RANGERS exited the Smedley Crooke Cup on a poor pitch at the home of Alvechurch.

BARNT GREEN SPARTAK 2, MALVERN RANGERS 1

Barnt Green are second in the Midland Combination Premier Division but Rangers went ahead just after break.

Neil Bond played the ball forward to Lee Watts, who hit a good shot from well outside the penalty area, which keeper Marc Wright could only help into the net.

Rangers held this advantage until 14 minutes from the end when a cross-cum-shot from the right ended up in the net.

Four minutes' later and Barnt Green took the lead, Suuman Zahoor finishing after a goal-mouth melee. Rangers were beaten by a better side but certainly not disgraced. Man-of-the-match: Neil Bond.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Rangers, sponsored by the Cross Keys, travel to Darlaston, who beat them 3-1 in October. Kick-off is at 2.45pm, players to meet Brooklyn Motors 12.30pm, Oak Apple 12.45pm.