Draw not enough for Rangers, KO Cup semifinalists found

Rangers AFC stumbled at the final hurdle, a 1-1 draw in their last Nelson division one football league match not enough to earn them back-to-back championships.

In front of a loud and supportive home crowd at Nelson’s Guppy Park on Saturday, FC Nelson scored a vital late equaliser to ensure they took the honours.

Rangers travelled over the hill knowing anything less than a victory would hand the title to FC Nelson.

After a scoreless first half, during which Rangers had a convincing penalty shout declined, Rangers’ player/coach Tore Waechter provided the go-ahead goal. His free kick on the edge of the box eluded the wall and left the keeper flat-footed, sending the ball into the bottom right corner. The home side now turned to their strong bench, throwing everything forward and, after 75 minutes they bagged the equalizer. Jamane Wilson-Daggan, coming on as a super-sub, curled a corner directly into the back of the net.

Rangers subbed on Fynn Hawes and Sverre Waechter for Alex Duley and Jack Morris to push for the winning goal. A last-minute run down the wing by Bjorn Waechter almost found Kane Elvy at the end of his cross, but ultimately the final whistle brought jubilation among the FC Nelson players and supporters.

They finished one point ahead of Rangers on the league table, Rangers’ only defeat coming against FC Nelson in a feisty night match at A&P Park in May.

Rangers’ manager Wolfie Waechter said the result was a fair reflection of Saturday’s game.

“It’s hard to find comforting words for your team that has just left everything on the field. However, the mood turned all positive soon after, reflecting on yet another enjoyable Nelson league campaign, playing our positive, honest brand of football with a group of best mates.

“We lost a lot of players last year and we had to rebuild. If you had told me we’d be in two finals, essentially, at the start of the season, I wouldn’t have believed you,” he added.

Wolfie highlighted young goalkeeper Luc Sherwood’s performance in particular on the day after what was a stellar season in goal. Midfield trio Bjorn Waech- ter, Tore Waechter and Harrison Pine worked tirelessly in midfield in what was a highly contested battle. Jack Morris and Kane Elvy provided support from wide positions while striker Alex Duley competed strongly against an experienced defensive line for FC Nelson. The back four of captain Jordy Colombus, Sam Hickmott, Boyd Elvy and Callum McDon- ald limited the oppositions skilful forwards to very few shots on goal, while the substitutions also played a big part in a strong team effort.

Rangers will now focus on their final match, the Prices Charity Cup clash against Richmond FC in Takaka on September 2. Knockout Cup

The semifinalists have been found in the local Knockout Cup competition.

Rangers Reserves downed Picton Wildcats 3-0, Central Buccaneers beat Call Care Spartans 6-2, Trojans overcame Central Wolves 4-0 and BV Masters were too strong for Rangers City, prevailing 7-0.

Next weekend Buccaneers will take on Rangers Reserves for a place in the final, while Call Care Trojans and BV Masters meet in the other semi.

In yesterday’s Knockout Bowl games, Central Privateers beat Call Care Red 3-1 while Rangers Masters finally got the better of Trojans Marl Men 8-6 in extra time.