BLACKHEATH TOWN 3, MALVERN RANGERS 1

RANGERS travelled to Oldbury United's ground on Saturday to play Blackheath Town, newcomers to the West Midlands Division One South.

Despite the home team being third in the table and contesting runners-up position, Rangers could consider themselves very unfortunate not to have taken something from the game.

It was Rangers who enjoyed more possession in the attacking areas but they couldn't get the vital breakthrough. After 35 minutes Simon Barnett curled a shot from the left which struck the post with keeper Adam Marnsiah beaten.

Blackheath broke the deadlock after 40 minutes with one of their first attempts at goal. Richard Brookes was adjudged to have committed a foul on the left and from the resultant free kick Richard Whittall nipped in in front of keeper Carl Preece to head home.

On the stroke of half time Blackheath increased their advantage. Rangers had a throw on the left, the throw was then given to the home side for not taking it from the correct position. When the ball came in to play they were then adjudged to have committed a foul. The free kick was played to the far post and Mark Woodall was allowed time to score low into the far corner.

Despite the set backs Rangers didn't lose heart and to their credit they were again equal to the home side in the second half.

Rangers scored a deserved goal in the last minute of play with the best worked goal of the game.

Substitute and recent signing Olivier Michant combined with captain Mark Tipton and did really well to work his way behind the defence and down the by line to chip the keeper, allowing Simon Brookes a simple task to reduce the arrears.

However, Rangers were punished before the final whistle when despite Carl Preece saving a header, the ball rebounded conveniently for Mark Woodall to tap in.

Man of the match was Mark White.

Rangers, sponsored by Willie Thornes Snooker Club, have a quick opportunity to avenge Saturday's defeat when they entertain Blackheath Town in the return fixture tomorrow (Saturday), kick off 2.45pm, players to meet at the ground latest 1.45pm.