Injuries continue to upset Rangers

Press, 2 May 1981, Page 64

Injuries continue to upset Rangers

A fortnight’s break from the Rothmans Soccer League has not been enough for Rangers to get over their injury problems. Rangers had been scheduled to play Gisborne City last Sunday but the match was postponed. Tomorrow it will meet Takapuna City at Rangers Park and are likely to be without four of their key players. Paul Glasson will have a fitness test this morning, but is a doubtful -starter; and lan. Cowan, Neil Francis and John Brand, are definitely out of the match. However, John Boatwood, who is rated highly by the Rangers coach, Mr Nick de Meyer, should be fit to take his place in the midfield. There might be a position change in the Rangers lineup. Geoff Taylor could be pushed forward to give some height, with Grant Hughes switching to a midfield role wide on the left wing. In addition, Mr de Meyer hinted that there might be an al- : teration to the defensive quartet. Takapuna is third ' from bottom in the points table, but that is a misleading position. It has beaten Mount-

Wellington, proof of its ability, and should not be underestimated. Christchurch Mogal United’s captain,;lan-Park. is likely to switch to sweeper for the team's match at amilton tomorrow. In addition, its goalkeeper, Barry Pickering, is nursing an injury received while he was in the New Zealand training camp a fortnight ago. Colin Duncan should be the right back, with James Margaritis moving to the left back role. Stuart Chalmers and Mike Howard are unlikely to be fit, and either Gordon Faichnie or Mike Cantin will come into the front-line, along with David Jackson and Kees Doornenbal. Hamilton is second from bottom at present, but a closer analysis reveals United should be stretched if it is to bring back two points. Hamilton is unbeaten- in its last four games, which have brought it five points. Despite its- unimpressive performance against Woolston W.M.C. last week-end,, it will be a,tough opponent. - . Woolston will switch to a 4-4-2 formation for its match against Hanimex-North . . .

Shore in-Auckland tomororw. However, it will start the match with the same eleven, as last Sunday. Its capt'ain.Richard Mulligan. will pull back into a midfield position, with Robbie Larter and Mike Poole sharing the striking duties. W’oolston is in seventh position, but the two teams immediately below it both have matches in hand. The only other league game this week-end is between Wellington Diamond United and Mount Wellington in the capital city. The four top teams in the Hertz League will all be playing at English Park today. Cashmere-Wanderers, in first place; will meet Shamrock, -which trails it only on gaol difference, while Technical will play Western. New Brighton will face Northern Hearts in Timaru. while Halswell United will play Timaru City at Halswell Domain. Two second preliminary round Adidas Chatham Cup matches will also be played. Nomads United will play Rangiora <at Tulett Park, while .Burndale United will face High School Old Boys at Edgar-Macintosh Park.