MALVERN Rangers entertained Bridgnorth Town Reserves in their first Express & Star Division One (South) fixture for a month and found their visitors quite lively and competitive in an entertaining game.

MALVERN RANGERS 2, BRIDGNORTH TOWN RES 1

Bridgnorth were awarded a free kick on the edge of Rangers' penalty area which brought a great save from keeper Carl Preece in the 11th minute. On 12 minutes a Bridgnorth corner on the right saw a free header for the tall central defender go marginally wide.

However, on 28 minutes Rangers took the lead, the ball was only partially cleared to Craig Penney who played it back into the penalty area for Marc Lines to control first time and then skilfully lob the keeper.

Six minutes before the interval Rangers thought they had doubled their advantage. They attacked down the right and a tremendous cross from Cyril Dowling saw Richard Forde stoop to head the ball into the corner of the net, this however was disallowed for Rob Perrins being in an offside position.

Just one minute into the second half Chris Davis played Stuart Harvey clear one on one with the keeper but his left foot shot went wide of the post. However just two minutes later and Rangers did have the cushion of a second goal. Cyril Dowling and Rob Perrins interchanged passes before Dowling, wide on the right shot to the far post over the keeper's head and into the roof of the net.

Play was held up for the keeper to receive treatment as he clattered into the upright in his desperate attempt to save.

Eighteen minutes later and Rangers were reduced to ten men when Steve Hodges received his second yellow card.

Almost immediately Bridgnorth thought they had reduced the arrears but the assistant referee ruled the ball hadn't crossed the line. However, not to be deterred, just five minutes later they did reduce the arrears following a left wing cross and shot into the corner.

Rangers ten men fought very hard to retain their lead which they did successfully. Right at the end a Richard Forde corner was headed over by Stuart Harvey and then almost immediately Bridgnorth broke away and nearly scored.

A hard earned and priceless three points for Rangers.

Man of the Match - jointly shared between Mark White and Simon Rea.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Rangers, sponsored by Willie Thornes Snooker Club, are again on cup duty and again they travel, this time to Feckenham where they play Midland Combination side Droitwich Spa in the WFA Junior Cup Quarter Final, kick off 1.45pm, players to meet Brooklyn Motors 11.45am, and Perdiswell, Droitwich Road at noon approximately.