettle the opposition. One such move saw the ball moved from left to right across midfield finding Matty who put an accurate ball into Loz who in turn crossed in for Tom to head home his hat-trick to make it 5-0. Robbie then fed a ball into Ryan who put a cracking shot in from 30 yards which rose just above the bar. The goal of the game then came about as Ali supply a neat ball into Robbie who struck sweetly for his second of the match (6-0). Ellis replaced Ryan in midfield. Ellis put a strong challenge in straight away but a foul was given and Ramblers struck a well taken free-kick which would have beaten most keepers (6-1). Rangers lost concentration for a short period and allowed Stoke to catch them on the break – a decent ball through to the centre forward led to a misunderstanding between Jordan and Lewis as Ramblers pulled the score back to 6-2. Ellis then settled everyone down again with a well taken headed goal from a Tom Dale corner. (7-2)

2^nd Half

Loz  made way for Ryan as Rangers switch to a 3-5-2 formation for the second half. Midfield became a lot more crowded but it allowed Brookfield to defend their lead effectively.

Ali started the next attacking move with a throw in to Tom who again showed some good skill to beat a couple of Stoke players to find space for a low cross in – Ellis was there with an excellent touch and turn to fire home his second goal of the game to make the score 8-2. Another attack led to Kieran finding himself with enough time and space to curl a well placed shot into the net for 9-2. The final goal of the game came from a deep cross from Josh which found Tom in space to crash home a well placed volley for his 4^th of the game making the final score 10-2

Rangers again hitting double figures in goals showing that they are becoming the dominant team in the division

Scorers: Robbie (2), Ali, Kieran, Ellis (2) Tom D (4)

Man of the Match: Tom D

Sunday 16th September v Stoke Dynamo’s, PJYL U16 Div 3, at Longton Park, Stoke

With Rangers sitting at the top of the table after the opening fixtures of the new season, Brookfield were determined to continue their winning start to the season.

Rangers pressed from the start with a couple of moves from central midfield that resulted in off-side decisions going against them. The first real chance was an attack down the left involving Josh and Ali with a good cross into the box  - Kieran not quite able to get to his head to the ball. Stoke attacked through central midfield with the defence standing off forcing Lewis to make an excellent save from a powerful shot. A break down the right followed for Rangers with Kieran showing some nice skill to put a dangerous ball across the Stoke box. The first break-through came with a move on the left started by Robbie putting a well placed ball into Ali who passed quickly to Kieran. A neat turn and shot saw Brookfield go 1-0 up. It was Kieran that broke for the second goal earning a corner that was floated in onto TJ’s head – a great head nearly went into the net but dropped short for Loz to tap in from short range. A trade-mark long throw from Josh found Kieran to turn and slot in from close range to take Rangers into a 3-0 lead. Jack’s ankle injury forced a substitution with Matty replacing him. A move left this time with Kieran again going on a run to put a simple pass into to Ali who placed it in the net for 4-0. It was Kieran again that broke right this time and an early accurate shot caught the keeper off guard for 5-0. Some nice link-up play in midfield involving Kieran & Ali left Robbie with a clear shooting chance which he coolly converted to bring the score to 6-0

2^nd Half

Ali made way for Ellis to come on for his season debut. Stoke put together an attack which forced Jordan to put out for a corner which was well defended. Robbie then picked the ball up in mid-field and put a through-ball into Ellis who showed good strength to slot home for 7-0. Ryan and Kieran then linked well to put in a quality cross that again Ellis put away to make the score 8-0. Ali came back on to replace Kieran mid way through the second half.  Matty then put a excellent ball into Tom who showed some good skill to turn and shoot, forcing a good save from the Stoke keeper, but Ellis was there to follow up and make the score 9-0. It was in defence where Rangers picked the ball up next with Josh feeding the ball into the left of midfield where Tom picked it up and put in a run down the left with a simple pass at the end for Ali to shoot in for his second goal of the game. During the last few minutes Rangers again broke from midfield with an excellent pass from Robbie into Ellis who cracked in a solid left-footed shot to score his 4^th goal. Final score 11-0

An impressive performance that sees Brookfield stay top of division 3.

Scorers: Robbie, Ali (2), Kieran (3), Loz, Ellis (4)

Man of the Match: Kieran

Sunday 9th September v Shotfields Valiants, PJYL U16 Div 3, at Sir William Stanier

Sunday 9th September saw the much anticipated start to a new season in a new league for Brookfield Rangers U16. With new kit and a new pitch to play, confidence and expectation was high. The chance to play different teams and the opportunity to go for the division 3 title led was just what the team needed.

Right from the whistle Rangers looked strong and confident and put some early pressure on Valiants. Jordan made an excellent challenge in central defence to win the ball and set up an attack. Kieran laid on a quality through –ball weighted just right for Tom to fire home the opening goal to make it 1-0.

The next few exchanges we fairly even with a corner chance for Rangers - Loz with a well place kick and Josh heading just over the bar. More pressure from Brookfield down the left leading to a turn and shot by Ali which went over the bar. Now it was Valiants turn with a move up the left and their forwards linking well to create a shoot chance in the box. Josh put in a strong tackle and was adjudged to have fouled giving the Valiants a penalty and a chance to level the score. The penalty was neatly put away and it was back to all-square at 1-1.

Middle of the 1^st half now and some good moves by both teams, but Brookfield were starting to find their form.

The defence stayed solid and well organised with a clearance from a Shotfields attack leading to a Rangers break down the right with Kieran and Robbie linking well with a couple of one-two passes to set up Robbie from an accurate stroke into the net to re-gain the lead for Rangers (2-1). Towards the end of the 1^st half there was a neat move through midfield where the ball switched from TJ on the left to Kieran on the right who the fed the ball into Robbie who again got into a good position for a shot which deflected off a Valiants player for a corner. Loz floated it in with a weak clearance from the defence which fell to Ali caught the ball sweetly as if rocketed into the net to extend Rangers lead to 3-1

2^nd Half

Toby & Loz made way for Ryan and Matty to come on as Rangers started to look more and more comfortable on the ball. Jack went on a run through the right of midfield with a neat pass into to Ali who turned and shot to make the score 4-1. More attacking moves from Brookfield lead to a goal-mouth scramble with Matty poking a shot at goal and to earn a corner. Tom put in a good quality corner which was cleared but only as far as TJ who crossed in for Kieran to head home to make it 5-1. Around half way through the 2^nd half  Matty played an accurate long ball up the right wing to Kieran who forced another corner fro Brookfield. Again Tom delivered a great ball to set up Josh with a powerful head to put Rangers 6-1 ahead. Brookfield will really in the driving seat now and had the majority of play in the closing 15 minutes. Tom and Ali linked up well with some on-two moves up the left putting Ryan into a great shooting position – he slotted home to make it 7-1. A late break from Shotfields led to a good quality long shot which just beat Lewis to make the score 7-2

All in all a strong confident performance from Rangers to get the season off to a winning start.

Scorers: Tom, Robbie, Ali (2), Kieran, Josh, Ryan

Man of the Match: Ali