Rangers AFC finish home run with big win

Rangers AFC marked their final home game of the 2026 Nelson division one football season with a 5-1 win over second-placed Tahuna at A&P Park on Saturday.

In what experienced clubman Tore Waechter described as one of the side’s best efforts this season, Rangers took the game to their rivals from the outset.

After just seven minutes they had their first goal when midfielder Pat Fleming lashed in a long shot. Four minutes later youngster Jeimar Zapata scored the first of his first half brace, adding his second 15 minutes later.

Although they conceded a penalty just before the break, the home side held a 3-1 advantage going into the sheds.

Despite creating a slew of half chances in the early stages of the second 45, Rangers were unable to add to their tally until the 73rd minute, when Waechter converted a penalty earned by Zapata who was felled in the area.

Second half substitute Josh Clamp put the icing on a fine all-round effort in the final five minutes when he adeptly slammed home a chance from the edge of the area.

This was a real team effort from the locals. They remained composed at the back, defenders Tore Waechter, James Parley and Jordy Columbus cleverly playing the ball forward to create opportunities for their pacy runners. Up front Zapata, Caleb McAulay, Keagan Mortimer and Alexandro Uderzo were always willing to challenge the Tahuna defence, paving the way for a deserved win over a side who had prevailed in their two former meetings.

Next week, Rangers AFC play Golden Bay at Neale Park, before finishing with a match against Nelson Suburbs Reserves on August 8.

Points table: FC Nelson 33, Tahuna 27, Rangers 22, Suburbs Reserves 20, Richmond 8, Golden Bay 2.

Senior men’s divisions

Meanwhile, on the local scene, three teams sit atop the round two division one standings. Rangers Reserves lead the way on goal difference after a 13-0 demolition of Rangers Masters, Trojans are second after taking down Central FC 5-3 while Rangers Athletic are third following a 5-3 win over Rangers City, Alan and Boyd Elvy notching braces for the victors.

In division two, Central Wolves’ 4-1 win over BV Masters sees them in top spot after two rounds. Picton are also unbeaten after downing Trojans Spartans 3-1, Rangers Colts beat Trojans Strikers 3-0 and Renwick overcame Trojans Angels 5-3.

Standings

Division one: Rangers Reserves 6, Trojans AFC 6, Rangers Athletic 6, Central 0, Rangers City 0, Rangers Masters 0.

Division two: Central Wolves 6, Picton 6, Renwick 3, Rangers Colts 3, Trojans Strikers 3, Trojans Spartans 3, BV Masters 0, Trojans Angels 0.