Rangers AFC finally broke their drought against FC Nelson at the weekend, knocking the league champions out of the Price Charity Cup competition.
In a tight tussle at Nelson's Guppy Park, Rangers prevailed 1-0 against a side who had beaten them in three previous encounters this season.
On Saturday the prize was a place in the forthcoming cup final and it took a fully-committed team effort to get the job done by Rangers, who travelled over the hill with a squad depleted through sickness and unavailability.
Veteran Aaron Hayes was called on for cover while the return of defender Jordy Columbus was welcomed.
FC Nelson started well, creating multiple good chances in the first 15 minutes, but luck was on Rangers side. Eventually they found their footing, Jeimar Zapata denied by the keeper, then Hugh Bradley hitting the outside of the post. The game’s only goal came in the 30th minute. James Parley won the ball in his own half, his quick pass finding Tore Waechter whose long ball behind the Nelson defence found Jeimar, who beat his marker and finished with a fine strike.
The home side increased the pressure in the second half, launching multiple attacks through their dangerous wingers, only to be denied by Rangers’ scrambling defence which was based around man of the match Columbus, allied to outstanding efforts from Bradley, Parley and Caleb McAuley, plus some wonderful saves by Luc Sherwood in goal.
Rangers continued to match FC Nelson in midfield with Victor Craft, Ben Linfield and the Waechter brothers, Bjorn and Tore, holding their own and looking dangerous on counter attack. Cameron Oaks ran himself to a standstill up top, as well as Parley in the back, while Josh Clamp and Tana Connor-McClean injecting fresh legs after 75 minutes.
The Cup Final will be against Richmond FC at Saxton Field this weekend.
Chicks claim title
The local women’s Zydenbos Shield finals were contested on Saturday.
In the grand final BV Chicks came away with a comprehensive 5-2 win over Rangers Wairau Valley Weapons after Chicks had led 3-1 at the halftime break. In the third/fourth battle, Picton beat Trojans 2-1.
Men’s division one and two results on Saturday.
Division one: Rangers Reserves 5 Central FC 0; Trojans AFC 3 Rangers Athletic 2; Rangers City 4 Rangers Masters 0.
Division two: Renwick 6 BV Masters 1; Trojans Strikers 2 Central Wolves 0; Rangers Colts 2 Trojans Spartans 1; Trojans Angels 2 Picton 2.
