Rangers make a point ontesting Hospital surface

Rangers went into Saturday’s game without striker Josh Perry, sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained in the Easter Monday derby defeat to Hassocks.

That meant a start for Sam Jeremiah, while also returning were Andy Mott (for Daley Clark, rested after playing twice in three days over Easter following his lengthy injury break) and Dan Vinten (replacing Tom Barnes).

It was a scrappy affair, with little goalmouth action as Rangers failed to get into their usual stride on a difficult surface which has gone from being waterlogged to rock hard in just a couple of weeks.

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Kieran Pamment went close for Rangers on the rare occasions they got the ball down and dissected the Crows defence with some excellent one and two-touch passing between Charlie Pitcher, Brannon O’Neill and Mott. The visiting keeper was quick off his line to thwart the lively Pamment when he skipped away from the back four.

It was defender Dan Lawrence who finally broke the deadlock on 65 minutes when Crows failed to defend a superbly delivered corner from Pitcher. Lawrence tapped home after the ball came off the woodwork.

Pitcher & O’Neill caused problems all afternoon with some excellent set pieces but that was the only occasion the hosts capitalised.

Crowborough’s equaliser came on 83 minutes when player-manager Dave Adams smashed in from six yards when the ball broke loose from a corner.

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Home boss Geff Pitcher withdrew skipper Aaron Walsh late on with concerns over a groin injury that at that stage made him doubtful for Tuesdays tough trip to in-form Lingfield.

Rangers: Gordon; Dodd, Waslh (Barnes), Lawrence, Vinten; O’Neill; Rose, Pitcher (Fugl), Mott; Jeremiah (Clark), Pamment.

Middy Starmen: Walsh & O’Neill, constantly urged on their side in the hunt for three points.