Rangers rebound

Press, 25 August 1986, Page 23

Rangers rebound

Budget House Rangers put aside' their problems of last week to finish their Hertz Soccer League programme on a positive note at Western Park on Saturday. Four first-half goals set up Rangers for a convincing 4-0 win over the bottom team, Sharp Copiers Western. It was only their sixth league success of the winter, Rangers’ leanest return for several seasons. For the last three years, they have won the northern zone and the championship play-off series. The match began badly for Western. After having a goal by John Brand disallowed, it conceded a penalty within quarter of an hour. John Boatwood’s spot-kick was saved by the Western goalkeeper, Mike Pannell, but was ordered. to be retaken and Boatwood scored with his second effort.

Further goals by lan

France, with a header, and a brace by Paul Dabner ensured Rangers of a healthy half-time advantage. Neither side managed to score in the second half, although both created chances.

The league champion, Andas Halswell United, had a anti-climactic end to a highly successful campaign when it was held to a scoreless draw by Classique Technical, at Ensors Road. Three of the league’s top four goal-scorers, Allan Carville and Robbie Barter (Halswell) and Paul Nicholls, were playing in the match, but none managed to increase their season tally. Nicholls ended the competition as top individual scorer, with 12 of Technical’s 24 goals. Woolston W.M.C., which has lost only one of its last 11 games, ended the competition on a good note with a 1-0 win over KLM Cashmere at Gar-

rick Park. !• Mike Millward scored the important goal late in the first half. The other two matches, South Canterbury United against New Brighton and Shamrock against Nomands United, were postponed because of wet grounds,

Woolston had three points deducted.

One premier division knock-out match was played, with Christchurch United thumping Moorhouse Mazda High School Old Boys. 7-2.-

HERTZ LEAGUE P W D L F A Pt Baisweil 18 14 2 2 41 14 44 Brighton 17 16 3 4 29 14 33 Shamrock 18 7 4 5 27 21 25 Technical 18 6 6 6 24 24 24 Woolston 18 7 5 8 26 21 23 Rangers 18 « 4 8 23 23 22 Nomads 17 5 5 7 29 33:26 Sth Canty 16 6 1 9 26 48 1B Cashmere 18 5 3 16 23 33 18 Western 18 3 3 12 23 45 12