Happy Rangers

Press, 9 June 1980, Page 34

Happy Rangers

Special correspondent, Wellington Rangers did their hopes of Rothmans Soccer League survival a power of good with a 3-2 win over fellow relegation strugglers, Stop Out, at Lower Hutt yesterday. Stop Out dominated the first half,, but inexplicably fell apart after half-time and handed the game to Rangers on a plate. Stop Out went ahead through a powerful Martin Philipsen header after 12 minutes. The Rangers’ goal-keeper, Brian Reeves, blocked a fierce shot from Gary Paddison, and Philipsen’s goal came from the second comer after that save. Stop Out went further ahead in the twenty-eighth minute when Paddison

side-footed the easiest of chances past Reeves. A half-time substitute, Steve Welford, provided the spark for Rangers when he was on hand; to convert a Malcolm Parker cross. Parker’s boot flew off as he centred, but it proved no distraction to the lively Welford. That goal came after three minutes of the second half, and two minutes later Rangers were level. Penalised for obstruction in the area, the Stop Out defence was disorganised and lan Cowan blasted home the tapped free-kick kick off the underside of the cross-bar. It came as no surprise when Luke Campfens was given all the time in the world to turn and shoot the winner for Rangers in the seventieth minute.