An injury-time free-kick from Chris Blunden succumbed Risborough Rangers to a 1-0 defeat away at Leverstock Green in their opening Spartan South Midlands Premier Division fixture of the season.
Played in front of busy Pancake Lane, the encounter saw several tackles fly in and yellow cards get administered in what was a feisty affair in Hertfordshire.
Scored a few over the years but this has to be my favourite for a number of reasons, let’s hope this seasons a good one ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/h2LiR6d4Aj
— Chris Blunden (@blundenm8) August 3, 2022
Rangers had the best chances to score but Jefferson Louis hit the crossbar from close range before the Greens survived a massive goalmouth scramble.
READ MORE: Wycombe Wanderers' youngsters suffer heavy defeat away at Non League Worthing
Louis, who is in his second spell with the club 24 years after first leaving Risborough, also had a header from three yards get tipped over the bar by the hosts' keeper, Josh Mollison.
But with seconds remaining, Blunden stepped up and fired in his free-kick to give Leverstock all three points.
That one was for the old girl ❤️⚽️ https://t.co/qWoxSMuMZY
— Chris Blunden (@blundenm8) August 2, 2022
He dedicated the goal and win to his late mother, who passed away this summer.
Speaking on Twitter, Blunden said: 'That one was for the old girl.'
Former Wycombe hero, Scott McGleish, was an unused sub for the Greens in the win.
Some Non League action this evening as @levgreenfc took on @RRFC_1971. @blundenm8’s incredible free-kick at the death saw the hosts defeat Rangers 1-0 in their first match of the season. A real screamer of a goal #NonLeague 🇲🇾 pic.twitter.com/ofk2j98Gwr
— James Richings (@James_BFP) August 2, 2022
On the same night, Aylesbury Vale Dynamos came back from 2-0 to defeat Baldock Town 3-2 at Haywood Way.
and @Jakebaldwin22 winner! pic.twitter.com/es62Lt1nMX
— Aylesbury Vale Dynamos FC (@ValeDynamos) August 3, 2022
Two goals down at half-time, a brace from Chris Stapleton, and a Jack Baldwin strike gave Michael East and Liam Dwyer their first competitive win as joint managers of the club.
Fantastic Three Points Gained in League Opener. Match Report https://t.co/7DnwaH3eaY @bucks_herald @YourBucksRadio @Ollie_Bayliss @sportsshotsnews @SSML2022 @SpartanSMFL @NLeagueToday pic.twitter.com/NtLSWpt3YK
— Aylesbury Vale Dynamos FC (@ValeDynamos) August 3, 2022
Dynamos finished 14th in the league last season.
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