Rangers rebound in Motueka

Peter Jones

Rangers AFC rebounded quickly from a midweek defeat and a season-ending injury to a key player to pick up a hard-earned away win on Saturday.

After going down 2-1 to FC Nelson at A&P Park on Tuesday, they faced a difficult trip to Motueka without striker Keagan Mortimer, who sustained a serious knee injury in the night match, and inform winger Jack Morris.

Rangers AFC manager Wolfie Waechter said, “the signs were not good for our away game.

After losing Keagan and Jack we brought in Carl Connor-McClean as a short notice replacement, and new signing Shiv Chandra made his first appearance in the second half”.

After heavy rainfall in Motueka over the previous 48 hours Rangers turned up to find a very heavy track. Tactics were simple, get the ball into the opposition third as soon as possible.

Motueka started well and applied the early pressure. After 15 minutes Rangers found their rhythm and created several good chances, Connor-McClean, Guy Young,

Bjorn Waechter and Alex Duley all coming very close, only to be denied by the excellent Motueka goalkeeper.

The side were goalless at halftime but five minutes into the second stanza Connor-McClean scored the game decider after fine buildup play from Kane Elvy.

Motueka stepped up the pressure in the last 15 minutes but the well-organised Rangers’ defence, based around Jordy Columbus, Boyd Elvy and Callum McDon ald, held firm with man-of-thematch Luc Sherwood keeping a clean sheet in trying conditions for a goalkeeper.

Tore and Bjorn Waechter con trolled the midfield well while Alex Duley and Fynn Hawes pro vided strong support. Kane Elvy again impressed with his pace out wide.

Rangers’ next game is at home against Suburbs Reserves on Sat urday.

Tuesday’s match was a heated encounter, with both sides locked at the top of the table. No quarter was asked for or given, with referee Martin Fenwick having his hands full as the players sought to take charge.

FC Nelson were awarded an early penalty, which they converted and pinched a second goal just prior to the break, looking the better team in the first 45. However, the second half belonged to the home side, player/ coach Tore Waechter slotting a penalty late in the piece to set up a frantic finish, but the visitors held on to pick up a vital three points against the defending champions.

Best of the local side were Boyd Elvy, Jordy Columbus and Scott Belsham

Scores:

Tuesday: FC Nelson 2 Rangers AFC 1 (Tore Waechter, pen). HT:

Saturday: Rangers AFC 1 (Carl Connor-McClean) Motueka FC 0. HT: 0-0

Meanwhile, the tie at the top of the Marlborough Motorworld division one men’s table remains after both Central Buccaneers and Call Care Trojans picked up wins on Saturday. Buccaneers defeated BV Masters 8-2, after leading 4-1 at halftime. Jono Masters notched a hat-trick for Central, Jason Scammell bagging a brace.

Trojans led just 1-0 against Rangers Woodbourne at halftime, but, inspired by the efforts of Tomas Lupani who found the back of the net four times, they pulled away in the second spell for a comfortable 6-0 victory.

In the other match, Central Wolves picked up their first win of the season, beating Picton Wildcats 5-0. All the goals were scored in the first spell, Hunter Ruffell claiming a brace.

Division one points: Central Buccaneers 16, Call Care Trojans 16, BV Masters 9, Rangers Woodbourne 4, Picton Wildcats 4, Central Wolves 3. Rangers City continue to lead the pack in division two, beating Call Care Spartans 3-1 to maintain their unbeaten record. Stewart Sloan scored twice for City. The biggest win of the day was registered by Rangers Reserves, who beat Picton Crow Tavern 100, while Call Care Red beat Rangers Masters 3-0 and Central Privateers overcame Trojans Marlb Men 6-2.

Division two points: Rangers City 18, Rangers Reserves 13, Central Privateers 13, Call Care Spartans 12, Call Care Red 6, Picton Crow Tavern 4, Rangers Masters 3, Trojans Marl Men 0.