Middleton Rangers Match reports

Middleton Rangers U11A’s 5 Norton and Stockton Ancients 2 Rangers continued their good progress with another impressive win. They started well dominating the first half which was reflected in a 3-0 scoreline.

Stockton Ancients came back in the second half with 2 quick goals, Rangers stepped up a gear and replied with 2 further goals to finish the match with a convincing 5-2 win.

Connor Pearce was excellent in goal, oozing confidence with his handling. Ali and Josh were impressive and strong in defence well supported by Robbie and Joe. The midfield all played well with Connor Playford (2 goals) and Haani (man of the match) in the centre and Ben and Matty in support. The strikers worked hard all game Danny was unlucky to just get the one goal with a few hitting the post. Saafi scored a spectacular second to finish off the game.

Middleton Rangers U11B's Middleton Rangers played their first game in 3 weeks against premiership side Durham City Soccarena in the Chairman's Shield cup, some excellent ball work from Rangers created opening chances in the first half with Nathan Stephenson scoring with a short range strike into the net. Some good defending from Batesy and Coxy prevented any score from the opposition at half time. Second half saw some chances for Durham City but excellent work from new team member Dillon Ghillespie prevented attacks from Durham City Soccarena. More passing and superb team work from everyone created another 2 goals from Lewis Mac and Stivvy. A big thank you to Max Tennant and Alexander Nelson our two stand in keepers.

Middleton Rangers U12's V Trimdon Utd After two weeks without football the Rangers were looking forward to this match and once again they outclassed the opposition, showing just why they are top of the league.

Middleton took a very quick 2 – 0 lead with goals from Joe Abbott before Trimdon pulled one back. Rangers promptly increased their lead again when centre back George Musty controlled the ball well before firing home his first goal of the season.

The boys were in an attacking mood and the goals continued to flow with two more from top scorer Joe Abbott to go one better than a hat trick after Brad Bell set him up twice. Brad himself was next on the score sheet getting on the end of a Danny Pippen cross. Jake Richardson scored a wonderful volley from a Will Hughes corner before Trimdon, who’s heads never went down, pulled another back for 7 – 2. The goal scoring was rounded up by Danny Pippen when he hit home from close range following another perfect set up from Brad Bell.

Rangers went close on several more occasions while Trimdon continued to try and break the Middleton back line with counter attacks but Centre back and man of the match Matty Anderson kept the door firmly shut. Final score 8 – 2 to Middleton.

Middleton Rangers 2 Guisborough Town 4 With Rangers starting well and Pilkington slotting home his ninth of the season the double against Guisborough seemed on. Guisborough came back strongly and though denied by some excellent keeping by Jack Beck went 2-1 up early in the second half. Rangers quickly responded and the Guisborough keeper, under pressure from Ryan Hamilton, put the ball in his own net to level the scores. The game was competed for in a great spirit Guisborough forcing two late goals to win.

A first meeting for the two sides this season produced a great entertaining game of football with Middleton racing into an early 2 goal lead through a Jack Thubron back post header from a corner in the first minute and then an instinctive toe poke finish past the on rushing excellent Heighington keeper in the 10th minute.Although 2 goals between the teams it was end to end and Heighington eventually forced a couple of errors to draw level before half time.With both teams sporting a full subs bench there were plenty of changes throughout the 2nd half as both teams had great chances to win the game.As Middleton pressed in the last 10 minutes and Jack was denied his hat trick by a fantastic one hand tip over the bar from a rasping shot, surely save of the season by far.The referee was outstanding and the two teams fair and evenly matched, and play again next week in the return fixture at Middleton.Man of the match went to Jack Thubron for two great goals.Team: Jake Wood, Danny Paylor, Ck Goodfellow, Haydn Mckenna, Sam Notman, Danny Petty, Carl Wigham, Kyle Hacking, Andy Mcgovern, Jack Thubron, Dec Larkin, Steve Richardson, Dylan Bradford, Sam Park, Gavin Watson & Ben Davison.

Middleton Rangers U12's took on a defensively solid Wolviston side in what was a very closely fought and hugely entertaining match. Both sides tried hard to break each other down in a tense first half but neither side managed to make the breakthrough.

Middleton made a couple of tactical changes at half time moving Brad Bell up front and midfield engine man Jake Richardson to wide right. The new Rangers formation proved to be a positive change as they piled pressure on the Wolviston back line, Matty Anderson going close with a header that went just wide of the mark from a corner.

The deadlock was broken when man of the match Jake Richardson scored a superb individual goal, turning the Wolviston defence inside out from the right wing before cutting inside and blasting his shot passed the helpless goalkeeper.

Rangers kept up the attacking, pinning Wolviston back in their own half, and created several more chances before the match ended. Jake Richardson and Brad Bell both went close and Luca Dunn hit a fantastic 25 yard thunderbolt that went just over the bar.

The sturdy Wolviston defence held firm until the final whistle and the match finished 1 – 0 to Middleton. Rangers remain top of the league.

Middleton Rangers 4 Beechwood 1 This was a hard fought match with Beechwood having most of the play but sterling work from Aidan Kennedy, who's timing of tackles and clearances was immaculate and solid handling of Connor Pearce kept the Beechwood attacks at bay.

Middleton's 1st goal came from Ben Balantyne who followed up on a shot from Alistair Oliver after the Beechwood defence failed to clear.

Following some pressure from Beechwood, a penalty was conceded by Rangers but the resultant penalty hit the post, the Beechwood attackers were the 1st to respond and it took an excellent save from Connor Pearce to keep Beechwood out.

Daniel Crane won a free kick on the right hand side of the penalty box, his cross was not cleared which enabled Connor Ward-Playford to capitalise and rifle in a shot from close range. Beechwood pulled one back late in the 1st half with an excellent cross from the left which was met by a close range header. MRFC led at half time 2-1.

The 2nd half resumed with Beechwood continuing to dominate but Rangers always looked dangerous on the counter attack. It wasn't until well into the 2nd half that a 3rd goal from Rangers sealed the win. A strong run down the left into the penalty box saw Daniel Crane pushed and a penalty awarded.

Daniel converted the penalty with an unstoppable shot to the to the top left corner. This gave Rangers confidence although Beechwood continued to press forward. Another run from Daniel Crane, but this time down the right, saw him go past the defender but he was brought down in the penalty box. Daniel stood up to take the penalty but it was saved by the keeper, a scramble ensued and Daniel eventually scored from the scramble.

Man of the match, Aidan Kennedy, dominated the centre of defence for Rangers and was backed up by his defenders and goalkeeper Connor Pearce who ran him close for man of the match. The midfield had to work hard to close Beechwood down and both attackers were always available as an outlet.

Middleton Rangers U12 Girls The local derby at home this was a tense game for the girls. Both teams played their best, in what was end to end, from start to finish. Neither team could break the deadlock, as the shots came flooding in from both sides. Final Score 0.0 Girl of the match Charlotte Watson.

Middleton Rangers U9's sponsored by Tweleve Central, played away to Cumby Rovers. The game got off to a fantastic start, with James Wallis opening the scoring, while Louis Coates created mayhem down the wings. Rangers soon got a second a thunderous shot from Charlie Walker. James then got his second, followed by a goal from George Robinson. In the second half James got his hat trick, Charlie scored another screamer. Two further goals from George Robinson and Josh Mckendrick finished Rangers scoring.

Cumby pulled one back in the second half through good fighting spirit. Final score 8.1 To Rangers, MoM Charlie Walker. The second game finished 2.2 with Sol French scoring both goals.

Middleton Rangers U11's sponsored by Allan Sewell, played a fast paced game at home to Teesside Atheltic. 2.2 at half time. Rangers found the space they needed and scored with both chances. Final Middleton Rangers U12's Another clean sheet for Rory Hunter and an incredible team display from the U12s saw them take the advantage in the title race with a 2 – 0 away win over Spraire Lads.

Liam Pollock fired a 25 yard shot just over the bar and the Spraire keeper was kept busy to deny forwards Danny Speed and Joe Abbott in the early stages.

Luca Dunn and Jake Richardson controlled the midfield & wingers Will Hughes and Liam Pollock caused the Spraire full backs problems as Rangers piled on the pressure.

The breakthrough came just before half time when centre back George Musty hit the net with a bullet header from a perfect Will Hughes corner.

The 2nd half began with Middleton making all the play and they soon had the Spraire keeper back in action. Another great delivery from Will Hughes and a glancing header from Danny Speed saw the ball in the back of the net again.

At the other end Matty Anderson, Mitch Armin, Robin Hall, and George Musty kept the door shut on the Spraire forwards as Middleton made them play in their own half.

Danny Pippen & Brad Bell linked up well several times to create opportunities but the Spraire defence managed to close them out until full time.

Middleton Rangers U12's girls, played away to Kader girls, it was a cold, wet and windy morning. The girls where ready for this game after last weeks defeat. The girls had many chances in the first half and finally they opened the score with a scrambled tackle in Kaders box. The goal scorer Emily Ralphs. Second half kicked off and Kader came out wanting to bring the game to the max. The girls worked hard and in a counter attack, were awarded a penalty, and Emily stepped up to take it, but put it wide and high. Full time score 1-0. Girl of the match Charlotte Watson.

friendly game saw the girls come out winners 2-1.

Middleton Rangers U12's girls, played away to Kader girls, it was a cold, wet and windy morning. The girls where ready for this game after last weeks defeat. The girls had many chances in the first half and finally they opened the score with a scrambled tackle in Kaders box. The goal scorer Emily Ralphs. Second half kicked off and Kader came out wanting to bring the game to the max. The girls worked hard and in a counter attack, were awarded a penalty, and Emily stepped up to take it, but put it wide and high. Full time score 1-0. Girl of the match Charlotte Watson.

friendly game saw the girls come out winners 2-1.

Middleton Rangers U11A, sponsored by Alan Sewell Ltd, were at home to Northallerton. Northallerton had the better of the first half despite being 1.1 at the break. Rangers, came out the stronger of two teams in the second half. Rangers added four goals including one for Josh Musgrave, his first goal for the team. Final score 5.1 Rangers. MoM Connor Pearce, with some outstanding saves for Middleton.

Middleton U10's sponsored by Brindle Construction played two games in the last week drawing 1-1 in both. The first against Mount Pleasant, Rangers took an early lead with a rocket shot from Rhys King but Mount Pleasant levelled the score before the break. In the second half Middleton pressed for the winner but could not find away through the Mount Pleasant defence.Man of the match was Jack Cooper.

Rangers next played away at Greatham D and went behind to a deflected own goal but through everything at the Greatham goal and were finally rewarded with an equaliser from Man of the match Tom Snowden.Rangers continued to press but were thwarted by excellent defending by Greatham.

In the second match Middleton won 4-0 with goals from Jake Charlton (2) Tom Snowden and Jamie Nelson.

Middleton Rangers U9's sponsored by Twelve Central, played a mid week fixture against Newton Aycliffe. Both teams playing good football with several shot on goal, but neither side could break the deadlock. Lucas again found the net towards the end of the first half. In the second half Aycliffe drew level shortly after the restart. Final score 1.1.

Middleton Rangers U9's sponsored by C.S. Automotive continued their league campaign with another excellent performance. Rangers were just about camped out in the Fishburn half, for the half of the game. Half time ended 0.0. The game continued in the same vain for Rangers, whose passing was superb. Lucas opened the scoring midway through the second period. A George Robinson free kick saw him, yet again find the the back of the net, which gave him the MoM award. Final score 2.0 Middleton.

The under 12s were at Guisborough Town to take a TJFA Division Championship for the 2nd year running. A comfortable 5 - 0 win for the Rangers saw keeper Rory Hunter & back line Mitch Armin, Matty Anderson, George Musty, & Robin Hall take their eighth clean sheet of the season thanks to an outstanding performance that denied Guisborough a single attempt on the Middleton goal & produced 5 quality strikes for Middleton.

Middleton dominated the whole match & soon got off the mark when Brad Bell & Danny Speed linked up well to set up Will Hughes for Rangers to take a half time lead.

Middleton continued the pressure & were soon 2 up when Danny Pippen fired home early in the 2nd half & it was it was 3-0 moments later when Jake Richardson hit the net.

Rangers kept up the relentless pressure & top scorer Joe Abbott was next on the score sheet to make it 4-0.

Jake Richardson, Liam Pollock, Robin Hall, & Luca Dunn all went close before Brad Bell was pushed in the box to give Will Hughes his 2nd of the match from the spot. Will coolly slotted the spot kick inside the left hand post to finish off the scoring.

Middleton U10s sponsored by Brindle Construction played hosts to Greatham D and were unlucky not to go ahead when a long range effort from Rhys King rattled the crossbar. Middleton continued to press but couldn't find away through a solid Greatham defence. Greatham had a couple of counter attacks which were well dealt with in the Middleton goal by Cameron Brown. Middleton finally broke the deadlock when good interplay between Jake Charlton and Tom Snowden lead to the latter forcing the ball home to make the final score 1-0 to Middleton. Man of the Match for Middleton was James Green.

In the second match both defences reigned supreme as the game ended goalless.

Middleton Rangers U10s sponsored by Brindle Construction played 3 matches in the last 7 days starting with a 3-0 defeat to Spraire Lads where Rhys King was man of the Match. Middleton then played at Ferryhill and came away with a fine 3-0 victory with the goals coming from Rhys King,Jack Cooper and Jake Charlton. Man of the Match was Coel Young who marshaled the defence to keep a clean sheet. Middleton then played Darlington TSC and were very unfortunate not to come away with a point. TSC led at the interval 1-0 but Middleton battled back in the second half and equalised with a goal from Man of the Match James Green. Middleton pushed for a winner but were caught out in the last minute when TSC scored the winning goal to make the final score 2-1.

Middleton Rangers U11A played a midweek fixture away to Northallerton. Danny Crane opened the scoring just ten minutes into game, followed shortly after by a cheeky lob from Saafi Rahman. Not to be out done Ben Balantyne fired in a thunderbolt shot. Rangers looked a little more relaxed in the second half, this gave Northallerton hope and soon found the back of the Rangers net. Josh Musgrave got the forth firing home from close range. Both Danny and Saafi got another each. Final score 6.2 Rangers. MoM Josh Musgrave.

Middleton Rangers under 10's sponsored by Brindle Construction played their final game of the season at home to Wolviston and played some fantastic football to notch up a 3-0 victory. The scores were level at the interval but Middleton scored early in the second half through Jack Cooper. Wolviston pressed hard for an equaliser but were caught out when Man of the Match Tom Snowden headed a second goal. Jack Cooper was on the end of a brilliant 3 man move to make the game safe for Middleton. A big thanks go to all the players of the team who have played superbly all season and now look forward to the step up to 11 aside football next season.

Middleton Rangers U9's sponsored by C.S. Automotive, played an excellent game of football , at home to Newton Aycliffe Youth. Chances were had by both teams, neither side could break the deadlock. Final score 0.0 Man of the match Leo King.

The second game also ended goalless, in which Josh Mckendrick was the MoM.

The under 12s played a friendly at Aycliffe Youth & it was a lively & confident Aycliffe side that took an early lead & Rangers were stunned when Aycliffe made it 2 moments later.

Rangers rallied and it was top scorer Joe Abbott following up a parried shot to make it 2 – 1 & Middleton were soon level when Will Hughes found the head of Luca Dunn, Luca directing his header perfectly.

Liam Pollock & Jake Richardson were dominating the midfield, creating chances for Rangers & it was not long before the boys had the lead when Brad Bell buried hard & low into the Aycliffe net.

George Musty & Robin Hall worked hard & Danny Speed & Mitch Armin closed down opportunities from the channels, but the Aycliffe lads refused to give up, forcing a fantastic save from goalkeeper Rory Hunter before Will Hughes put the match beyond any doubt with a fantastic 40 yard half volley.

A 5-2 win was crowned in style by Danny Pippen with a perfect finish, placing the ball low into the net.

To their credit, the Aycliffe boys kept coming at Middleton and look like a quality outfit. Middleton Rangers wish them well next season in the higher division.