Rangers take top position

Rangers AFC moved to the top of the Nelson division one football table at A&P Park on Saturday when they scored a 2-0 win over a tenacious Tahuna First XI side.

The home side may have expected an easier passage against their winless opponents but they were forced to work hard for the three points.

The early stages of the first spell were evenly contested, Tahuna hitting the post, while Rangers were unable to convert several clear chances.

In the 35th minute the local side moved ahead, striker Keagan Mortimer slotting the ball home after a clinical build-up involving energetic midfielder Bjorn Waechter.

Five minutes later Mortimer turned provider, his squared ball calmly turned into goal by Sverre Waechter, giving the home side a two-goal cushion going into the sheds at halftime.

Despite enjoying the lion’s share of opportunities to alter the scoreboard in the second 45, Rangers struggled for cohesion up front.

Also disrupting Rangers’ attacking rhythm was a season-ending lower leg injury to the influential Bjorn Waechter which saw him depart proceedings midway through the second spell.

Apart from another Tahuna strike which hit the woodwork, the home side’s goalkeeper, Luc Sherwood, was virtually unemployed, with player/coach Tore Waechter, exciting newcomer Marcelo Gonzalez, Joe Lewis and Cameron Blair instrumental in cutting off most of Tahuna’s attacking forays.

Mortimer, Guy Nolan, Jono Masters, Gonzalez, Kane Elvy and Sverre Waechter all contributed to Rangers’ attacking prowess but, although Tahuna keeper Joe Robertson was tested on occasion, no more goals were forthcoming.

In other matches, Richmond and Motueka drew 1-1, Nelson Suburbs Reserves hammered FC Nelson Karenni 7-2 and FC Nelson First XI beat Golden Bay 2-1.

Points: Rangers 13, FC Nelson 12, Suburbs Reserves 10, FC Nelson Karenni 9, Golden Bay 6, Richmond 1, Motueka 1, Tahuna 0.

Meanwhile, just one match was played in the Marlborough senior men’s division one competition on Saturday.

Trojans maintained their hot form with a 5-1 win over Central Wolves. They led 2-1 at halftime through goals to Ben Mesman and Matt Weaver and, although Wolves pulled one back after the break, a goal to Tom Lupani followed by an Alejandro Verdun brace got the job done for the competition front-runners.

The other scheduled match, between Central Buccaneers and BV Los Cafeteros, was postponed. Members of the Los Cafeteros side face a judicial hearing this week after their match against Wolves last weekend ended in turmoil, with a referee allegedly assaulted and scuffles breaking out between rival players.

In division two action this weekend, Picton Crow Tavern maintained their slender lead at the top of the table, drawing 4-4 with Trojans Spartans.

Rangers Masters downed Rangers City 3-0, BV Masters beat Central Privateers 5-0 and Trojans Reds overcame Trojans Strikers 6-1.

Points: Picton 16, BV Masters 15, Rangers City 12, Rangers Masters 12, Trojans Spartans 7, Trojans Reds 4, Central 4, Trojans Strikers 0.