AFTER two consecutive league defeats, Rangers managed to overcome bogey side Bustleholme Reserves with a far from convincing performance.

MALVERN RANGERS 1, BUSTLEHOLME RESERVES 0

In their previous four encounters, Rangers have managed just one draw, last season 2-2 at home.

Rangers scored what proved to be the vital goal after 15 minutes. Mark 'Geordie' Owen took a quick free kick wide to Mark Taylor whose cross cum shot totally deceived keeper Chris Bowater and ended up in the goal inside the far post

On 19 minutes Owain Rowat rattled the cross bar following a Mark Taylor free kick before after 23 minutes the visitors were reduced to ten players following the dismissal of Matthew Timms for violent conduct.

Rangers seemed to lose the initiative with this player supremacy and it was not until just before half time that they should have increased their advantage.

Simon Rea made an excellent run, which took him beyond the Bustleholme defence. He squared the ball back across the face of the goal and from close range Dean Drinkwater ballooned the ball wide.

Seconds later Chris Davis saw his headed attempt from a Steve Walker through ball disallowed for offside.

Seven minutes into the second half Chris Davis shot over the cross bar at the far post following a Mark Taylor corner and just one minute later the same combination saw Davis head over the cross bar with a good attempt.

On 17 minutes Bustleholme had a long range free kick on target which was dealt with comfortably by Ross Sanders.

After 41 minutes Chris Davis did well down the left, crossed to the far post where Dean Drinkwater shot wide when well placed.

Close to the final whistle Bustleholme were reduced to nine players when again their discipline let them down.

Before the final whistle, Mark Tipton made a good run into the penalty area before being fouled, but Steve Walker's spot kick wasn't struck firmly enough allowing Chris Bowater to dive to his left to save.

Despite this miss, Steve Walker was voted man of the match.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Rangers, sponsored by Strikes, are due to travel to Worcester to play Reality Sports in a West Midlands League Division One (South) fixture. Kick off 1.45pm, players to meet Brooklyn Motors 12.15pm or at the Cinderella Ground, Bransford Road at 12.45pm.