Rangers close in on back-to-back titles

Rangers AFC ended FC Nelson’s title hopes and earned themselves a shot at consecutive Nelson division one football honours with a gritty 1-0 victory at A&P Park on Saturday.

Rangers went into the season’s penultimate game equal on points with Richmond FC and a point ahead of FC Nelson.

The Marlborough side’s win means a win or draw against Richmond in Blenheim next weekend will be enough to wrap up the title.

On Saturday, FC Nelson knew only a win would suffice and threw everything at the local side in the first quarter. Rangers re-arranged their defensive line, player/coach Tore Waechter dropping back for the injured Jordy Columbus, and they had to repel a wave of attacks in the first 20 minutes.

However, Rangers absorbed the early pressure, midfielder Harrison Pine working hard alongside Julien Delgado, Kane Elvy, Jono Masters and Bjorn Waechter.

Eventually the home side launched their own attack, resulting in a penalty award for hand ball in the box which Tore Waechter safely converted to give his side a precious advantage at the break.

The second half saw a more even encounter. As Nelson pushed more players forward, Rangers created scoring opportunities on counterattack. Harrison Pine, running from halfway and beating three defenders on the way, saw his shot parried by the excellent Nelson goalie. Keagan Mortimer narrowly missing two chances while Jono Masters provided some telling crosses which almost resulted in tap-in goals.

However, it was defence that won the day, man-of-the-match Ryan Palmer, Tore Waechter and Aaron Hayes keeping the arguably best attacking force in the competition at bay. Keeper Liam Kennedy had a busy afternoon, keeping a clean sheet with some excellent saves.

“They dominated possession on the day, but we were well set defensively,” said Tore. “We did what we had to do.

“It was a fantastic, gutsy effort from all the boys,” he said. “They were all up for it today and, as always, we left everything out on the park.”

Meanwhile, at Nelson’s Saxton Fields the Blenheim Valley Bullets side fought out a 2-2 draw with Nelson Suburbs on Saturday.

BV threw down the gauntlet early.  A confident strike from the left boot of Riley Preece flying into the top right of the goal in the fifth minute.

Suburbs levelled five minutes later when an indirect penalty sailed over BV keeper Taz Gilbert, then went ahead after 20 minutes to take a 2-1 lead into the break.

Halfway through the second half BV created three scoring opportunities. Firstly a blazing shot from Tessa Hyland flew marginally to the right of goal then, moments later, striker Lauren Sloan slammed home an equalising goal. Sloan came close to a winner soon after, bringing a superb save from Suburbs’ keeper.

BV’s player-of-the-day was right winger Freya Thompson.

On the local scene the final week of third round competition was played out.

In division one Central Buccaneers drew 1-1 with Call Care Trojans at Renwick while Rangers Development accounted for Central Wolves 4-3 at A&P. Trojans did enough to win the round.

Rangers Clubs of Marlborough and BV Masters drew 3-3 in division two, while Call Care Hotspurs made it a clean sweep of wins, downing Central Privateers 4-1.

In division three Picton defeated Call Care Spartans 2-1 to remain unbeaten, while Redwood beat Rangers Masters 2-1.

Next weekend attention switches to the Knockout Cup semis.