Rangers AFC leave it late

A decision not to attend Saturday’s combined colleges formal paid dividends for Boyd Elvy and his Rangers AFC team-mates when the MBC student netted the only goal of a tough encounter against Tahuna at A&P Park.

The match, played in cold, wet conditions, turned into a struggle for the table-toppers, who were hot favourites going in.

Player/coach Tore Waechter described it as a “frustrating day”.

“We made it hard on ourselves,” he said, “although full credit to Tahuna, who probably played their best game of the season on a difficult track.”

With no games having been played on the ground prior to the Nelson division one match-up, the turf was firm for the early part of match. Waechter felt that if the home side could have scored one or two goals in the initial stages, they would have set up an easy win. However, it was not to be. Around four early chances were created but Rangers contrived to miss them all.

As the pitch began to cut up, Rangers’ ability to play their style of football was curtailed.

The decisive strike came with eight minutes of the match remaining, and as the home side began to wonder if it was not going to be their day.

When the ball was played into the box Elvy, who entered the fray after 60 minutes, took a touch and then turned the ball over the line.

“I think, on the basis of possession and chances created, we deserved to win,” said Waechter, who praised the efforts of midfielder Harrison Pine and keeper Liam Kennedy on a tough day for the men between the sticks.

On Saturday, Rangers are drawn to meet FC Nelson Locomotive away.

Meanwhile, in Mayfield Motorworld division one action, BV Masters and Central Wolves picked up wins to give the second round points table a more even look.

The third match, between Central Buccaneers and leading side Call Care Trojans, was abandoned after 30 minutes because of bad weather and player safety concerns. The match will be replayed on June 30.

Masters scored a 3-2 win over the Rangers Development side. An early Mark Batty goal gave BV a 1-0 lead at the break, then Ian Allen made it 2-0 soon into the second half. However, Development hit back, goals to Scott Booth and Jay Geris bringing them level at the 72nd minute mark. Then, with 10 minutes remaining, Luke Ogilvy struck to bag three points for Masters.

Wolves have struggled this season but reinforced their threat with a 5-3 win over Call Care Hotspurs. Central dominated the first spell, Nick Rayner (2), Jono McCormick, Matthew Stretch and Sam Boyce all hitting the target to see them ahead 5-1 at the break.

Two second half goals to Francisco Zimmermann reduced the deficit, but Wolves’ first half onslaught was enough to comfortable see them home.

In division two action, Redwood beat Rangers Masters 3-1, Call Care Spartans and Central Privateers fought out a 3-3 draw at Athletic Park and Rangers Clubs of Marlborough thrashed Picton 9-0, Alex Kennedy bagging a first half hat-trick, Ben Burridge and Matt Millar scoring braces.