Warriors are a newly formed team for this season and have been learning fast.
The teams warmed up in bright but windy conditions, but as they kicked off conditions changed dramatically as the wind dropped and it began to rain steadily. Cup nerves must have been running high in both teams as they made a tentative start. Rangers experience began to tell soon enough as Bradley, Harry and Dan D got it together and pressurised the Fenstanton goal. Fenstanton made a couple of probing runs, but they were stopped by Jack and Dan R before they could bother Lewis in goal. The deadlock was eventually broken after 12 minutes when Dan D shot from the edge of the box, the keeper got a hand on it, but it was not enough to stop it crossing the line. Rangers made a change at the restart; the change seemed to upset the rhythm of the lads and they let Fenstanton back into the game. The Warriors first real attempt on the Rangers goal paid off, as they caught Rangers cold and drew level within 3 minutes of going behind. Bradley led the charge as Rangers tried to restore their lead, but the first half finished even. The rain continued to fall but the player’s spirits were not dampened. Rangers restored Dan D in the attack for the second half and they upped the pressure; almost setting up camp in the Fenstanton half. The pressure paid of soon enough as Michael slipped in a second for Rangers. As Rangers increased the pressure, so did the rain, but this time with thunder and lightning thrown in for good measure. As the storm got closer, the wise decision was made to take the players off for their safety. The storm over, but with the rain still falling, the teams took to the field again with only 10 minutes left. Rangers sent Bradley back on to join Dan D and Michael up front. Rangers began to turn the screw, with Fenstanton seemingly unable to get out of their own half; Josh, Matthew and Jack containing them so effectively they never bothered Lewis again. In front of the Fenstanton goal, Bradley twisted and turned, determined to add to the score, only to see his efforts fall short. 4 times he hit the woodwork and had more efforts blocked by defenders. Rangers finally got a third after Bradley worked his way through the defenders; his shot blocked by the keeper, who then hesitated, not knowing whether to pick it up or clear it. An unmarked Dan D didn’t hesitate and he nipped in quickly to give the keeper no alternative but to pick the ball out of the net. Rangers kept up the pressure until the end, they moved the ball around well despite the awful weather conditions. The inexperienced Fenstanton Warriors bravely played their part in this game, but were ultimately outclassed by St Ives. Both sets of players (and the spectators) are to be congratulated for battling on through the atrocious conditions, Rangers deservedly progressing through to the next round. Rangers U10R Squad:
Jack C. Joshua D. Daniel D. Steffen G. Lewis H. Michael K. Matthew M. Declan M. Harry R. Daniel R and Bradley S. | 
