Rangers forced to battle, but get job done

Rangers AFC kept up with the pace in the Tasman division one football competition, producing another gutsy effort to get the better of recent nemesis Richmond 1-0 in Nelson on Saturday.

The Blenheim-based side travelled west with just 11 squad members on deck. On the bench for the day were young Tana Connor-McClean from Rangers Masters, plus the experienced Shiv Chandra and manager Wolfie Waechter.

In yet another team reshuffle, Tore Waechter slipped into the backline alongside Jordy Columbus, Callum McDonald and Kane Elvy, covering for his brother Boyd. Youngsters Fynn Hawes and Rico Chen took the centre midfield places with Bjorn Waechter.

Richmond brought good form into the clash, coming off a win over Suburbs Reserves in a midweek Prize Charity Cup knockout game.

However, it was the visitors who started strongest. Rangers dominated the first 20 minutes, controlling the ball and forcing the Richmond keeper into action on several occasions.

Midway through the first half Richmond found their rhythm, winning more ball in midfield and launching a few attacks of their own but, after an evenly-contested 45 minutes neither team had troubled the scorers.

Rangers were forced into a change at half time. Guy Nolan, after a strong first stanza, had to come off due to a worsening injury from the previous game and was replaced by Connor-McClean.

The second half saw both games battling for supremacy in midfield, trying to string passes together on a bumpy, slippery pitch.

It was Rangers who upped the ante in the last 20 minutes, coming close through Morris, Alex Duley and Tore Waechter, while Chandra replaced the tireless Hawes in midfield, bringing extra height to the centre of the park.

With 10 minutes remaining Rangers won a corner, with almost everybody pushing forward into the goal box. Duley's sharp delivery was flicked on by Columbus, the ball found Connor-McClean's head and he diverted it in for the match-deciding goal.

Rangers' defense held firm with Bjorn Waechter again winning most midfield battles with the aid of brother Tore and winger Jack Morris. Chen had another good run for the full 90 minutes, Callum McDonald was as dependable as always in defence while young Luc Sherwood had another fine game in goal, keeping a clean sheet.

Next week Rangers are on the road again, taking on Locomotive in Nelson.

Nelson division one points: FC Nelson 21, Rangers 18, Suburbs Reserves 12, Motueka 10, Richmond 7, Suburbs Seals 6, Tahuna 5, FC Nelson Locomotive 0.

Buccaneers sail clear

On the local scene, Central Buccaneers handed Call Care Trojans their first defeat of the season and moved to the top of the Mayfield Motorworld division one points standings after eight rounds.

Central prevailed 2-1 at Renwick. An early goal to Thom Hall saw them ahead 1-0 at halftime, before Tomas Lupani equalised on the hour mark. However, a 85th minute goal to Jared Haley proved the matchwinner.

BV Masters and Central Wolves enjoyed a high-scoring clash at A&P Park, Masters eventually prevailing 8-6 after leading 5-3 at halftime. Ben Clarke scored a whopping six goals for the victors, James Coughlan and Ben Blackman bagging the others. Brendan Jackson scored a brace for Wolves.

The third match saw Picton Wildcats host Rangers Woodbourne and come away with a 4-0 win. The hat-trick hero for Picton was Jack McFadden after his side led 3-0 at the break.

Division one points: Central Buccaneers 20, Trojans 19, BV Masters 15, Picton Wildcats 7, Central Wolves 4, Rangers Woodbourne 4.

In division two, Rangers City continued their reign at the top of the table with an emphatic 6-0 win over Central Privateers, Stewart Sloan notching a first-half hat-trick.

Rangers Reserves kept the pressure on with 7-0 win over Rangers Masters, Nikau Bell bagging a hat-trick.

The other matches were closer, Call Care Spartans beating Call Care Red 3-2 and Picton Crow Tavern eclipsing Trojans Marlb Men 2-1.

Division two points: Rangers City 21, Rangers Reserves 19, Spartans 18, Privateers 13, Picton Crow Tavern 10, Call Care Red 9, Rangers Masters 3, Trojans Marlb Men 0.