RANGERS travelled to Wolverhampton on Saturday to play unbeaten West Midlands League Division Two leaders Parkfield Leisure.

PARKFIELD LEISURE 2, MALVERN RANGERS 1

Two defensive errors proved costly and meant that Rangers returned empty-handed from the game when they could so easily have shared the spoils.

Parkfield took the lead after only five minutes, Tim Clarke passed square to Steve Walker who was caught in possession and Andy Cotton was allowed to carry the ball on and comfortably score past keeper Ross Sanders.

For the opening ten minutes or so Rangers were on the back foot but gradually got themselves back into the game and on 19 minutes Martin Philpotts played the ball to Simon Rea, who struck the post with keeper Chris Smith beaten.

However, just three minute later and Rangers were level when Sam Black crossed a great ball into the box and Mark Taylor scored with a low shot into the far corner.

On 33 minutes Ross Sanders made a good save from Dennis Robinson before at the other end, another excellent cross from Rob Cullen was just inches away from the onrushing Sam Black.

As the playing conditions deteriorated with the incessant rain, Parkfield had a goal disallowed after two minutes of the resumption of a game that continued to be evenly-matched. After 20 minutes, Rob Cullen gained possession on the right, took on the defence and struck the foot of the post with the keeper again beaten.

Ross Sanders made another good save on 26 minutes before disaster struck again after 31 minutes. The ball was crossed-in from the right and Mark Tipton failed to head it clear, he wrong-footed Sanders in the process and substitute Carl Whitehouse was left with the easy chance of lobbing the ball into an empty net.

Man of the match was Ross Sanders.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Rangers, sponsored by the Cross Keys, again travel, this time to Bustleholme Reserves in the second round of the League Cup, kick-off 1.45pm, extra time and penalties if necessary. Players to meet Brooklyn Motors 11.30am or Oak Apple 11.45am.