A GUTSY performance by Rangers was not enough to beat the very gusty weather conditions and visitors, league leaders Gornal Athletic on Saturday as Gornal came from behind to take all three points with two well struck goals.

MALVERN RANGERS 1,

GORNAL ATHLETIC 2

Rangers had the very strong swirling wind in their favour in the first half but found it very difficult to play constructive football with the ball invariably being caught in the wind.

They did however take the lead after 21 minutes. A Mark Taylor free kick went for a right sided corner and when he took the corner kick keeper Paul Smith didn't get enough on the cross and following the ensuing goal-mouth scramble Richard Bird forced the ball over the line.

Five minutes later Gornal centre forward Matt Edwards found himself well positioned at the far post but completely missed his kick.

On 38 minutes Mark White did well to clear the ball off the line but in the final minute of the half Gornal were awarded a free kick and when the ball was only cleared to the edge of the box Mark Habbershaw kept the ball well down to score right into the corner.

Rangers played far better constructive football against the wind and whilst Gornal continued to enjoy the majority of possession the Rangers defending seemed more than capable of holding the league leaders.

The visitors struck the crossbar with a long range shot after six minutes but after 23 minutes a Mark Taylor left-sided corner found Simon Rea who headed towards the far post where Mark Tipton was unable to force the ball home.

In the final minute of normal play substitute Nicky Pugh hit a tremendous shot from some distance to give the visitors the points.

Man of the match was Steve Walker.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Rangers sponsored by Strikes entertain local rivals Ledbury Town Reserves in a West Midlands League Division One (South) fixture, kick off 2.45pm, players to meet at the ground 1.45pm.