"Match Report – 01/05/11 Cassiobury Rangers (1) V’s Headstone Athkletic FC (2) The Challenge Cup Final (at Kings Langley FC) - Att: 165 Official League report as submitted to Watford Observer Headstone Athletic clinched the Challenge Cup for the second time in five seasons after a narrow 2-1 win over Cassiobury Rangers in the Final at Kings Langley last Sunday. It makes up for losing out in the title race and the Final of the Presidents Cup. Cassiobury made the better start, but with their first attack of the game Headstone went ahead after four minutes when Wesley Taylor scored from the edge of the box. Cassiobury hit back after nineteen minutes after Neal Cronin was pulled back in the area as he shot, the Referee Steve Dignum awarded a penalty which Cronin himself tucked away. That goal gave Rangers belief and they had much the better of the game, and just after the half hour mark, came the turning point of the game. Jack Cairns raced through to break the Headstone offside trap, and on the edge of the box he seemed to be taken out by Headstone keeper Daryl Richardson. The majority of the crowd expected a sending off, or least a free-kick, but Referee Dignum booked Cairns for simulation. Eight minutes into the second half Headstone skipper Steve Buckland restored his teams lead when he burst into the Cassiobury area and fired past Grant Blomfield. Cassiobury stepped up their game, but found it difficult to break through the well organised Athletic defence, and despite some heavy late pressure they held on to win. Teams: Headstone Atheltic: Richardson, Taylor (Bimble 52), Shields, Buckland, Calaby, Roberts, Higgs (Macdonald 87), Gough, Kurup (Ball 71), Flaherty, Devine. Not used: Price, Wenn. Cassiobury Rangers: Blomfield, Moore, Imlach, Davis, Zaraiah (Coombes 87), Davies, Cairns, Mortimer, B. Robson, Henley (J. Robson 71), Cronin. Not used: Pollard, Laws, Borlase. Goal: Cronin Referee: Steve Dignum "

"Match Report – 10/04/11 Inter FC (0) V’s Cassiobury Rangers (3) League, Away Not a great day for football….hot weather and a hard pitch, but good for the spectators! The match started with Cassiobury immediately on the attack and coming close on several occasions, including Jack Cairns hitting the cross bar and Neal Cronin shooting just wide. At the fifteen-minute mark, Cassiobury pulled ahead after a move started from the back, led to Neal Cronin passing to Jack Cairns for him to pass onto Jake Mortimer to slot home. This was how the first half continued, with Cassiobury dominating and Inter having virtually no attacks. The second goal of the half came from a Dan Zaraiah long throw, was nodded home by Ben Davies at the far post. The game continued with Cassiobury having by far the most possession, but not scoring anymore in the half. 0 –2 at half time. In the second half Cassiobury again began the better of the two teams were dominating, but still failing to let the dominance tell, until another move started from the back, led to James Lawes passing in ball, which beat striker, defender and goalkeeper to run into the net. Although Cassiobury had plenty of chances, no more were converted and the game ended at 0 – 3. A game dominated by Cassiobury but also showing their ‘ring rustiness’, after not having played for the last month. "

"Match Report – 13/03/11 Cassiobury Rangers FC (1) Gadeside Rangers FC (4) League, Home The game started with both sides being equally competitive, with perhaps Cassiobury nudging it. This was until 15 minutes into the match when after a mistake by Cassiobury at a corner, Headstone went one up. This was followed shortly afterwards with another mistake and another goal. Cassiobury were still in the match though and had some decent attacks and near misses. The second half started in much the same fashion… this time with Cassiobury getting as goal early on, after a Ben Robson free kick was headed home by Dan Zaraiah. After this Cassiobury, seemed to cave in and Headstone got another two goals with little fight from the Cassiobury players. Cassiobury did not play well and lost. "

" Match Report – 06/03/11 Cassiobury Rangers (7) V’s FC Sherman FC (0) League, Home After last weeks disappointing defeat against Ginder, Cassiobury needed to get back to ‘winning ways’ and they did so in style…. The match started with Cassiobury having all the possession but with little to show for their efforts, other than making sure the Sherman ‘keeper kept busy! Cassiobury were putting together some excellent moves, but just failing to put the ball away at the end. This was until Neal Cronin played a ball through to Darren Coombs, who dribbled past the Sherman ‘keeper to drill the ball home. The second Cassiobury goal came a short time later, after an attack started by centre half Ben Davies, was headed home by him after a classy one – two with Coombs. The next goal came from the other Cassiobury centre half, Dan Zaraiah, after a Cronin corner. Next, Coombs added to his total, cooley slotting home a Jake Mortimer cross. The last goal of the half, came from Captain Ben Robson, who drilled the ball home from the edge of the 18 yard box. 5 – 0 to Cassiobury at half time. The second half started in exactly the same way, with Cassiobury constantly on the attack and this time wasting plenty of chances, until Coombs latched onto a frank Blande cross to gain his hattrick. Cassiobury had to wait a bit longer for their next goal, which came after a lovely ‘on the button’ pass from Coombs for Neal Cronin to bang home. Cassiobury saw the game out with out much pressure from Sherman. Cassiobury dominated this match without really stretching themselves, but it was still a convincing win. "

" Match Report – 27/02/11 Cassiobury Rangers (3) V’s MK Ginder FC (4) League, Away A tough game where Cassiobury should have shared the points with Ginder, but in the end the home team took all, through the slenderest of margins…. A heavy wet pitch, and a strong wind blowing directly goal to goal, this was no day for slick passing. Playing into the wind in the first half, Cassiobury played well and were equal to the Ginder, if not slightly on top for the first 20 minutes, until silly mistakes against a Ginder counter attack led to them pulling ahead. However, Cassiobury were not deterred and very soon pulled level after a move, which started off at the back and finished with Jack Cairns laying off a ball fro Darren Coombs to slot home. The game ebbed and flowed both ways until five minutes from the end of the half, when again Ginder pulled ahead after more Cassiobury mistakes. 1 – 2 at half time. The second half started brightly for Cassiobury with the wind at their backs and Ginder having problems clearing the ball, leading to several chances straight away and the second Cassiobury goal; after a Jake Mortimer corner was banged home by Dan Zaraiah. However, Ginder managed to weather the constant pressure and managed to score another goal. The last fifteen minutes was all Cassiobury, and after a torrent of attacks they managed to pull another goal back, after Frank Blande slotted home, again from a Cairns cross. Three all and it looked like a draw was on the cards, however Ginder did not give up and after a defensive lapse from Cassiobury scored the winner in the last 5 seconds of the match. An equal game which Cassiobury could have won, but instead lost due to mistakes made. "

" Match Report – 20/02/11 Everett Rover FC (2) V’s Cassiobury Rangers FC (2) League, Away Cassiobury recorded another draw, after again letting a lead slip, with 5 minutes left to play. From the kick off Cassiobury were quick on the attack and threatened the Everett back line on several occasions, but not really causing their ‘keeper any major problems. Everett’s only real threat was on the counter attack, although they also came close to scoring on a couple of occasions. It wasn’t until the 35th minute that Cassiobury made their dominance pay, when after another attack, they won a free kick; this was taken by Jake Mortimer and turned home by Jack Henley. Cassiobury created a few more opportunities in the rest of the half but failed to score. 0 – 1 to Cassiobury at half time. The second half saw Everett on the attack more; scoring after 15 minutes, when a defensive mix up was tucked home. This did not deter Cassiobury, who continued to heap pressure on Everett. This eventually produced another goal after a Frank Blande corner was turned home by Jack Cairns. With 10 minutes to go, it looked like Cassiobury had done the hard work and just needed to defend properly…unfortunately, this didn’t happen and Everett won a penalty, which was duly converted with 5 minutes left on the clock. 2 – 2 at full time. A disappointed Rangers learned that you not only have to attack well, but defend well, if you are to win matches! "

" Match Report – 13/02/11 Cassiobury Rangers (2) V’s Colne Valley FC (1) League, Home Matches between these two teams are always close and so it proved again today. Both teams started off at a fast tempo, but it was Cassiobury who had the better of the earlier exchanges, although not really testing the Valley ‘keeper. Valley had the benefit of a strong wind in their favour and failed to capitalise on this, until they won a corner, where they headed home from six yards. The rest of the half, although dominated by Cassiobury was quite scrappy and both teams could have scored on another day. 0 – 1 to Cassiobury at half time. The second half started off again with both teams fighting hard to establish themselves and with both teams failing to do so! Cassiobury drew level15 minutes into the half, when Dan Zaraiah launched a trademark long throw and Jake Mortimer flicked it on, only for the ball to beat all and roll into the goal. The rest of the half, was again scrappy with neither team establishing themselves or really dominating and it wasn’t until the 88th minute when Frank Blande played the ball down the left wing to Jack Henley, who after wrong footing a Valley defender put a cross in for Chris Borlase to head across goal to Jack Cairns, who chested the ball to Neal Cronin to smash home from 18 yards. A scrappy game of football, which Cassiobury nicked in the last two minutes. "

" Match Report – 06/02/11 Cassiobury Rangers (3) V’s MK Ginder FC (3) Semi Final, Challenge Cup, Played at Waterfields Cassiobury's fourth Semi final since they last got into a final, against the league leaders…. It was always going to be tough and tight. The match was on an already used pitch with a stiff wind, which was against Cassiobury in the first half. Both teams struggled with the wind, but it was probably Ginder who faired best, having a couple of close chances. The game was very ragged with conditions not lending themselves to produce smooth football, but nethertheless both sides produced good spells of football, although it looked like things were equal. This changed when Ginder got a penalty, after a Cassiobury foul in the box. They duly despatched and were up by one. However, this nearly changed within two minutes when Jake Mortimer headed home for Cassiobury, only for it to be ruled offside. 0 – 1 at half time to Ginder. The second half started with Cassiobury putting together some excellent passing moves, consistently pushing for goal against Ginder; Cassiobury had yet another passing move, when Jake Mortimer crossed in from the right, Dan Zaraiah flicked the ball for Neal Cronin to cooley despatch past the flailing keeper. Cassiobury’s second goal came with a counter attack, when Michael Tomkinson fed the ball to Frank Blande, for him to switch a cross to the other wing, between the two centre backs, for Jake Mortimer to drill home on the half volley. The wind had dropped and Ginder were fighting hard and this produced an excellent save from ‘keeper Grant Blomfield, however with 15 minutes to go they got their second goal to draw even. Cassiobury did not give up and kept on pushing, when in the last five minutes, Cassiobury won a thow in, which Blande took; Ginder failed to effectively clear the ball and diverted it into Jack Henley’s path and he smashed it home. After the goal, Ginder kept on attacking and it was with slight relief that the ref’s whistle blew for full time. A hard fought match by both teams, with the better side on the day pulling off a tight win. A mention should also go the ref and linesmen for not letting a competitive match boil over. "

" Match Report – 30/01/11 Cassiobury Rangers (3) V’s West Watford Conservatives FC (3) League, Home It wasn’t a great footballing day; the pitch was very hard and it was very cold! The match started with West Watford kicking off and losing the ball; but unfortunately Cassiobury started off with a passing game and after the ball bobbled from a pass back, West Watford managed to steal a goal. From then on Cassiobury began to play attacking football; they began to use the wings and the space that that created. This paid dividends when they won a corner, for Jake Mortimer to take and slot in direct into the far corner. There was more attacking play and a few chances, but the next goal came from a Dan Zaraiah throw, which was flicked on by Mortimer for Jack Cairns to head home. The rest of the half was totally dominated by Cassiobury, until a breakaway from West Watford resulted in a golf mouth scramble and a hand ball by a Cassiobury player. The resulting penalty was slotted home to make it 2 - 2 at half time. The second half started in much the same manner as the first half finished, with Cassiobury fighting hard with 10 players; they seemed to be doing well until another counter attack from West Watford again gave them a another goal from a penalty for handball! This did not deter Cassiobury and for the rest of the match they were on the attack, but failing to score, this was until the virtually the last kick of the game when, Frank Blande put in a pin point cross for Dan Zaraiah to head home. Cassiobury did not give up and after a lot of bad luck managed to claw back a draw. "

" Match Report – 23/01/11 Cassiobury Rangers FC (9) V’s Colne Valley Blue FC (1) League, Away After a weeks break, Cassiobury were more than ready to get into action and it didn’t take them long for them to signal their intent… Within two minutes of kick off, Cassiobury had won the ball and after a slick-passing move down the left Frank Blande drilled home. However, some sloppy defending allowed Colne Valley to hit back 5 minutes later; this would prove to be nothing more than a consolation, with Jack Cairns getting a quick fire double. The first, a header from a Neal Cronin corner and the second from great build up play, which resulted in Cairn’s blasting home for his second. Darren Coombs notched another with a cool finish from a superb Cronin free kick. Dan Zaraiah's striker-esque turn and volley from the edge of the box came after another corner and Darren Coombs finished off the half with a cooley taken penalty made. 6-1 to Cassiobury at the break. The second half began with a flurry of misplaced passes and scrappy football. But it didn't take Cassiobury long to get back into their rhythm, with a fine passing move culminating in a Frank Blande volleying home to make in seven. Not long afterwards Blande was taken down in the box and another penalty was awarded; Coombs stepped up, blasted it home, completing his hattrick and making it eight for Cassiobury. Blande also completed his treble with a superb run down the left and a wonderful finish! Cassiobury continued in the attack vein and should have hit several more but lacked that cutting edge in the end and the match ended 9 – 1 to Cassiobury! A composed performance from Cassiobury to totally dominate the opposition. "

" Match Report – 09/01/11 Cassiobury Rangers FC (1) V’s Loop construction FC (0) League, Home The first match of the New Year, on a bright cold morning with a thawing pitch… The first half was largely a half to forget! It seemed that Cassiobury were very ‘ring rusty’ and although having all the chances, bar one in the half, they contrived to miss in every way possible, although the Loop ‘keeper was also in fine form. Loop were persistent throughout, but did not really threaten Cassiobury. The second half started the brighter for Cassiobury with plenty off decisive attacks and several near misses or more good saves from the opposition ‘keeper. This did not deter Cassiobury who kept up the pressure, with the goal coming after 20 minutes of the half, when right back James Laws fed a pinpoint pass through to chasing captain, Ben Robson to drill home. It was no more than Cassiobury deserved. The remainder of the half was all Cassiobury with more near misses, but no more goals. 1 – 0 to Cassiobury at full time. The thawing pitch probably helped Loop more than Cassiobury, but the game should have been finished off long before it was. "

"Match Report – 12/12/10 Cassiobury Rangers FC (6) V’s Everett Rover FC (0) League, Home Cassiobury came off the back of their unconvincing 4 - 3 thriller against Sherman to play Everett on a bright winters morning. The game opened with a lively series of exchanges as both sides struggled to get a foothold in the match and for the first five minutes the game was fairly even, but soon Cassiobury began to get the better of Everett and were very much on the front foot after an excellent forward surge and pass across the face of the goal, by Jack Cairns led to a clinically finished opener from Neal Cronin. Cassiobury doubled their lead with a headed goal from Darren Coombs, returning to the side after a layoff of 6 weeks, nodding in from close range with Cronin being the supplier after an excellent corner delivery. The third goal came from another Cronin corner; this time with Dan Zaraiah heading the ball home. The last goal of the half, saw a quick throw in delivered to Jack Henley’s feet for him to deliver a pinpoint cross for Zaraiah to head home again.4 – 0 to Rangers at half time. The second half saw a more resilient Everett, but this was to last for only 15 minutes, when Jack Cairns, leapt up, like a frolicking salmon, to nod home a Frank Blande cross, after another excellent corner from Cronin. For the next 20 minutes Cassiobury attacked constantly but failed to put anymore past the Everett keeper, until Cairns latched onto a Warren Davis pass to head home again for his second. A strong Cassiobury performance, the win leaves Everett holding the middle of the table and Cassiobury pushing for the top spot. "

"Match Report – 05/12/10 Cassiobury Rangers FC (4) V’s FC Sherman FC (3) League, Away After the sub zero temperatures in the week, both sides were glad that the game was able to go ahead. On a defrosting boggy pitch the game lacked structure and as the game went on the centre of the pitch turned to marshland. Cassiobury started the brighter and attacked with real intent. In the first 10 minutes it was Rangers who created all the openings, but they came to nothing. However, the home side competed well and took the lead early on as their direct football paid dividends as Rangers failed to get an effective tackle in, as the strikers broke free and broke the deadlock. Cassiobury soon replied after a ball was floated into the opponent box from the midfield for Neal Cronin to latch onto; as Cronin competed with the Sherman central defenders, the ball bounced into Jack Cairns path and he slammed home the equaliser. The rest of the half firmly belonged to Cassiobury who adjusted better to the conditions and looked comfortable, adding three to their goal tally before the half’s end. The second coming from Cronin after another ball from midfield was put into his path for him to lob the keeper and tap the ball home. Cronin got his second, after Frank Blande passed a ball into Cronin’s path for him to blast home. Ben Robson grabbed a rare goal after a quick throw in was fed through to the midfielder’s feet, the Captain lashing the ball across the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. 1 –4 to Rangers at half time. After the halftime break Cassiobury maintained their domination however lacked the killer instinct when in and around the opposition penalty area frustrating their supporters on the side. This encouraged the home side, and from set pieces and sloppy defending they found a route back into the match. After grabbing a goal from a poorly defended corner. They then got another goal after a breakaway. A nervous last few minutes took the gloss of what was in the main a game controlled by Cassiobury. A win is a win and perhaps with the playing conditions it was all that could be expected, nevertheless the team were not happy with their performance. "

"Match Report – 21/11/10 Cassiobury Rangers FC (4) V’s Colne Valley FC (1) League, Away A cold, windy, and wet Sunday... Just great for football! Cassiobury elected to kick down the slope in the first half which gave them the momentum from the off. On a boggy pitch both teams found controlling the ball difficult but it was Rangers who coped best and looked most likely to open the scoring early on. Jack Henley, deployed on the right of midfield, was a constant threat for Cassiobury and he frequently found himself able to take on the Valley left back. It was from one of these situations that the opener came as he received the ball from the defence and after carrying the ball forward, he floated the ball to the middle where Chris Franks and Neal Cronin were waiting, although the ball popped out at the back post where Frank Bland was waiting to bundle the ball home, with a defender and goalkeeper on the line making a mess of their attempts to prevent the goal. Cassiobury pushed on from there and further extended their lead with the goal of the game. A flowing move from back to front was finally dispatched by Cronin, with Franks, Henley and Ben Robson all exchanging passes. The half time whistle sounded with Rangers with a 2 –0 advantage, but with the task of playing up the slope in the second half. Valley started to play a bit more direct football as the second half got underway, trying to take advantage of the height in their front line. However Cassiobury were more than a match for this, reducing them to threatening from long shots and set pieces. Rangers were frequently finding holes in the Valley defence, and further extended their lead when Neal Cronin threaded a neat pass through the defence for Jack Cairns, from a tight angle to smash the ball into the roof of the net. With the game won, Cassiobury became increasingly wasteful in front of goal spurring several good openings through wayward shots and over playing in the opposition box. Rangers finally converted an opportunity, scoring their fourth goal as the referee awarded a penalty minutes after turning down an appeal for a spot kick at the other end. Cronin was tugged back as he had burst through on goal, and it was the same man who cooly slotted home, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. Valley had a player sent off, for elbowing, but the numerical advantage wasn't enough to keep the Rangers clean sheet and a long ball forward from a freekick on halfway was flicked over the Rangers goalkeeper by the Colne Valley striker for a consolation goal. A 4-1 win and Cassiobury’s performance was an improvement on last week; lets hope that the improvement continues… "

"Match Report – 14/11/10 Cassiobury Rangers FC (2) V’s Loop Construction FC (1) League, Away Cassiobury kicked off against Loop Construction hoping to put further distance between the two sides in the league table and boost their goal tally in the process. This expectation never turned into a reality during a cagey affair, which both teams failed to grab the initiative and dictate the game. The tempo of the game was slow and the game was frequently stopped for fouls, which suited the home side. Cassiobury were the first team to create chances; Dan Zaraiah having frequent opportunities to hurl a long throw toward the opposition goal, but Cassiobury failed to test the goalkeeper with wayward headers. Neal Cronin had the best opportunity early on, missing a guilt edged chance as he latched onto a threw ball from the midfield and raced towards the goal, the goalkeeper excellently pouncing to smother the ball at the strikers feet. As the half went on Cassiobury had more chances, but the deadlock wasn’t broken until 35 minutes into the first half, as Cassiobury’s pressure paid off, with an awarded corner. Jake Mortimer whipped the ball in low and Jack Henley expertly flicked the ball as he let it go through his legs, diverting the ball between the goalkeeper and the defender on the line. Cassiobury went in at half time 1:0 up but were unhappy with their performance and knew the game wasn’t over. The second half however saw little improvement. Both teams passed up frequent opportunities to keep hold of the ball, instead favouring the long ball and the game still lacked any kind of rhythm. Chances came and went, but it was the home side that grabbed the next goal to draw level. Rangers were guilty of switching off as Loop fired in from the left side. The frustration was evident from Cassiobury who began to play with a greater urgency. They regained the lead through the move of the match, which saw the ball switched from left to right in a flowing move. Jack Henley’s pass released Jack Cairns on the right wing who then fired the ball to the feet of Neal Cronin, central to the goal on the edge of the box. After instant control the Rangers striker slammed the ball into the bottom corner. Cassiobury spurned several great openings to put the game out of sight, but were wasteful with their finishing. The scoreline remained at 2:1 and Rangers got the win they were after, but not the performance or dominance they had hoped for. "

" Match Report – 07/11/10 Cassiobury Rangers FC (5) V’s West Watford Conservative Club FC (1) Challenge Cup, Home Cassiobury, depleted through illness and injury, looked to respond from a disappointing draw against the same opposition 2 weeks before. After a dull first 10 minutes when neither team really settled down, Cassiobury began to get on the front foot. The formation chosen, 3-5-2 meant that they had the midfield dominance and with the way they played after the first ten, it was only a matter of time before they scored. Neal Cronin opened the scoring with a belting 25 yard net-buster, after some superb battling play from the central midfield trio of Frank Blande, Chris Franks and Captain Ben Robson. Cronin went on to double Rangers advantage, after latching on to Robson's perfectly weighted through-ball and after beating the two defenders tackling him, slotted home past the beached keeper. Cassiobury went 3 up with an instinctive finish by Jake Mortimer following a goal mouth scramble, after a Cronin corner. Half time and three nil to Cassiobury. The second half started in much the same way as the first half ended; with Cassiobury dominating the play and coming close on several occasions. The next goal came from a Dan Zaraiah long throw; the throw was pinpoint and led to Mortimer getting his second with a bullet like header. West Watford briefly got back into the match with a clawed back goal, but it did not last long and very soon afterwards Jack Henley bought his ticket to the goal-jamboree, latching onto a Frank Blande through ball and then rounding the hapless goalkeeper and prodding into the open net. An improved display from Cassiobury shows that perhaps they have rounded the corner and perhaps can get back to their winning ways. "

" Match Report – 31/10/10 Cassiobury Rangers FC (2) V’s Ashwell FC (3) County Cup, Home A damp and cold Sunday, which left Cassiobury feeling under the weather, after being dumped out of the county cup The score line that reflected a run of below par results, but does not show, a committed performance that deserved a better result. It was an abysmal start from Cassiobury, which saw them almost behind in the opening 2 minutes as Ashwell were presented with an opportunity from 8 yards out after a poor defensive header. As if not learning any lessons from it, a repeat happened minutes later, this time with the ball dispatched on the half volley into the bottom corner to put the away side in front. From then on the complexion of the game changed with Cassiobury gaining control and looking assured with their passing and movement, settling into a new 4141 formation. Midway through the half Cassiobury levelled things up after a well taken goal from Jack Cairns, reacting quickest to a loose ball in the area resulting from a pull back from Jake Mortimer after Frank Bland crossed from the left. Better was still to come as Cassiobury finished the half well on top, grabbing another goal, after a move created from the rear, along the right wing and ending with a cross from captain Ben Robson, fro Jack Henley to drill home. Half time came with Cassiobury on top and leading 2:1. The second half began with a reshuffle from Cassiobury. Late on in the first half vice captain Darren Coombs had been forced off with a hamstring injury and the adjustment of personnel failed to provide the shape that had worked so effectively for Cassiobury in the first half. Cassiobury began to sit back and invited more pressure from their opponents and eventually the defence was broken as the ball was bundled in from a corner. The opportunity was presented after fantastic reactions from stand-in goalkeeper Chris Franks who made a smart save from a low shot, reacting with great speed and agility to parry the follow up effort over the bar. From the resulting corner Ashwell drew level; cruel after such goalkeeping heroics. The game could have gone either way from there and became a tale of 2 penalties. Both teams awarded the chance from the spot after deliberate handball offences. After Ashwell had converted, Jack Cairns took the responsibility from 12 yards, but saw his effort superbly saved by the goalkeeper. Cassiobury committed more men forward in search of the equaliser, and created several chances but failed to convert any, ending their challenge in the county cup for this season. "

" Match Report – 24/10/10 West Watford Conservative Club FC (3) V’s Cassiobury Rangers FC (3) League, Away Cassiobury Rangers recorded their first draw of the season after letting slip a lead with 5 minutes left to play. The conditions lent themselves to passing football with a slick surface enabling flashes of brilliance and well engineered moves from Cassiobury, but they failed to stamp their authority on the game. From the kick off Rangers were quickly into their stride looking dangerous down the flanks with Michael Tomkinson deployed at left midfield and creating problems for the opposition every time he had the ball. Good work down the right led to a free kick, by Jake Mortimer from which Cassiobury scored. The presence of centre back Daniel Zaraiah pushing forward proved most effective as he managed to grab the first goal of the game through a well taken header from 8 yards out. Cassiobury created a few more opportunities early in the half but it was the home side that grabbed the next goal. Consistently dangerous from set pieces and long throws, West Watford utilised their superiority in the aerial battles by bundling home from 6 yards after a flick on from a corner on the left hand side, which Cassiobury failed to deal with. The home team then took the lead with an almost identical goal, which this time came from a throw in on the right. Rangers’ inability to defend the ball whipped across lead to Grant Blomfield picking the ball out of his net after given no chance with the ball bundled in by the West Watford attackers. Halftime came with Cassiobury facing a deficit to make up and after spurning several good chances the equaliser finally came with 20 minutes to go. The move starting after a clearance from the West Watford goalkeeper was won in the air by substitute Jonny Robson. The ball landed at Jack Henley’s feet and he quickly released Jack Cairns down the right, and after beating a man and reaching the by-line, he found another substitute Joe Mortimer, who thumped the ball home from 10 yards. The comeback was complete when Cassiobury regained the lead with an instinctive finish from Jake Mortimer after he had collected the ball on the edge of the area and tried his luck, the ball squirming under the goalkeeper into the bottom corner. However West Watford hadn’t given up and drew level with 5 minutes left as a long ball counter attack proved Cassiobury’s undoing after the ball was flashed across the goal from the right, one striker finding the other at the back post, catching goalkeeper and defenders by surprise, and the ball being slotted home. A bitterly disappointed Rangers were left to reflect on numerous missed chances and defensive frailties as the final whistle blew. "

"17/10/10 Cassiobury Rangers 4 Loop Construction 1 Home Presidents Cup Cassiobury had to improve on last week’s performance... and this they did, but only by a little, leading to a comfortable win over today’s visitors, Loop Construction. The first half started slowly for both teams, but soon Cassiobury got into their stride and began to play football they are capable of. After ten minutes they went ahead, with a fine Jack Henley strike, after a pass from Frank Bland was pulled back by Jake Mortimer for Henley to slot home. This was followed shortly afterwards by a wonderful goal from Chris Franks; after some nice build up play from the back, captain Ben Robson dribbled from the half way line for Chris Frank to run in from the right wing and crash home Cassiobury’s second. The third goal came after yet more good build up play led to Ben Robson receiving a Neal Cronin flick pass and blasting home. It was this point that Cassiobury seemed to take their foot of the gas and the rest of the half petered out with Cassiobury having most of the possession, but few real chances. The second half started in much the same fashion; Cassiobury having most of the possession, but actually creating few chances; the half continued like this for 25 minutes, until Loop had an attack and after stupid mistakes from Cassiobury, got a goal back. This spurred Cassiobury momentarily, but to no avail and they had to wait another twenty minutes before they got their last goal, after a Frank Bland half volley left the opposition ‘keeper grasping as thin air, with the ball already in the back of the net. A 4 – 1 win to Cassiobury despite another below par performance; they have to improve if they are going to get anything from this season. "

"10/10/10 Headstone Athletic 9 Cassiobury Rangers 2 Away Presidents Cup Ok, Cassiobury had several players injured or un-available, but to be frank, if you do not put the effort in and you do not play to the level you can play to, then you must expect to lose... whatever team you are fielding. From kick-off, Headstone were the better team and this did not change until the end of the match; they won convincingly, with a couple of good Cassiobury goals, by Jack Henley and Chris Franks, as little conciliation. Not a Sunday to remember! "

"03/10/10 Cassiobury Rangers 3 Colne Valley Blues 0 Home League Ref: Having conceded ground in the title race in recent weeks, Cassiobury needed to get back to winning ways on a wet and gusty Sunday morning against unbeaten Colne Valley Blues. Immediately Cassiobury signalled their intent with Neal Cronin firing just wide within 30 seconds and several near misses within the first ten minutes. However, although Valley failed to get out of their half, Cassiobury also failed to find the back of the net. This was until 25 minutes into the half, when an attack started by Michael Tomkinson and continued by Frank Bland was temporarily stopped by a Valley defender clearing the ball into touch. From the throw in, Captain Ben Robson crossed the ball into the 6 yard box; with an excellent swivel Jake Mortimer, blasted it home. The rest of the half was one-way traffic, with Cassiobury constantly battering the Valley goal, but still failing to score any more goals. 1 – 0 to Cassiobury at half time. The second half started in the same way that the first finished with Cassiobury firmly on top, but not adding to their goal tally. This was until another attack down the left led to an in-swinging cross from Frank Bland, which Cronin flicked on, looping over the Valley goalkeeper and finding the top corner of the goal. Cassiobury were further thwarted by the woodwork, when a Jack Henley lob had beat the keeper after great link up play with his strike partner Cronin. However Henley had his reward for an impressive display a quarter of an hour from the end of the match, finding the net after receiving a ball from the midfield, spinning his defender before dancing round the keeper and slotting home. Cassiobury’s hard work and industry throughout the team began to ease off, although they were still able to comfortably see out the game 3 – 0. "

"26/09/10 Cassiobury Rangers 1 MK Ginder 4 Home League Ref: This match is always tough for both teams and maximum effort has to be put in, to ensure a chance of winning. Today, after the first ten minutes it was Ginder who put the effort in and Ginder who won. The first half saw Cassiobury concede two goals, both of which, Cassiobury should have prevented. The second half again saw Ginder put two more goals away. This time, both through comical errors and lack of concentration. The only bright spot of the match being the goal that Michael Tomkinson scored after a superb individual run. Cassiobury have to want to win these matches and put the effort in, today they did not. "

"19/09/10 Headstone rangers 3 Cassiobury Rangers 2 Away League Ref: McKenna Cassiobury knew from last season that they would have to be at the top of their game if they were to continue their winning ways... For the first 15 minutes of the match, things were pretty even, with both sides having chances, which they failed to convert. It was at this point that Cassiobury were awarded a free kick, 30 yards from the Headstone goal. Neal Cronin stepped up to take and looked like he was going to belt it, but in fact played a pinpoint pass to the far post, where Dan Zaraiah jabbed it home. For the rest of the half, Headstone pressed Cassiobury, but to no avail, due to some solid defending and goal keeping from Cassiobury. 0-1 at halftime. In the second half, Headstone started with renewed vigour, constantly probing against Cassiobury and pinning them back into their half, but failing to convert; this was until the hour mark, when through a free kick they scored their first. This was rapidly followed by a further two goals, both of which were down to sloppy play from Cassiobury. This, at last seemed to sting the players into action and for the last 10 minutes of the match it was all Cassiobury; two decisions by the referee (which both looked like penalties from the sideline) and the cross bar on two occasions prevented another goal, until Neal Cronin, in a superb individual run, scored Cassiobury’s second. Unfortunately, this was too little, too late and the game ended 2 – 3 to Headstone. A muted performance from Rangers let Headstone gain the momentum and meant that they were always chasing the match. "

"12/09/10 Cassiobury Rangers 3 Everett 1 Home Challenge Cup Ref: Stansell After a comprehensive victory for Cassiobury on the opening day of the season, the next game saw the claret and blues lock horns with newly promoted, but much fancied Everett in the Challenge Cup. From the off Everett showed their colours; an all round good side, who play plenty of skillful and physical football. Cassiobury were slow off the blocks, letting Everett gain command in the first ten minutes; this was soon confirmed when they scored the game’s first goal. The goal seemed to kick-start Cassiobury into action and from the restart, they began to settle down and play with greater purpose. The initiative began to swing Cassiobury’s way and their domination grew with the woodwork tested on multiple occasions throughout the ninety minutes. The equaliser came after Neal Cronin started a move near the halfway, as Cassiobury attacked down the left. Jack Cairns lost his marker and Cronin slipped him in; Cairns reached the byline and crossed to the near post for Cronin to lash in at the front post. The game was now all Cassiobury who carved out some good opportunities but failed to capitalise on their chances. 1-1 at halftime. Everett made a bright start to the second half, threatening to challenge Cassiobury’s grip on the game. However, Rangers were intent on quashing any hope Everett held and coped well with the opposition’s combative style. It was Cassiobury who let their football do the talking, not their studs, as they increasingly frustrated their opponents creating more opportunities whilst looking solid at the back. The breakthrough came after concerted pressure by Rangers had Everett pinned back in their half, with Frank Bland blasting home from 25 yards. Cassiobury were twice more thwarted by the woodwork as they looked to kill off the game as Cairns twice had the keeper beaten. Cassiobury were enjoying their football, mounting regular assaults on the opposition goal and Cairns persistence paid off when he finally found the net after he ran across the edge of the box evading challenges before striking low across the keeper with his left foot Everett had been guilty of a few reckless lunges as they struggled to hide their frustrations having been outplayed for long spells of the match, which had silenced an initial vibrant travelling support. A late challenge from an Everett striker on keeper Grant Blomfield after he had gathered in a cross left the goal stopper in pain and he was forced to be withdrawn; the in form new signing will be missed if he is forced to have a spell on the sidelines after a heavy blow to the ribs. Striker Cronin took over the gloves and Warren Davis slotted into the midfield comfortably. Late on excellent distribution from Cronin was expertly controlled by Jack Henley on the halfway line and after bamboozling three Everett defenders, they found the only way to stop him was by fouling him resulting in a penalty. Having starred off the bench the with a hat trick the week before Henley was unable to add to his early goal tally as the spot kick was saved. The final whistle came as the game threatened to boil over with a few late challenges from Everett players and both teams having heated discussions with the referee. The bad tempered finish slightly muted the celebrations of the Cassiobury team, but the performance and fight shown by Rangers adds further substance behind the belief that the team is destined for success this season. 12/09/10 Cassiobury Rangers 3 Everett 1 Home Challenge Cup Ref: Stansell After a comprehensive victory for Cassiobury on the opening day of the season, the next game saw the claret and blues lock horns with newly promoted, but much fancied Everett in the Challenge Cup. From the off Everett showed their colours; an all round good side, who play plenty of skillful and physical football. Cassiobury were slow off the blocks, letting Everett gain command in the first ten minutes; this was soon confirmed when they scored the game’s first goal. The goal seemed to kick-start Cassiobury into action and from the restart, they began to settle down and play with greater purpose. The initiative began to swing Cassiobury’s way and their domination grew with the woodwork tested on multiple occasions throughout the ninety minutes. The equaliser came after Neal Cronin started a move near the halfway, as Cassiobury attacked down the left. Jack Cairns lost his marker and Cronin slipped him in; Cairns reached the byline and crossed to the near post for Cronin to lash in at the front post. The game was now all Cassiobury who carved out some good opportunities but failed to capitalise on their chances. 1-1 at halftime. Everett made a bright start to the second half, threatening to challenge Cassiobury’s grip on the game. However, Rangers were intent on quashing any hope Everett held and coped well with the opposition’s combative style. It was Cassiobury who let their football do the talking, not their studs, as they increasingly frustrated their opponents creating more opportunities whilst looking solid at the back. The breakthrough came after concerted pressure by Rangers had Everett pinned back in their half, with Frank Bland blasting home from 25 yards. Cassiobury were twice more thwarted by the woodwork as they looked to kill off the game as Cairns twice had the keeper beaten. Cassiobury were enjoying their football, mounting regular assaults on the opposition goal and Cairns persistence paid off when he finally found the net after he ran across the edge of the box evading challenges before striking low across the keeper with his left foot Everett had been guilty of a few reckless lunges as they struggled to hide their frustrations having been outplayed for long spells of the match, which had silenced an initial vibrant travelling support. A late challenge from an Everett striker on keeper Grant Blomfield after he had gathered in a cross left the goal stopper in pain and he was forced to be withdrawn; the in form new signing will be missed if he is forced to have a spell on the sidelines after a heavy blow to the ribs. Striker Cronin took over the gloves and Warren Davis slotted into the midfield comfortably. Late on excellent distribution from Cronin was expertly controlled by Jack Henley on the halfway line and after bamboozling three Everett defenders, they found the only way to stop him was by fouling him resulting in a penalty. Having starred off the bench the with a hat trick the week before Henley was unable to add to his early goal tally as the spot kick was saved. The final whistle came as the game threatened to boil over with a few late challenges from Everett players and both teams having heated discussions with the referee. The bad tempered finish slightly muted the celebrations of the Cassiobury team, but the performance and fight shown by Rangers adds further substance behind the belief that the team is destined for success this season. "

"The first game of the new season... all to play for, in what we know will be a tough division. Many Premier League teams would have suffered at the hands of Cassiobury today, however Inter were handed out the harshest of top-flight lessons. From the kick off Cassiobury started in an inspirational manner, lead by their captain, Ben Robson. The team kept the ball on the ground and played attractive flowing football carving out multiple chances, converting three into first half goals. The rout began after an incisive move started from right back, James Laws who shifted the ball into midfielder Jake Mortimer. Mortimer played into Neal Cronin, who delivered a superb through ball for the hard working Jack Cairns to slot home. This was followed shortly afterwards as Robson played the ball to Darren Coombs who kept his composure on the edge of the area, evading challenges and sweeping the ball into the corner. For the next 15 minutes Cassiobury were cruising and went close on multiple occasions from long range efforts. The third goal came with 5 minutes of the half remaining, when Cronin made mincemeat out of the opposition keeper, with a lovely goal, after a bit of individual skill by Frank Bland cutting in from the left flank. The second half saw more Cassiobury domination with a hat trick from substitute Jack Henley capping a clinical display after the halftime break, converting 6 goals. The fourth goal came within 10 minutes of the restart, after build up play from the back with the ball eventually converted by Coombs. Substitutions were then made and immediately made an impression; the next goal came from a move built up from the defence, headed on by first sub, Chris Franks and neatly put through by Cronin for the second sub, Henley to tap home. This was followed within two minutes by a similar move; this time Franks laying off for Henley to blast home. Cassiobury were now in complete control and dominating possession. Using the full width of the pitch, they moved the ball around with consummate ease; this led to the seventh goal, when a move, again created from defence led to a through ball to Cronin, for him to beat two players and coolly slot home past a beached opposition keeper. The next goal came after make shift right back, Mortimer, played a one, two with Henley, for him to saunter through a static defence and blast home. The last goal came in the dying minutes when Jack Henley grabbed his hat trick with a deflected strike from a Bland cross. An impressive start to the campaign for Cassiobury, but neither side can base any early-season predictions on this afternoon's result. You have to think their ambitions lie at different ends of the table. "