Nelson beat Northern Rangers in pre-season friendly

Photo:  Northern Rangers' Joe McCormack on the attack outpaces Nelson's Tanaka Madzikanda and Steve McClarin [PlessPix]

Nelson beat Northern Rangers 3-1 in a pre-season friendly between the two Championship sides at Wentworth Park today.

Nelson will compete in the Southern Championship this season, while Northern Rangers, who withdrew from the NPL Tasmania competition, will be in the Northern Championship.

Playing with a stiff breeze behind them and organised at the back by player-coach Chris Barrell, Nelson took the lead in the 18^th minute through a penalty for handball.  Moses Kangogo scored easily with his spot-kick.

Photo:  Kangogo's penalty easily beats the Rangers keeper, Zac Chugg as Nelson's Will Stalker (No.8) and Matt Graham (No.29) look on.  [PlessPix]

Three minutes later, Dennis Onuigbo made it 2-0.

Northern Rangers finally started to threaten near the end of the first half and created a couple of half-chances that came to nought.

Nelson defended stoutly in the second half against the wind but Northern Rangers got themselves back in the game when Joe McCormack scored from 25 metres with a free-kick, assisted undoubtedly by the wind.

The ball whistled through the outstretched arms of Nelson’s substitute keeper, Ollie Burdon, and into the net to make it 2-1.

Photo:  Ollie Burdon is unable to keep out the free-kick asnd Rangers' Dan Sparshott watches the outcome [PlessPix]

Burdon had to be substituted shortly after when he injured a previously dislocated finger while diving to make a save.

Photo:  Nelson coach Chris Barrell (right) helps Ollie Burdon off the pitch [PlessPix]

Try as they might, Rangers were unable to find an equaliser and, to their credit, Nelson finished the game strongly and even found a third goal through Will Stalker in the dying minutes.

Nelson managed to counter-attack a couple of times before the final whistle and threaten their opponents’ goal without finding the net, but they were well worth their 3-1 win.

Photo:  Rangers' Joe McNevin crosses the ball into the danger zone [PlessPix]

Northern Rangers had a young side on view, with several 16-year-olds and some under-18s in their line-up.

Rangers coach, Rod Fulton, said they were missing as many as half a dozen players who were attending the ‘Party in the Paddock’ event in Launceston.

Photo:  Burdon comes off his line as Rangers' Chad Honey cuts inside and Nelson's Matt Graham awaits the outcome [PlessPIx] 

Photo:  Nelson's will Stalker takes on a Rangers' Bill Searson [PlessPix]