Rangers AFC race into cup final

Peter Jones And George Bond

A strong second half showing from Rangers AFC booked them a place in the Price Charity Cup knockout football final with a 5-1 semifinal victory over Motueka at A&P Park on Saturday.

The first 20 minutes was tightly contested with neither side able to create any clear-cut chances or hold on to possession for long periods. After the half hour mark chances became more frequent.

Firstly, Rangers went close, player/coach Tore Waechter heading over the bar before slicing a shot over again from close range. Motueka were unfortunate not to score shortly after, a smart save from Rangers’ keeper Luc Sherwood keeping them scoreless. The deadlock was broken right on half time. A freekick from Alex Duley was headed on to the post by Guy Nolan, the rebound deflecting onto Waechter and into the net to give Rangers an important psychological advantage at the break.

In the second half Motueka pushed forward seeking an equaliser, but left themselves exposed at the back, Rangers capitalising with a clinical counter attacking display.

The home side’s second goal came on the hour mark, Jack Morris played in behind the Motueka defence, before providing a slick ball across the box to forward Alex Duley who showed composure, taking a touch and finished into the bottom left corner.

After missing much of the season through injury, Keagan Mor- timer made his return from the bench and made a significant impact. He latched onto a through ball from Bjorn Waechter in the 67th minute before rounding the keeper and scoring to give Rangers a three-goal buffer.

Their fourth goal, in the 72nd minute, came about through more smart play down the wing, Guy Nolan playing a one-two with Mortimer before slamming the ball low into the net.

The pick of Rangers’ goals was their fifth. Another decisive ball over the defence from Tore Waechter gave Mortimer the opportunity to chip the ball smartly over the keeper’s head into the back of the net.

The quick succession of goals from Rangers took the wind out of a stubborn Motueka side who were competitive for large parts of the game. They gained a late reward for a brave effort when a strike from outside the box flew into the top corner in the last five minutes.

Rangers AFC coach Wolfie Waechter was pleased with his side’s display, suggesting the game was much closer than the score line reflected, especially in the first spell.

Midfielder Tore Waechter was outstanding, winning all of his midfield battles and creating a series of chances, while substitute Mortimer had a significant impact from the bench providing two goals and an assist on his return from a knee injury. Strong performances from defenders Boyd Elvy and Callum McDonald allowed the attackers to get forward while the fleet-footed Jack Morris produced another strong performance on the wing. Rangers will face Richmond AFC in the final at a date to be decided, after they disposed of Tahuna 2-0 in Nelson on Saturday.

Buccaneers prevail

In Marlborough Motorworld division one action, Central Buccaneers continued their unbeaten run, seeing off closest challengers Call Care Trojans 3-2 in Renwick and moving four points clear at the top of the table.

An early Nathan Mathieson goal had Trojans in front after 10 minutes before Thom Hall converted a penalty three minutes later to bring Central level. However, it was Trojans who led into the break, an own goal giving them a 2-1 edge at oranges. Hall stepped up and buried his second penalty 10 minutes after the break to level the scores, then decided the game with his third and most decisive strike in the 90th minute.

At A&P Park, BV Masters led 3-0 against Central Wolves and, although conceding twice in the second half, held on to prevail 3-2. The prolific Ben Clarke scored a brace for Masters. The third division one game was played at Woodbourne, the home side taking on a 9-man Picton Wildcats side and prevailing 9-2. Alex Tweedy scored four for Rangers Woodbourne.

Division one points: Central 32, Trojans 28, BV Masters 21, Central Wolves 10, Rangers Woodbourne 7, Picton 7. In division two, Rangers Reserves are on top, beating Picton Crow Tavern 10-0, while closest challengers Rangers City lost 3-6 to Call Care Spartans. In the other matches, Rangers Masters beat Call Care Red 3-2 and Central Privateers downed Trojans Marlb Men 5-2.

Division two points: Rangers Reserves 28, Rangers City 27, Spartans 27, Privateers 19, Picton 10, Call care Red 9, Rangers Masters 6, Trojans Marlb Men 3.