FOLLOWING last week's encouraging performance and result, Rangers travelled to Great Wyrley to play Cresswell o Saturday and suffered the same fate as last season when they lost 5-2.

CRESWELL WANDERERS 4, MALVERN RANGERS 1

Last season Michael Dodd and his fellow striker were instrumental in Rangers' defeat and whilst he had a different strike partner, they both caused Rangers' problems although some of the problems were of their own making.

Without keeper Ross Sanders and Mike Cole from last week's team Rangers fell behind as early as the third minute. Michael Dodd was allowed to get beyond the Rangers' defence and as soon as Steve Newman advanced off his line Dodd's mind was made up for him to lob the ball over the keeper's head and into the net.

After eight minutes a Rob Cullen free-kick gave Sam Black the opportunity to level the scores but he headed over when well placed.

However on 19 minutes Rangers did draw level. Attacking down their right Sam Black passed inside to Neil Bond who stroked the ball into the bottom corner.

Just two minutes later and the home side were back in front. Awarded a free-kick well outside the area Liam Pope hit the ball into the top corner.

Rangers introduced Anthony Smith for the injured Tim Clarke at half-time and adjusted the team accordingly and the substitute was very lively throughout the second half.

However, having enjoyed a good start to the half Rangers were rocked on their heels when James Dinham made a strong run at the Rangers' defence but his final long range shot was allowed through Steve Newman's hands for a soft goal.

Two minutes later a Simon Rea corner was met powerfully by Andrew Fletcher but his header went over the bar. Rangers continued to enjoy a lot of attacking play but couldn't reduce the arrears and after 14 minutes Tim Rayner was allowed to evade several challenges before scoring.

Danny White was denied a goal by keeper Peter Smith, Neil Bond saw two free-kicks go wide of the far post and despite his powerful play up front, Sam Black was unable to reduce the arrears.

Rangers introduced Ollie Endacott for the last ten minutes or so following his fractured collar bone and he came through unscathed and hopefully now is able with Anthony Smith to give the team some new injection of life.

Man-of-the-match was Neil Bond.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Rangers sponsored by the Cross Keys again travel this time to last season's Division Two champions Parkfield Leisure who again are enjoying a successful season having only lost two league games to date. Kick off 1.45pm, players to meet Brooklyn Motors 11.30am, Oak Apple 11.45am.