RANGERS got off to a great start as they attempted to remove the Evesham Hospital Cup holders from the competition at Victoria Park on Saturday.

MALVERN RANGERS 1, MALVERN TOWN RESERVES 4

Sam Black outpaced Peter Rose, nicked the ball past keeper Jamie Lambert and tapped into an empty net for a superb individual goal.

Town responded ten minutes later when Ed Lyons fired a cross through a melee of players in the Rangers' box. Mike Oakes, lingering on the far post, was able to side-foot over the line, just before Ross Sanders got a hand to the ball, dragging it back.

Town's man of the match Anthony Smith then headed on for Danny James to chase. He outstripped the Rangers' defence before chipping over Sanders, making it 1-2 to the visitors.

Rangers probably enjoyed their best period at the start of the second half but then conceded again.

Town were awarded a free-kick 30 yards out. Smith played it to Stuart Hill, who held off two challenges before squaring the ball back to Smith, who had continued his run, for a tap-in.

With five minutes left, Ollie Endacott closed down Steve Walker, won the ball and carried it into the 18-yard box where Andrew Fletcher was penalised.

Endacott took the penalty himself and found the back of the net.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Rangers, sponsored by the Cross Keys, play fourth-placed Ellesmere Rangers in the West Midlands League Division Two. Kick-off 1.45pm, players to meet at the ground at 12.30pm. On Friday, March 4, Rangers will hold a race night at the Cross Keys at 8pm.