RANGERS made the short journey to Ledbury on Saturday for their first West Midlands League Division One South local derby of the season and came away with a good three points and three goals into the bargain in what was a hard-fought encounter.
LEDBURY TOWN RESERVES 0, MALVERN RANGERS 3
Ledbury started strongly and were well on top territorially in the opening 25 minutes, but strong play, especially by the back three of Tim Clarke, Mark Owen and Mark White, restricted them to long range shots which didn't trouble keeper Ross Sanders, except for one that rattled the crossbar.
It took Rangers 30 minutes to have a sight of goal when Simon Barnett crossed from the right and Mark Taylor's header was headed off the line by Steve Powell for a fruitless corner.
Rangers took the lead five minutes later. Steve Hodges crossed a good ball from the right deep to the far post where keeper Ian Hopkins dropped it and Chris Davis gained possession to score powerfully.
Playing down the slope in the second half, Rangers started brightly and after five minutes Chris Davis had a shot parried by the keeper Hopkins, but Simon Rea was unable to capitalise on the loose ball. However after 11 minutes Rangers increased their advantage following a good move at the end of which Chris Davis played Simon Barnett free on the right and, whilst his shot was partially saved, Simon Brookes was on hand for a simple tap in goal.
Rangers their best period of play after this second goal although to their credit Ledbury continued to battle hard. Ross Sanders' goal was rarely seriously threatened and with two minutes remaining Rangers scrambled a third goal.
Winning a corner, Martin Philpotts played the ball near post where, following a goal mouth scramble, substitute Ewan Castle was on hand with the final touch.
Man of the match was Mark Owen.
Tomorrow (Saturday) Rangers, sponsored by Strikes, have their second consecutive local derby when they entertain newcomers to the league, Reality Sports, in a West Midlands League Division One South fixture, kick off 2.15pm, players to meet at ground prompt at 1.15pm.
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