Late own goal denies Rangers AFC

Rangers AFC fell at the final hurdle when the Nelson division football title was decided at A&P Park on Saturday.

The local side went into the match needing a win or draw to clinch the title but got neither, the visitors prevailing 2-1 in what Rangers’ manager Wolfie Waechter described as “an epic encounter between two teams playing a great game of football to finish off the season”.

Rangers took the field below full-strength, with Bjorn and Sverre Waechter, Callum McDonald and Sam Pearson absent. However, they were able to cal on able substitutes - David Diconi, Israel Millan and youngster Jeimar Zapata-Zuniga.

The home side began with Luke Sherwood in goal, Boyd Elvy, Jordan Columbus and Aaron Hayes in the back, Kane Elvy, Jono Masters, Marcello and Pablo Gonzales and Jack Morris in midfield, with Keagan Mortimer and Tore Waechter up top.

FC Nelson, having to win, applied the early pressure and had the better of the first half, creating numerous opportunities.

However, an outstanding performance by the back three and Luke Sherwood in goal kept a clean sheet for Rangers at half time.

Unfortunately, Rangers lost Pablo Gonzales to injury after only 24 minutes, being replaced by Elijah O'Donnell who played his best game of the season.

The second half continued with enormous pace and intensity, end to end football. Rangers slowly began to dominate possession and launched numerous attacks, but it was FC Nelson who struck first with a counter-attacking goal in the 66th minute. It looked like Rangers had cleared the ball, only to find a FC Nelson striker alone in front of Sherwood for a tap in.

Despite the setback, local heads did not drop and they maintained pressure on the FC Nelson goal. After numerous set pieces and action in the 18-yard box the locals were rewarded, Jono Masters volleyed in a shot from 14 metres to level the scores.

By now Rangers had replaced Jack Morris, after another top effort the wing, with young Jeimar.

The decisive moment came in the 83rd minute. FC Nelson were awarded a free kick just outside the edge of the box and the incoming cross was contested by numerous players including Jordan Columbus who had the last touch with his head, being recorded as an own goal.

By now Kane Elvy, who ran himself to a standstill, had to come off with cramps, being replaced by Guy Nolan, with 12 minutes to go.

Rangers pressed on, creating further opportunities through the ever present Waechter and Mortimer but none found the back of the net.

In the last minute of the game Rangers won another corner, the rebound falling to the feet of Jeimar from eight metres out. He smashed it towards an empty goal, the keeper beaten, only for a FC Nelson defender to block the shot with his chest.

Soon after, the final whistle sounded, to the relief and jubilation of the Nelson team and supporters.

Wolfie said, “I’m incredibly proud of my team, producing this season's best performance despite the loss, every player going to the absolute limit.

“The after-match function reflected the spirit of the game, both coaches and managers acknowledging the quality of the game and that it could have gone either way. I conceded to [FC Nelson coach] Davor Tavich that his team took six points off Rangers this year and therefore are the deserved winner of the league.”

Next up for Rangers AFC is the Prices Charity Cup, in which they have a first round bye.

In local division one play, Rangers Colts and Central Buccaneers drew 2-2 while Trojans beat Trojans Los Andes 4-3.

In division two, Rangers City beat Rangers Masters 6-0, while Picton accounted for Central Wolves 4-3.

In division three, Renwick beat Trojans Strikers 4-3 while Spartans and Angels drew 1-1.