Rangers AFC rule OK
The Rangers AFC team. Back row, from left, coach Chris Short, goalkeeper coach Morgan Breuer, Cameron Oaks, Allesandro Uderzo, Jeimar Zapata-Zuniga, Josh Clamp, Viktor Crafts, Tore Waechter, Hugh Bradley, Jordy Columbus, Logan Stone, assistant coach Shiv Chandra, bus driver Wolfie Waechter. Front row, from left, Bjorn Waechter, Luc Sherwood, Ben Lindfield, Caleb McAuley, Keagan Mortimer, Tana Connor-McClean, James Parley and Pat Fleming. Photos Shuttersport.
Rangers AFC have ended their season on a high note and with another piece of silverware to add to their collection.
The side have been rewarded for their commitment to a demanding travel schedule with victory in the season-ending Price Charity Cup competition.
Rangers beat Nelson side Richmond FC 2-1 in a closely-fought final at Saxton Fields on Saturday.
Coaches Chris Short and Shiv Chandra had a full squad at their disposal but were mindful of the upcoming trip of six youngsters to the school nationals on Sunday.
Rangers made a nervous start, making too many uncharacteristic mistakes against a determined and hungry Richmond outfit.
Eventually Rangers created a couple of good chances, Jeimar Zapata narrowly missing the goal from a tight angle while Keagan Mortimer was denied by a desperate tackle inside the penalty box.
Most of the battle was played out in midfield, Rangers grabbing the lion’s share of possession but unable to penetrate a well organised and deep defending Richmond team.
A scoreless first half signalled time for changes in the Rangers’ side. Cameron Oaks, Ben Linfield and James Parley replaced by Hugh Bradley, Caleb McAuley and Allesandro Uderzo.
Rangers finally took the lead, Bjorn Waechter, Pat Fleming, Viktor Crafts and Zapata putting some nice passages together, finding Fleming free in the 67th minute to unleash a strike into the top corner from 20 yards out.
However, the lead lasted only five minutes, Rangers giving away another free kick cheaply, leading to a corner from which Richmond equalised to the jubilation of their home fans.
With the scores tied, Rangers brought on more fresh legs and created numerous good chances. However, it took until the 85th minute when Mortimer's shot from 12 yards beat the Richmond keeper inside the post.
Zapata made way for Tana Connor-McClean for final 10 minutes as Richmond threw everything forward. But Rangers defence held firm around Tore Waechter, Jordy Columbus and goalie Luc Sherwood. Eventually the final whistle came, to the relief of the Rangers players and the band of supporters who had made their way over the hill.
Team manager Wolfie Waechter said, “this capped off a fitting finale to a great season for a new-build team around proud coaches Chris Short and Shiv Chandra”.