Rangers knock out Nelson rivals

Rangers AFC moved smoothly into the second round of the 2023 Prices Charity Cup knockout competition with a 5-2 victory over Nelson FC at A&P Park on Saturday.

Nelson FC, the Nelson division one league leaders came to Blenheim with an unbeaten record, which included a feisty 2-1 win over Rangers in a midweek fixture last month.

However, the tables were well and truly turned this time, the home side making the most of the chances that came their way while combining desperate de- fence with skilful midfield work. Leading the way in that area was the tireless Bjorn Waechter, whose composure on the ball and choice of pass set up a lot of what was good about Rangers’ effort.

Striker Alex Duley also had a day to remember, slotting a hat-trick. His first came after 15 minutes, Tore Waechter winning the ball in midfield and setting up Duley to convert from 16 yards.

A quarter of an hour later the scores were level, Nelson finding the back of the net from a free kick set piece.

Left winger Jack Morris was next on the scoreboard, converting after a clever one-two with Bjorn

Waechter to give the home side a 2-1 advantage into the break. Multiple chances were created at both ends of the park when the teams returned but it was Rangers who struck first, the energetic Guy Nolan cleverly forcing the ball in following a Duley corner to give the home side an ‘insurance goal’.

Soon after they were reduced to 10 men when Boyd Elvy picked up his second yellow card for a reckless tackle, Nelson taking advantage of the numerical advantage to narrow the margin with 10 minutes to play.

Five minutes later, the local team’s management and supporters

Rangers AFC striker Alex Duley notched a hat-trick on Saturday.

Peter were able to breathe a little easier when Duley bagged his second, latching onto a long clearance from Tore Waechter and finishing clinically.

He was at it again just minutes later, slotting the ball into the bottom left corner to complete a personal hat-trick and put the exclamation mark on a satisfying performance from Rangers, who enjoyed getting early revenge on the only side to have beaten them this season.

Callum McDonald and Jordy Columbus stood out in defence, along with keeper Luc Sherwood, while Kane Elvy made an immediate impact as a second half sub. Youngsters Fynn Hawes and Rico Chen also showed that they are comfortable at this level. There was no other football played over the long weekend.