RANGERS' dismal sequence of results and indeed player availability continued on Saturday with a 4-2 reversal against visiting Mahal in the West Midlands League Division One (South).

MALVERN RANGERS 2, MAHAL 4

The signings of Richard Forde and Justin Senter took the total number of players used in 11 competitive fixtures to 30, hardly the basis upon which to build a successful side.

Last week's man of the match Marc Lines was forced into a less familiar central defensive role and it was his mistake in the 17th minute that culminated in Mahal taking the lead. A left-wing cross was parried by Ross Sanders but Mohammed Sazid followed up to score.

The lively visitors increased their advantage after 36 minutes. Mark Tipton conceded a free kick on the half way line which Mahal took quickly and it left Mark White facing two opponents. Kulwant Atwal scored with a shot across the face of the goal inside the far post.

Rangers gave themselves a lifeline early in the second half. A tremendous left wing cross by Richard Forde wasn't dealt with and Marc Lines and Mark Tipton combined to play the ball to Steve Hodges whose cross cum shot went into the far corner of the goal.

Their joy was short lived, as within three minutes the visitors had restored their two goal advantage. They played a long ball forward which Mark White headed up into the air and when it was again rolled forward Craig Penney was caught the wrong side of his opponent Harnech Bassi, who scored inside the far post.

After 25 minutes Rangers again clawed their way back into the game when a defensive splitting pass by Richard Forde saw Mark Tipton in the clear, he rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home for 2-3.

However with ten minutes remaining Harnech Bassi's right wing cross ended up in the far corner for 2-4. Before the end Sam Njie had a good run down the left, he cut inside and struck the crossbar with a good attempt.

Man of the match in his first game of the season was Richard Forde.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Rangers, sponsored by Willie Thornes Snooker Club, travel to fellow West Midlands League side Bewdley Town for a WFA Junior Cup Round Two tie, kick off 2pm. Players to meet Brooklyn Motors noon, The Swan, Whittington 12.15pm.