RANGERS celebrated the opening of the new changing rooms at Victoria Park with this hard fought victory over Bishampton, a side who beat Rangers 6-2 in the corresponding Worcester Saturday Premier Division fixture last season.

MALVERN RANGERS 1, BISHAMPTON 0

A combination of injuries and holiday commitments forced Manager Roger Kitchener into making five changes from the side that lost heavily last week with a completely new midfield four. Lee Brookes and Chris Davis returned after injuries and John Rooney started his first game for the club. Simon Rea returned up front following wedding commitments last week.

Both teams had chances in the first half, an excellent left wing cross from Clive Churchill saw Steve Rawlings head against the far post and Bishampton long range shot eluded keeper Phil Birch and also hit the far post.

Six minutes into the second half, Rangers should have scored a great right wing cross from Lee Brookes eluded keeper Bille, Simon Rea and Marc Schuster in the six yard box, but was cleared for a corner. The corner was only cleared to the edge of the box where John Rooney shot goalwards and it was Chris Davis who responded quickest to thump his and Rangers' first goal of the season into the back of the net.

Midway through the half the visitors had a golden opportunity to equalise but spurned it.

The players' vote for Man of the Match was also close with two of the new signings Mick Lowe and John Rooney contesting the issue with the latter winning by one vote.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Rangers are again at home when they entertain Crown & Anchor at Victoria Park, kick off 3pm. Players to meet at the ground 2pm.