Rangers journey down the M1 to Derbyshire to play lowly Sth. Normanton In what was hoped would be Rangers 7^th straight win. The Rangers starting line up came as somewhat of a surprise, Phillips was preferred at right back leaving Green on the bench, Sharpless continued at centre back alongside the returning Steve Robinson. Danny Clarke was also left on the bench with Ricardo preferred next to Underwood.

In a low key start to the game Sth. Normanton were first to show when a long ball to bustling striker Kevin Mabon was flicked on past a pedestrian Rangers defence, for Damien Powell to race goal wards but he shot wide. On 8mins. Four minutes later Mabon was too strong for Sharpless and allowed to turn and shoot wide past the far post.

Rangers only showing in the first 15mins was a free kick that was lofted to the far post where Bettney should have done better with. Then two minutes later Rob Northen was sent racing through into the box on the left before pulling the ball back across the face to Catton, who scuffed his shot from 6 yards and the keeper saved with his feet, it really should have been 1-0.

Winterton were struggling for any sort of form, Bettney was caught in possession on 19minns. And the pacy Powell ran down the flank only for Robinson to tidy up. The back four looked very nervous from the off Mabon working Sharpless and Phillips and neither full back pushed past half-way.

Rangers created another half chance on 22mins.A well chaperoned Northen received the ball just inside the box, his attempted  back pass looked to be going astray only for Holt to recover the ball into Whitehouse’  path only for his shot to go the wrong side of the post. It was mainly Rangers doing the pressing, Catton started to drive on but it was all a bit scrappy. Underwood had a chance deflected away on 33 mins after Catton had drawn the defender.

The problems at the back continued, Sth. Normanton won a corner on 36mins when Rangers failed to clear the ball. The dead ball in to the edge of the box was met with a free header, which Simpson had to come out and punch clear.

As the half came to a close Rangers had two chances to break the deadlock. Bettney showed strength to break up a Sth. Normanton attack on the edge of the box before feeding Whitehouse who ran the length of the pitch before crossing to the near post for Northen to touch but the keeper blocked away. 42mins.

Then on the stroke of half time, Ricardo fed Rob Northen in the box but he somehow could get a shot away from a great position and he was closed out. 

HALF TIME 0-0

The second half started with a little controversy. A lofted ball down field was again allowed to bounce, Ben Simpson challenged the striker, Mabon in the box with a clumsy challenge that looked as though he was attempting to punch clear but his contact with his body was debatable but the referee gave a goal-kick.

Three minutes later a hopeful ball into the Rangers box was easy for Simpson, but whilst in the air Mabon kicked out at the keeper and was promptly shown the red card for what seemed a lazy leg that a malicious kick. It would be nice to say Rangers then started to dominate but there were too many players below par, working hard but the spark from recent games wasn’t there.

Dave Robinson, in charge of the side for the holidaying Pete Daniel, made some changes as the game drew to the final quarter. Clarke replaced Underwood in midfield. Catton then ran into the box but was excellently challenged by Adam Newton when shaping up to shoot. 56mins

Sth. Normanton’s Damien Powell had another great chance when racing past Bettney but fired into the side netting. It was his third chance of the game, but wayward shooting cost him.

Into the last twenty and Haywood replaced Bettney adding some pace to the back four, it effectively shut down Powell. Soon after Green was brought on at right back with Northen withdrawn, Clarke moved up front with Phillips moving into centre midfield.

The change was instant, Green pushed on supporting Catton and for the first time all game a full back overlapped.

On 78mins. Clarke was brought down around 20 yards out and quickly took the free kick which the keeper tipped over. The last ten saw rangers doing the most pressing but the Sth. Normanton defence was very effective, Normanton were playing on the break and were stretching the Rangers back four.

Then finally on 90 minutes Andy Catton ran at the full back, changed direction and was promptly brought down in the box for a stonewall penalty. Both referee and Linesman had clear views but neither gave what was as clear a penalty as can be, Rangers were incensed and surrounded the official who soon after blew the final whistle on what had been a very poor game.

FINAL SCORE 0-0

Rangers lost their 100% record and suffered what was the third awful penalty decision to go against then this term. They say it balances out over a season but it owes us big time. Rangers probably only deserved a point from a lacklustre performance.