St Francis Rangers expecting a tough game against Chichester City

Rangers, whose three points this season all game in the last three games, are looking to gain ground on the teams above them.

But assistant manager Paul Whelan is expecting a tough game against Chichester, who are currently ninth in the Southern Combination League Premier Division.

He said: “We haven’t seen them play but I’m sure they will be another tough game, they are likely to be physically bigger and stronger than us so we will have to make sure we are able to deal with that.”

And Whelan said he and manager Joe Monks may make a couple of changes to the team.

He said: “There may be a couple of changes, the games have come thick and fast so hopefully we will be able to give a couple of players a rest and some others who haven’t played much some more game time.”

Rangers’ latest draw - 3-3 away at Worthing United - was another improved performance and game they looked more likely to win after coming back from 2-0 down.

Whelan said: “We started the game very slowly and found ourselves 2-0 down early on, so to come from two goals behind twice in the game and get something out of it was very pleasing.

“But I think that apart from the first 20 minutes we were the better team, and once it got to 3-3 I thought we were the more likely to go on and win the game, which would have been nice!”

He added: “I don’t like to single individuals out for praise but I was pleased for all three of the young lads who got on the scoresheet.

“Louie Leong in particular has benefited from playing men’s football, he’s toughened up physically and is starting to dominate games in the middle of the park. Also I was very pleased with the two young centre backs, we were without Phil Wiliamson our most experienced defender and having never been paired together I thought Rob Atkinson and Remi did brilliantly - I don’t think they lost a header all game.”

After Chichester on Saturday, they make the short trip to Hassocks on Easter Monday.

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