RANGERS travelled to King George V playing fields Droitwich on Saturday where they played a mixture of Spas Worcester Premier and Midland Combination sides.

DROITWICH SPA 1, MALVERN RANGERS 2

Two weeks into their season the Droitwich Council decided to refurbish the changing rooms and as a consequence the sides were forced to change in a lock up garage and cars.

Rangers were denied their normal warm up routine as they spent most of the time retrieving balls from the stream behind the goal. One good thing that came out of this however was an early candidate for the annual award for Most Memorable Moment when Craig Penney used all of his five foot stature to wade into the water to retrieve one ball.

Despite all this Rangers got off to an excellent start opening the scoring after five minutes. Richard Forde took the second of successive corners, Stuart Harvey won the ball and Rob Perrins was on hand to knock in the rebound.

Rangers increased their advantage after 16 minutes when Richard Forde did well on the right before he crossed into the box where Marc Lines scored with a stooping header.

Rangers were almost totally dominant in a one-sided half.

Early in the second half a cross into the box was gathered by keeper Carl Preece, the whistle blew and everyone expected a free kick in Rangers' favour but the referee pointed to the penalty spot for pushing by Preece.

Unfortunately Preece's reaction resulted in him being sent off. Marc Lines took over in goal and he had to pick the ball out of the net from the spot kick.

Rangers took ten minutes or so to re-group and Rob Perrins set up Stuart Harvey but his shot was saved.

Droitwich were then awarded two free kicks on the edge of the penalty area, the second of which brought a good save from Marc Lines.

Man of the match: Stuart Harvey.

Rangers now have a home quarter-final encounter with Midland Combination side Droitwich Sports on November 3.

Rangers, sponsored by Willie Thornes Snooker Club, return to league action tomorrow (Saturday) when they entertain Wyre Forest in a West Midland League Division One South fixture, kick off 2.45pm, players to meet at the ground 1.30pm.