Shirebrook Town 1-0 Hall Road

Hall Road Rangers suffered a narrow defeat against Shirebrook Town in a scrappy affair on Saturday as they lost 1-0. There wasn’t much-attacking output from either side in the first half with neither goalkeeper having to make a save. The swirling wind certainly had an impact on the game which meant that there wasn’t a proper pattern or rhythm of play.

The only opportunity as such in the first 45 minutes came for Shirebrook in the 24th minute when Daniel Ramsey met Josh Devereux’s free kick and sent a header over the bar.

After the half-time break, Rangers had a number of opportunities on the Shirebrook goal. Lewis Gibson came close to putting Hall Road in front in the 50th minute as his effort hit the post.

Eight minutes later, some good play from Reece Moody teed up a chance for Joe McFadyen who hit an effort wide. In the 69th minute, Rangers skipper Conner Harman had a shot saved by Shirebrook keeper Lewis Hill.

Shirebrook took the lead in the 76th minute courtesy of a Nathan Jessop goal. Hall Road’s misery was compounded four minutes later when Conner Harman was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. Rangers pushed for an equaliser with one of their best chances falling to Reece Moody who could only fire an effort straight at Lewis Hill.

Rangers joint-manager Leon Sewell admitted that the game lacked quality.

“First and foremost, it was a tough place to come. My thoughts on the game are that it was really scrappy and there wasn’t a lot of quality.

I actually feel for our defensive unit today with Tom in goal and the back four. I thought they’ve done really well and Shirebrook haven’t really threatened us. I don’t think Tom’s actually had a save to make.

We spent periods of time in their half and we’ve not capitalised on the chances that we’ve had. Fair play to the Shirebrook keeper Lewis Hill who, ironically, is from Hull and East Yorkshire. He’s had a worldie to be fair and made three really important saves.

On another day, we’re having a different conversation yet again and we’re probably talking about either a point or three points.

It’s tough to accept, but I can’t fault the work rate and efforts from the players as I thought they were spot on” Sewell said.

Oliver Harsley