Rangers progress to next round of Chatham Cup

Rangers AFC are through to the second round of the nationwide Chatham Cup football competition after a “game of two halves” against FC Nelson in Nelson today.

The Blenheim-based crew came away with a 2-1 victory in extra time at a rainswept Guppy Park.

The home side dominated the majority of first half, taking advantage of the fact Rangers played deep to create several good chances.

Fortunately for the visitors, Nelson were able to score just one goal, beating the offside line to net midway through the spell.

After a halftime chat and a decision to push higher up the field Rangers managed a reversal of fortunes in the second 45.

After 65 minutes the visitors pulled level, Jono Masters reacting quickest amid a goalmouth scramble to tuck the ball away.

Rangers upped the ante late in regulation time but were unable to find a winner.

However, they created good momentum leading into the 30-minute extra time period and early in the first period they grabbed the winner. Sam Hickmott, Rangers’ man-of-the-match, won a midfield scramble, chipped the ball into player/coach Tore Waechter who laid it off to Adam Rose, the substitute finishing clinically.

Fresh legs from the bench and Rangers’ renowned fitness saw them hold on through the extra-time period for a notable victory.

“The boys showed some massive heart and character,” said Tore. “To go in at halftime after being dominated, then to come out and give them nothing in the second half felt really good. It was a classic cup game, at times pretty physical with big challenges.

“It feels really good having a win like that because the boys really gutsed it out.”

Tore said centre back Aaron Hayes had a big game, along with keeper Liam Kennedy, Bjorn Waechter and Harrison Pine in midfield, plus striker Keagan Mortimer, who ran hard all day.

However, he stressed that it was very much a team effort, the bench providing vital impetus at the right time, along with support from the Rangers Masters crew who travelled over the hill to offer support.

Next up is a return to league play for Rangers, who are away to Richmond next weekend.