Rangers 1 – 1 Sylvans
Priaulx League, KGV, Saturday 8th November 2025
https://fulltime.thefa.com/displayFixture.html?id=28147340

Sylvans were left ruing another stoppage-time heartbreak as Rangers snatched a point with virtually the last kick of the game to deny the Westerners the chance to go top of the Priaulx League.

Janick Radford was the hero for Rangers, curling a free-kick into the top left corner deep into added time to earn his side only their second point of the season — and lift them off the bottom of the table.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Bjw7Mirp8/

Sylvans had dominated the early stages at KGV, with Sam Gilman’s third-minute cross met by Jimmy Montgomery at the far post, only for goalkeeper Rob Cowley to save well. Zach Gilman went close soon after, firing over the bar.

Despite the early pressure, Rangers weathered the storm and began to find their feet. Yet it was Sylvans who broke the deadlock on 32 minutes, James Ravenscroft lifting a fine effort over Cowley from distance.

Rangers regrouped well to avoid further damage, with Tiago Rodrigues and Ravenscroft both missing chances to extend the lead before half-time.

The hosts pushed higher after the restart, forcing Sylvans to recycle possession and defend deeper. Harry Sherbourne almost levelled just before the hour mark, driving through midfield and unleashing a fierce strike that Nick Batiste tipped over superbly.

The game became increasingly tense, with Mazulo Suleiman booked for a late challenge on Ravenscroft. Still Rangers pressed, and in the 73rd minute Shane Billien forced another fine save from Batiste, who then somehow recovered to deny Finley Belnavis on the rebound.

Sylvans spurned a glorious chance to seal the win when substitute Emerson Nobes squared across goal for fellow sub Joe Yeaman, who just failed to make contact at the far post.

In the 89th minute, Ravenscroft thought he had doubled his tally, only for the goal to be ruled out for a foul in the build-up — a decision that would prove crucial.

Then, in the sixth minute of stoppage time, Alex Setters was fouled just outside the box, giving Rangers one last opportunity. Up stepped Radford, who bent his free-kick perfectly past the wall and into the top corner to send the home fans wild.

For Sylvans, it was a bitter case of déjà vu, having also conceded a last-gasp equaliser against Rovers earlier in the campaign. For Rangers, however, it was a spirited display and a reward for their resilience — moving them off the foot of the table and just a point behind Belgrave Wanderers.

Photo's available to view and purchase at: Andy Dovey Photography