MK Irish 4-1 Rayners Lane

MK Irish continued their strong run of form with a 4–1 victory over Rayners Lane at Manor Fields, making it four consecutive wins and moving into the top ten of the table.

Irish began the game looking to build on last weekend’s comeback victory at Northwood and quickly started to impose themselves on proceedings. After a cautious opening few minutes, the first real opportunity came when George Shrieves won possession and exchanged passes with Ryan Smith inside the box, though his cross was gathered comfortably by the visiting goalkeeper.

The breakthrough arrived on ten minutes. Mason Spence played a superb pass to Shrieves on the right corner of the box and he drove past his marker before sending a low cross into the area and into the path of Ryan Smith, who finished first time from close range to give Irish the lead.

Rayners Lane responded with a long range effort that bounced just wide of the far post, but Irish continued to look the more threatening side. Spence again picked out Shrieves with an excellent pass, this time on the left side of the area, and his effort deflected wide.

Irish doubled their advantage on 20 minutes. Meadows found Callum Hirst inside the box and under pressure he managed to square the ball across goal where Shrieves was perfectly placed to slot home from six yards.

With Irish controlling much of the play, Meadows then went close with a powerful effort from the edge of the area that drifted narrowly wide.

Rayners Lane pulled a goal back just after the half hour mark. A long ball over the defence found a forward at the far post and although Ladyman initially got a touch to the volley, the ball squeezed underneath him and crept over the line.

The visitors nearly levelled soon after when a dangerous low ball into the six yard area caused problems for the Irish defence, but the attacker slipped at the crucial moment allowing Ladyman to gather.

Irish threatened again before the break as Hirst fired just over from distance and Shrieves cut inside following a short corner routine but his low shot was saved at the near post.

Half Time: MK Irish 2–1 Rayners Lane

The second half began with Irish again looking to extend their lead. Ryan Smith battled well on the edge of the area before finding Shrieves, whose low shot was saved by the goalkeeper’s outstretched boot.

Irish continued to create chances. A cross from Joyce was headed back by Spence into the path of Meadows, whose volley forced a diving save from the keeper.

The game briefly settled into a quieter spell before Irish regained control and found a third goal on 72 minutes. Meadows working hard and winning the ball in the visitors half. Hirst picked the ball up and played it to Spence around twenty yards from goal and he calmly placed his effort just inside the keeper’s left hand post to restore the two goal advantage.

Rayners Lane continued to search for a way back into the match but Irish remained comfortable. A deflected effort from distance was safely gathered by Ladyman, while at the other end substitute Owen Brooks was played through one on one but saw his effort saved by the keeper.

The points were sealed in the closing moments when Zawe was brought down inside the area. Substitute Kelvin Osei-Addo stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it four.

Rayners Lane had a late effort from distance that drifted off target before Brooks had the final chance of the game, seeing his shot blocked before his follow up went wide.

Full Time: MK Irish 4–1 Rayners Lane

Goalscorers:
R Smith (9)
Shrieves (19)
Spence (71)
Osei-Addo (89 pen)

Irish’s fourth consecutive victory moves them into tenth place in the table, their highest position to date this season, as their strong run of form continues at Manor Fields.