Match Report: Sileby Rangers 3–1 Eynesbury Rovers

Eynesbury Rovers’ five-match unbeaten run came to an end on Tuesday night as they slipped to a 3–1 defeat away at Sileby Rangers.

Luke Young’s late penalty was the only consolation for Rovers, who were second best for much of the game and finished with just nine men.

The hosts struck early, taking a 10th-minute lead when Urijah Douglas-Gordon pounced on a back pass and fired beyond Chris Gough. Eight minutes later it was 2–0, George Herbert driving a low shot into the corner from the edge of the box.

Rovers created chances of their own, with Oliver Brookes heading over from a Harry Hurst corner and Michael King going close from distance. At the other end, Douglas-Gordon and Herbert continued to threaten, with Josh Drain also missing a good opening before half-time.

Eynesbury began the second half brightly, with Reece King twice going close, while an Archie May free kick rattled the crossbar for the home side. Max Kimpton’s header and another King free kick kept the pressure on, but Sileby stood firm.

The turning point came ten minutes from time when Leon Fulianty was dismissed for dissent after an initial yellow card. Almost immediately Herbert made it 3–0 with his second of the night, finishing smartly from the edge of the box. Matters worsened for the visitors when Hurst was shown a late sin-bin, reducing them to nine players.

Despite their disadvantage, Rovers grabbed a stoppage-time consolation as Young converted from the spot after being tripped in the area.

Next up for Eynesbury is an FA Cup Second Qualifying Round tie away at Step 5 side Needham Market on Saturday, 13 September (kick-off 3pm).