A solitary goal from Brandon Archer on 52 minutes was enough to secure Ransomes Sports a place in the semi-finals where they will now travel to face Henley Athletic.
This was a most difficult encounter for Ransomes as AFC Kesgrave tore into the home side from the first whistle, refusing to give Ransomes an inch and forcing turnovers high up the pitch. Panicky, amateurish, and dicing with defeat was the situation Ransomes found themselves in so early in the game. For the opening 31 minutes, AFC Kesgrave enjoyed Ransomes’ hospiyality as the home side seemed intent on doing everything in their power to hand the visitors a safe passage through to the semi-finals.
Instead of collapsing though, Ransomes regained some of their composure as the visitors began to show an impotence in the final third. Ransomes could feel the heat, but they could also sense opportunity as both Brandon Archer and Yani Duka went close in quick succession.
Ransomes improved after the break, but only slightly, whilst AFC Kesgrave continued to struggle to penetrate the hosts rear-guard. Presumably, the eventual winner when it came, irritated and gnawed the visitors. You could understand why. They had had the lion’s share of the possession but what was more in evidence was their lack of a creative spark in those decisive areas.
Instead, it was left to Ransomes to draw first blood with a quality crafted goal. A measured pass from Yani Duka Duka was threaded across the AFC penalty area which the incoming Brandon Archer took in his stride to tuck his crisp side-footed finish into the opposite corner for 1-0.
Ransomes task now appeared more comfortable but there were misses from the home side – most glaringly from the captain Mo File.
While the scoreline was tight, AFC Kesgrave were never out of it, even if they continued with their struggles to create a worthwhile opening. Their reckless extravagance and wastefulness of the possession they had worked so hard for was their enemy as they continued to search for that cutting edge – the game therefore remained tense.
It was not until the 88th minute that AFC had their first shot on target; a crushing volley from an unkind angle at the far post that Jack Friston comfortably touched over – it was as close as the visitors were to come in their attempt to force this game into penalties.
Ransomes managed the occasion better than AFC Kesgrave. They may have been tame for most of this match and lacking their usual oomph, but what did AFC Kesgrave create of clearcut note? They menaced but remained toothless, with an inability to fully drive home the superiority they enjoyed. This was what ultimately left them wondering what might have been.
For Ransomes, it clearly wasn’t the best performance from them, with a basic lack of tempo and flair, but they were able to wrest the game away from their opponents and then hold them at arms length – that should continue the self-confidence and belief as they continue their regeneration.