We travelled away to Abbey Rangers with several changes to the lineup and welcomed back, forward William Kendall. We started as the brighter of the two teams, though without creating many clear-cut chances. Niall Stillwell received a yellow card for a deliberate handball, which would eventually cost him later in the match.

In the 23rd minute, Abbey Rangers’ No. 8 Finley Warren, rode a couple of challenges and struck a low, hard drive into the bottom corner, giving them a 1-0 lead. Despite having good possession, we failed to make effective use of it and went into the break trailing by one.

In the second half, we came out on the attack and created several good chances against our former goalkeeper, Shay Honey. However, disaster struck when keeper Dan O’Donovan was sent off in the 65th minute after misjudging a through ball and handling it outside the box. Outfield player Kailan Reece North had to step in as goalkeeper for the Salts. Soon after, skipper Adam Green received a booking.

In the 70th minute, Jason Bloor replaced Will Kendall up front. Abbey Rangers then scored their second goal in the 77th minute. On 80 minutes, Conrad Essilfie-Conduah came on to replace Craig Dundas in midfield. We managed to pull one back in the 85th minute, courtesy of an own goal under pressure from substitute Jason Bloor.

Our troubles continued when Niall Stillwell received a second yellow card in the 88th minute, despite it appearing to be a fair tackle, and was subsequently sent off. We were forced to play the last 12 minutes with only nine players. It was a disappointing day on the road. We regroup and go again on Monday, away to Carshalton Athletic in the Surrey Senior Cup, KO 7:45pm.