RANGERS saw off fourth-placed Ellesmere Rangers on Saturday and overcame some of the embarrassment of the previous week's heavy defeat to leaders Brereton Social.

MALVERN RANGERS 2, ELLESMERE RANGERS 0

Ellesmere Rangers boasted a record of only having lost two league matches. They also had a miserly defensive record, only having conceded 14 goals in the 20 games played to date, comfortably the best defensive record in the division.

It did not auger well for Rangers, with the customary emergency signings having to be made to field a full compliment of players.

Rangers made two changes from last week's team, being able to recall Tim Clarke to replace the injured Carl Preece and being indebted to Steve Hodges for making himself available to replace the unavailable Craig Penney.

Rangers took the lead after 32 minutes when Mike Cole played the ball to Rob Cullen who then interchanged passes with Dave Perera, before the latter forced it home.

An excellent run down the right and a cross into the middle gave Dave Perera the opportunity to increase Rangers' advantage but he shot well over the crossbar.

Twenty-five minutes into the second-half, a quickly taken throw by Rob Cullen gave Dave Perera another opportunity but keeper Adam Huxley made a good save and recent signing Ian Lucas shot into the side netting from the loose ball.

Rangers did increase their advantage three minutes later. Rob Cullen gained possession down the right before delivering an excellent low ball to the far post where Dave Perera scored.

After 33 minutes, Ellesmere's Dan Graham shot weakly at keeper Ross Sanders when well-placed and although the visitors enjoyed a fair proportion of the play, they didn't threaten the Rangers' goal.

No players should be singled out because all the players gave 100 per cent effort and commitment, which is all that is ever asked.

Ellesmere chose the man-of-the-match as Sam Black.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Rangers, sponsored by the Cross Keys Inn, are scheduled to entertain Bilston Town in a West Midlands League division one fixture, kick-off 2.15pm, players to meet at the ground 1pm.