24 July 2000
The Marlborough Express
By PETER JONES
ROUND TRIP: Rangers winger Shem Banbury skirts around United defender Robin Mortimer during their high-scoring clash at Athletic Park on Saturday.
Photo Erin Boyd 30283
Marlborough United took part in two vastly contrasting home encounters at the weekend, but the results came out the same. On Saturday the local side succumbed to Christchurch side Rangers 3-6 in their federation six soccer clash at Athletic Park while on Sunday they went down to Halswell, also by a three goal margin – this time 0-3.
The Rangers match was a veritable goal feast. United applied early pressure, missing two chances in the first five minutes but it was the visitors who began the goal avalanche. Shem Banbury got the first after seven minutes, Jason Stapley added a second five minutes later, Adam Stiles a third soon after and Stapley a fourth to leave a shell-shocked Rangers (sic) four down after just 30 minutes.
But the home side bounced back before the break. Dutchman Raymond Lantinga bagged Rangers (sic) first from close range, then skipper Mike Irving added another to give his side a small glimmer of hope as they trudged into the shed at half-time. But again it was the visitors who came out firing. Willie Dennett scored Rangers' fifth after 15 minutes and Stiles bagged their final goal soon after.
United's impressive Reuben Bason provided the last scoring act of the free-flowing encounter. The youngster slammed in a spectacular 45m drive to reduce the margin to three.
Disappointed coach Phil Harriss lamented the concession of some 'silly goals.' "After that we were left playing catch-up soccer," he added.
Sunday's encounter was a different kettle of fish.
Against a side Harriss rates the best in the league, United played some 'beautiful soccer.' The teams were tied 0-0 at half-time with Alan Newport in goal providing the individual highlights with some outstanding saves.
The introduction of three fresh players boosted United. Mark Palmer, Jamie Whittaker and Simon Fowke were unavailable on Saturday but stepped out for the second match and added some much-needed impetus.
It wasn't until 14 minutes of the second spell had elapsed that Halswell got on the board, striker Keith Grosvenor managing to squeeze the ball past Newport from an acute angle.
The next two goals came from the penalty spot; both expertly converted by Grosvenor.
The first came when United fullback Simon Ward felled a Halswell attacker on the edge of the box. After initially ruling the foul had occurred outside the area, the referee changed his mind, albeit with plenty of help from the visiting players.
The second was more clear-cut, Richard Marsden the culprit this time. United had a chance of their own in the 38th minute when Darren Aldridge missed an open goal but the match was well gone by then.
Harriss had plenty of praise for Halswell, who move to the top of the table after beating Nelson on Saturday, but was much happier with his side's showing on Sunday.
Best of the home troops were Palmer Aldridge, Irving, Newport and Fowke. United have only two matches left, both away, against New Brighton next Sunday and Rangers to conclude the season on August 6.