RANGERS secured their first point from their fourth fixture against Bustleholme Reserves in their short history in the West Midlands League Division One (South).

MALVERN RANGERS 2, BUSTLEHOLME RES 2

Rangers had a great start opening the scoring after only four minutes. Brendon Watson and Simon Rea combined to give Simon Brookes a fairly straight forward tap in goal.

The visitors were level after 20 minutes. Captain Ian Beavan played the ball wide to Dean Jones and his excellent strike ended up in the far corner leaving keeper Carl Preece with little chance.

Bustleholme had a goal disallowed after 25 minutes with the scorer guilty of pulling back Brendon Watson.

Rangers virtually regained the lead immediately. Brendon Watson, Simon Rea and Mark Tipton combined to set Simon Barnett free and his good strike on goal was too powerful for keeper Brendon Appleyard.

Bustleholme continued to enjoy a good deal of attacking play and three minutes later Leon Judes right sided corner ended up in the back of the net but the goal was disallowed for pushing on Carl Preece. Before the interval Carl Preece was called upon to make a couple of good saves.

Ten minutes into the second half Rangers had a great opportunity to increase their advantage.

Simon Rea played a good ball through for Mark Tipton one on one with the keeper. He delayed his opportunity to his advantage, played the ball wide of the keeper but regrettably the wrong side of the post.

Shortly afterwards the visitors were awarded a penalty and Dean Jones scored from the spot.

Not long after a player from both sides was dismissed after a linesman reported an incident to the referee.

In the last minute Simon Barnett had two opportunities for Rangers, firstly striking the ball into the side netting and then straight into the keeper's hands.

Man of the match was Carl Preece.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Rangers sponsored by Willie Thornes Snooker Club travel to Oldbury United's ground to play the first of two consecutive fixtures against newcomers to the league Blackheath Town, kick off 2.45pm. Players to meet Brooklyn Motors 12.30pm, The Ketch 12.45pm.