AFTER two weeks' inactivity Malvern Rangers entertained Bridgnorth Town Reserves in a re-arranged league fixture and gained ample revenge for the 5-2 defeat inflicted upon them on October 8.
MALVERN RANGERS 4, BRIDGNORTH TOWN RESERVES 2
It was Rangers' first win since September 24 and was the first victory against Bridgnorth.
The victory was a personal triumph for last season's top goal- scorer Sam Black who, prior to this, had only notched one goal.
The match, played in swirling fog virtually throughout, was a credit to the officials, who decided the game could continue for the duration and a credit to Bridgnorth who, despite losing, didn't at any stage attempt to get the game abandoned.
After only three minutes, Danny White made a strong run down the right before crossing to Simon Rea who shot wide.
On 17 minutes, Sam Black did well before laying the ball into the path of Danny White and his shot was saved by keeper Chris Tudor for a fruitless corner.
Two minutes later, Mike Cole played a good ball into the path of Sam Black who shrugged off his marker and scored through Tudor's legs.
After 31 minutes, Mike Cole was again the provider but this time Sam Black shot just wide.
Three minutes later and it was 2-0. Rangers won a free-kick just inside the Bridgnorth half, Mike Cole floated the ball to the far post for the unmarked Neil Bond to loop a header over Tudor.
Bridgnorth had the ideal start to the second half, reducing the arrears in the opening minute when Ryan Garbitt scored.
Bridgnorth went in search of the equaliser but after 28 minutes Rangers broke away and scored to ease the pressure. The strength of both Danny White and Sam Black was very much to the fore, allowing Black to advance on keeper Chris Tudor before scoring.
Just one minute later and it was 4-1. Tim Clarke played a long ball into the path of Black, who made no mistake for his hat-trick.
Four minutes before the end Bridgnorth were awarded a penalty and Jordan Sankey converted.
In the last minutes, an horrendous challenge on Danny White led to the sending-off of Dave Johnson and White for retaliation.
Man-of-the-match went to keeper Ross Sanders.
Tomorrow (Saturday), Rangers, sponsored by the Cross Keys Inn, visit Great Wyrley to play Cress-well Wanderers, kick-off 2.45pm, players to meet Brooklyn Motors 12.30pm, Oak Apple 12.45pm.
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