Rangers win away, Buccaneers stay on top

Marlborough’s flagship football side, Rangers AFC, kept the pressure on Nelson first division leaders FC Nelson, notching a relatively comfortable 3-0 victory against Nelson Suburbs Seals at a damp Saxton Fields on Saturday.

Conditions were tough for both sides, the slippery surface suiting Seals and not conducive to Rangers’ usual quick-passing game.

However, the visitors began strongly, mounting early pressure and creating a string of clear-cut chances. They eventually bagged the opening goal in the 17th minute. A decisive run inside from the left saw central midfielder and player/coach Tore Waechter dribble neatly past two defenders and slot the ball under the keeper to give the visitors a well-deserved lead.

On the half hour mark Rangers had their second, this time Waechter turning provider. After some smart interplay around the right side of Suburbs’ box, wing back Rico Chen played a one-two with Waechter before slotting the ball in the far corner of the net.

In the 37th minute Rangers’ goalkeeper Morgan Breuer was called into action quickly on two occasions, firstly producing a fine one-on-one save before coming off the line quickly to sweep up and defend a dangerous through ball.

This ensured Rangers went into halftime with a 2-0 lead, which realistically could’ve been even wider.

Bjorn Waechter was at the heart of Rangers’ attack in the first 20 minutes of the second half as they strove to add a third goal, the midfield dynamo hitting the post before forcing a strong save from the Seals keeper to deny him from close range.

However, Rangers’ relentless pressure on the stubborn Seals’ defence couldn’t be denied, with their third goal, the pick of the day coming from Bjorn Waechter. A driving run into the box from winger Jack Morris forced a great save from the Seals’ keeper. Guy Nolan, following up, held up the ball well around the edge of the box before laying it back to Waechter, who rifled a half volley into the bottom left, finally being rewarded for his accomplished efforts.

Rangers’ manager Wolfie Waechter admitted conditions did not favour his side, but was pleased with how they adapted and were able to continuously find ways to create chances against a difficult opponent.

He singled out Seals’ goalkeeper Brett Yates as man of the match after limiting Rangers to just three goals. For Rangers, Guy Nolan had a top game, running strongly throughout, as did Bjorn Waechter and the visitor’s player of the day, keeper Breuer who was solid when called upon, making the necessary saves to keep Rangers in full control.

Next week Rangers are at home against Tahuna as they continue their pursuit of frontrunners FC Nelson, who scored a 3-2 win over Suburbs Reserves yesterday and lead the competition by a single point.

Central on top

Meanwhile, just three games were played on the local scene, all grades below division one being called off to prevent damage to the grounds.

Central Buccaneers continue to show the way on the points table, picking up a 7-3 win over Picton Wildcats in Picton after leading 6-1 at halftime. The dominant figure for Central was experienced defender Tom Morley who slotted five of his side’s goals.

Call Care Trojans sit one point adrift of Central and kept the pressure on with a 6-0 win over BV Masters, all their goals being scored by different players.

The third match saw Central Wolves pick up their second win, beating Rangers Woodbourne 5-3 in Renwick. Wolves led 3-1 at the break and stretched to 5-1 before two late goals to Woodbourne’s Karlis Zvagulis evened things up.

Division one points: Buccaneers 26, Trojans 25, BV Masters 18, Central Wolves 7, Picton Wildcats 7, Rangers Woodbourne 4.