The reigning premiers surrendered a comfortable two-goal lead against newly promoted Port Saints, but regrouped to win 4-3.

A Josh Tynan set-piece proved to be the difference between the sides, after Rangers had dominated the first half.

“I’ve got nothing but smiles at the result,” coach Dean Riordan said.

“Stevie Morn (captain) missed out through injury, but that was the first time I’ve had an otherwise full quota of players.

“We had a whole new (midfield) engine, and that’s what I always build the team around.”

The hosts flew out of the blocks and were ahead after five minutes, thanks to some schoolboy goalkeeping.

Winger Josh Wilson had tormented the Saints defence with his runs down the left flank.

When he cut inside and shot, it ballooned towards the keeper, who managed to parry it into the net.

Daniel Saul doubled the lead from the opposite wing, completing a fine build-up by Kurt Riordan and Doug Tovey with a shot to the top corner.

Wilson then doubled his tally, beating defenders on the left wing and slotting a near post shot under the visitors’ keeper to open up a three-goal lead.

Saints hit back five minutes before the break, when their left-winger cut inside and wrongfooted Shaun Glover at his near post.

“I told the boys I was very happy with the performance in my half-time talk,” the Rangers coach said.

“I don’t usually give much praise during the break, and it didn’t seem to work for us this time.

Saints cancelled out the hosts’ lead, with two goals in a matter of minutes in the first quarter of an hour after the break.

“To our credit, the boys fought back,” Riordan said.

“It took a bit of steel to come back, but after the equaliser, we clicked into gear.”

Andrew Potter was fouled just outside the box.

Tynan drove the resulting free-kick past the wall and low into the corner.

Liam Applegate was man of the match.

“He was everywhere and everything from midfield,” Riordan said.

Rangers will face Taree Wildcats on Saturday-week. Morn is expected to return to the side, while Wilson will be unavailable.

They will face Boambee Bombers the following day, in the third round of the State Cup. 

Riordan will select a team from “whoever is fit”.

Earlier last Saturday, the reserve grade beat Port Saints 3-0, while the women’s team routed Wauchope 5-0.