Rangers started strongly, managing to find multiple pathways through the high defensive line set by Port. Several chances fell for both Jeremy Masters and Andrew Potter before Masters opened the scoring with his first of two goals for the day.

Goals to Potter and a solo effort from Steve Morn saw Rangers comfortably leading 3-0 when Port pulled one back. Port rallied and had the bulk of possession when former A-League champion Troy Hearfield’s long range strike deflected off the Rangers’ post way from goal.

Rangers recovered well and went on to slot another two goals before halftime. When Port had a player sent off for dissent any chance of a comeback was squashed. The second half saw Rangers continue to easily beat the offside trap set by Port resulting in another 4 goals.

Port managed to find the net for the final goal of the game. Andrew Potter received players player after finishing the day with a hat trick. Jeremy Masters and Paul Thurlow each bagged a double while Steve Morn found himself on the score sheet after returning from injury. A Port FC own goal rounded out the rout.

Reserve grade was a tighter affair, with Rangers making things difficult for themselves, twice letting Port FC equalize. Both sides played an open, attacking style of play with two excellent goals to player’s player Justin Crockford giving Rangers the edge in 3-2 victory.

Next round Rangers host Port United at home. The two sides met in the opening round with United scoring a late winner but the result didn’t stand after United were found to have fielded an unregistered player.

Rangers will be looking to take the points the traditional way this weekend. Reserve Grade kick off at 1:15pm with First Grade taking the field at 3pm.

Coach Mick Brown believed had Troy Hearfield’s effort  rebounded into the back of the net it could have been a different ballgame.

“You never want to lose 9-2 and it makes it really hard to get back into the game when you’re 3-0 down early,” Brown said.

He doesn’t believe his side has a problem with their discipline despite finishing their fourth-straight match at home with 10 men.

“I don’t feel there is a problem although again we had a lot of the game to play when it happened,” he said.

“It’s just that a bit of consistency from the referees in their decisions would be better; we know we did the wrong thing.”