Second placed Risborough Rangers travelled to Ware last Saturday to face third placed Wodson Park expecting a tough fixture and that is exactly what they got as they drew 1-1 with their fellow high-flyers.

Rangers were the first to show their attacking intentions with Martin Griggs turning and shooting high over the bar in the first couple of minutes. 

Wodson Park’s first chance came after 12 minutes when a free kick was swung across from the right but was missed at the far post. 

However, on 21 minutes, Wodson took the lead when an uncharacteristic misplaced pass by Griggs put the Wodson centre forward in a one on one situation. 

Justin Gordon attempted to make the tackle as the striker surged into the Rangers box but bought him down. A penalty was rightly awarded and duly despatched to give Wodson the lead.

On the stroke of half-time Risborough drew level. Dan Rawson put in a great cross; Laurence Clark controlled it in the area and squared it to James Shrimpton who coolly passed the ball into the net.     

In the 58th minute, the game took a turn when the Wodson Park centre forward chased down another of the long upfield punts that was their main tactic in the second half. 

He looked to have won the race until Gordon pulled him back, a red card was awarded and Rangers were down to ten men. 

Rangers manager, Jamie Rayner, made some clever substitutions and re-arranged his team to ensure the emphasis was still on attack. It so nearly paid off with twelve minutes remaining when Yearwood picked up a half cleared ball on the edge of the home area, ran past his marker and slotted the ball under the advancing keeper into the goal despite the efforts of the defender on the goal-line. As Rangers players celebrated, the linesman belatedly raised his flag for offside.  

It was still a good point for Rangers to build on as they travelled to Middlesex on Tuesday to face Harefield. However, they lost 3-2 at Preston Park, despite a brace from Griggs.