Rangers find form in Nelson

Rangers AFC scored a clinical 4-0 win over Suburbs Reserves in their Nelson division one football clash in Nelson on Saturday.

Rangers welcomed back youngsters Jeimar Zapata and Caleb McAuley from their Malaysian trip with the national under-16 team, as well as Ben Lindfield. In a typically free-flowing, fast-paced encounter, against a Suburbs team full of young, skilful players, Rangers took early control, man of the match Zapata marking his return with two quick goals. Although Suburbs stepped up to create chances of their own, Rangers’ defence held firm, well organised by Jordy Columbus and Luc Sherwood in goal.

Rangers picked up the pace again in the second half, Tore Waechter making it 3-0 in the 55th minute. Soon after Rangers cleared the bench, hard-working wingers Josh Clamp and McAuley replaced by Tana Connor-McClean and Lindfield, while Cameron Oakes replaced James Parley. Oakes then put the game beyond Suburbs reach, scoring Rangers’ fourth 10 minutes from the end. Rangers dominated the midfield with strong performances by Pat Fleming, Tore Waechter and Bjorn Waechter, who shut down Reserves playmaker La Pu Pan for most of the game.

Rangers have their final home game against Tahuna at A&P Park on Saturday.

Changed format

Meanwhile, the Marlborough senior men’s open competition has been divided into two sections for the remainder of the season.

Division one comprises six teams who will play a round robin over five weeks followed by semifinals and a final.

Division two includes eight sides who will play a seven-week round robin competition.

The first round was played out on Saturday. In division one action, first round winners Trojans AFC beat Rangers Masters 8-2, Rangers Athletic beat Central FC 4-2 and Rangers Reserves beat Rangers City 4-1.

Four games took place in division two – Trojans Spartans beating Renwick 1-0, Trojans Strikers downing Trojans Angels 4-1, Central Wolves overcoming Rangers Colts 3-1 and Picton getting the better of BV Masters 2-1.