For the first twenty minutes it was all rangers, both Wilson and Nikolaidis cutting in from the flanks was causing havoc to the somewhat static Rossington defence. Hudson had a great chance on 6mins. When he rounded the keeper but hesitated before firing into the side netting.

After sustained pressure Rangers took the lead, Nikolaidis cross into the box was cleared to Hudson , his shot was saved well. Banks fired in two rebounds that were cleared before Green picked up the ball and hit the by-line before Neil Wakelin turned his low cross to the near post into his own net on 18mins.

Two minutes later Rangers were two up when Chris Hudson converted a Dean Wilson cross.2-0. and it looked as if they would get a hat full.

But then the wheels came off. A hopeful ball from out of defence was allowed to drop behind Keel, and Taylor got behind him and lobbed the onrushing Herrick. Fortunately Keel got back to clear his lines, on 23mins. And but for a full stretch save from Leigh Herrick Chris Keels mistimed header nearly gave Rossington a way back.

Rangers didn’t learn their lesson. On 36mins Ben Hickey broke through on Lindsey, Herrick hesitated when deciding to close down the ball, and when he challenged Hickey he went down with the minimal of touches, which the ref gave from 30 yards away. Matthew Parsons converted. 2-1

The game had completely turned around, Rossington were allowed to run through the Rangers midfield, and encountering sloppy defending around the box. The 40^th minute saw Main equalise when Ben Hickey ran at the Rangers box, through some deplorable defending. (Players turning their backs on tackles, diving in or just plain committing themselves to challenges they didn’t need to make.) Hickey made it 2-2.

SECOND HALF

The second half was a more settled affair, both sides creating half chances, until the 65min. when Rossington deservedly took the lead. Not for the first time, Banks was caught in possession but this time the ball made its way to Bryan Craig who fired home. 2-3

To Rangers credit, they battled hard to get back into the game. Steve Smith threw Mark Fordham on up front and it paid off on 85mins. Rangers won a corner, which Hudson latched onto with a half volley well saved by Appleby in the Main goal. Fordham met the resultant corner at the near post with a fierce header that drew the score level.3-3

The final minute saw Rangers almost caught out when Parsons was put through on goal with only Herrick to beat but he sliced his shot wide and Rangers escaped with a point.

FINAL SCORE 3-3