RANGERS travelled to Leominster on Saturday for this bottom of the table clash and despite clawing their way back from a three goal deficit to 3-2 and then finally 4-3 ran out of time in their endeavour to salvage a point.

LEOMINSTER TOWN 4, MALVERN RANGERS 3

Rangers looked reasonably comfortable early on although the home side enjoyed the majority of the attacking play. Simon Brookes failed to test keeper Robert Phillips when sent clear and on 20 minutes Steve Hodges' throw to Tim Clarke saw a long ball to Simon Barnett but his snap shot went wide of the post.

Leominster took the lead on 30 minutes when the lively Daniel Stack cut inside forcing Ross Sanders into a good save but Benjamin Price followed up to score. Just one minute later the same two players combined for Stack to score inside the post with a left footed shot.

On 37 minutes Rangers conceded again. This time from the penalty spot after a foul by Steve Hodges. Adrian Evans duly converted leaving Rangers a real mountain to climb.

Just one minute later and Rangers had the lifeline of a goal. Marc Lines sent Tim Clarke clear and Rangers' first shot on target saw the ball go inside the post for a well taken goal.

Just three minutes into the second half and Rangers reduced the deficit still further when Marc Lines was fouled on the edge of the box and Simon Barnett took the free kick and with the aid of a slight deflection the ball ended up in the back of the net.

However just two minutes later and Leominster restored their two goal advantage. Marc Lines gave the ball away and Leominster subsequently won a corner.

The ball was only partially cleared and Gareth Jones scored from the edge of the box with a left foot shot.

After 28 minutes Tim Clarke was fouled on the edge of the box on the right hand side, although he thought the offence inside.

However Simon Barnett's free kick saw Brendon Watson's attempt cleared off the line but Mark Owen was on hand to force the ball home.

Play swung from end to end thereafter with Rangers' best chance of an equaliser falling to Ewan Castle who delayed his shot in the penalty area with the danger eventually cleared. Ross Sanders made a couple of excellent saves at the other end but a fourth goal for Rangers eluded them.

Man of the match on his full debut was Simon Barnett.

Rangers, sponsored by Willie Thornes Snooker Club, are due to travel to Hadley Stadium tomorrow (Saturday) to play Mahal in a West Midlands League Division One South fixture, kick off 2.45pm, players to meet Brooklyn Motors 12.45pm, The Swan, Whittington, 1pm.

Rangers are hoping that player availability, performance and results will improve in 2003.