Report: Middleton Park 3-1 Rangers

Dewsbury Rangers Men’s First Team suffered a 3-1 defeat away at Middleton Park after a competitive first half was followed by a difficult second period in challenging conditions.

The opening 45 minutes were fairly even, with both sides finding the net. Middleton Park opened the scoring following good play down the right-hand side, with a cross delivered into the box and finished at the far post.

The hosts’ goal came at a difficult moment for Rangers, with Joe Cooper forced off after sustaining a head injury in a collision with the goalpost.

Dewsbury responded well and found an equaliser through Jaime Da Silva. Rob Smith played an excellent through ball into the attacking area, which Da Silva anticipated brilliantly before slotting past the goalkeeper to bring Rangers level.

The second half proved more challenging as the heavens opened and the conditions deteriorated. Rangers struggled to maintain their first-half performance, going missing at key moments and allowing Middleton Park to take advantage with two further avoidable goals.

George Wilkinson was called into action on numerous occasions throughout the game, producing a series of good saves to keep Rangers in contention and prevent the scoreline from becoming more damaging.

There was late controversy when Rob Smith saw a good effort saved by the Middleton goalkeeper. During the following attack, a cross caused confusion, with the goalkeeper dropping the ball a yard over the goal line. Despite Rangers’ appeals, the goal was not awarded.

It was a frustrating afternoon for Dewsbury, who had competed well during the first half but were ultimately punished for lapses after the break. Attention now turns to Saturday 17 October, when Rangers travel to face Shire Academics Reserves, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm.

Goals: Jaime Da Silva

Starting XI: Wilkinson, Cooper, Gordon, Hull, Smith, Brooks, Gomersall, Stanley, Sheldon, Da Silva, Craig.

Substitutes: Boot, Westerman, Connolly, Briggs.

Next Fixture: Shire Academics Reserves (A), Saturday 17 October, 2pm.