Rangers AFC stay up with the pace

Two wins in three days have kept Rangers AFC well in contention for the Nelson division one football title.

The reigning champions travelled to Nelson on Friday and came away with a 2-1 victory over a physical Tahuna outfit, then backed up on Sunday, beating Nelson Suburbs Reserves 9-0 at A&P Park in Blenheim.

Their dual triumph pushes them to second place on the points table, one point behind FC Nelson, but with a game in hand.

Friday’s match turned into a battle royal on a heavy pitch.

Rangers got off to strong start, goals to Keagan Mortimer and Jack Morris before the 20-minute mark allowing them to take early control.

However, the home side pulled one back immediately after oranges making for a war of attrition for the remainder of the second spell. Rangers defended stoutly, both sides receiving a couple of yellow cards as the visitors held on for a crucial three points.

On Sunday there was no such drama, Rangers leading 3-0 at half time, then adding six more goals after the break in what manager Wolfie Waechter described as “probably our best performance of the season”.

“It would have been impossible to pick a player of the day today, they were just all so committed,” he added.

Leading the way as usual was player/coach Tore Waechter, pushed up front for this match.

He registered a hat-trick, two of them from the penalty spot, while Mortimer, Jono Masters, Bjorn Waechter, Kane Elvy and Callum McDonald bagged the others, along with an own goal. Defender McDonald’s goal was his first for four seasons, earning special recognition from the sideline.

In a complete team effort, the hard-running of Mortimer, Morris and Elvy created problems for the Suburbs defence throughout, while McDonald, Pablo Gonzalez and skipper Jordy Columbus made sure there were few opportunities for the visiting front line to attack Luc Sherwood’s goal.

On Saturday, Rangers host Richmond Athletic at A&P Park.

Points: FC Nelson 25, Rangers 24, Tahuna 17, Suburbs Reserves 12, FC Nelson Karenni 7, Richmond 5, Suburbs U18 0.

Meanwhile, Central Buccaneers continue to show the way in Marlborough division one. On Friday they beat Rangers Reserves, who led 1-0 at halftime, 2-1 after goals to Livison Madumira and Brendan Jackson.

In the other match, Trojans Los Andes scored a 4-0 won over Rangers Colts, doubles to Francisco Zimmerman and Alan Zarate getting the job done.

Points: Central 16, Los Andes 12, Reserves 9, Trojans 6, Colts 4.

In division two, Spartans beat Strikers 3-0 on Wednesday. On Friday, Picton Crow Tavern’s 7-0 win over Trojans Angels saw them remain unbeaten, Central Wolves downed Rangers City 1-0, Central Privateers beat Rangers Masters 3-2 while BV Masters eclipsed Renwick 6-1.

Points: Picton 24, Wolves 16, BV Masters 16, Renwick 14, Rangers City 11, Rangers Masters 11, Spartans 9, Angels 9, Privateers 3, Strikers 3.