The Macleay Valley Rangers began their 2017 season with a clean sweep against Wauchope with first, reserve and third grade sides all earning victories.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
First grade was the most impressive, holding their opponents scoreless while they found the back of the net on six occasions.
“There were a lot of positives to take out of the match but what pleased me the most was keeping a clean sheet,” Rangers first grade coach Dean Riordan said.
“We had leaked a few careless goals in pre-season and hopefully that is a thing of the past.”
The Rangers started the match on the attack and Sean Potter opened the scoring in the 5th minute after he pounced on a through ball from Steven Morn.
The sides traded opportunities until a dominant 10 minute stint from the Rangers before half time lead to three goals.
15-year-old Sam Applegate pounced on an opportunity before Paul Thurlow knocked in a header off a corner.
Macleay Valley continued to apply the pressure and they scored their fourth just before the break.
“It was great lead up play from the midfield and it was pretty to watch,” Riordan said.
“It was a cracking goal from Tyler Wyatt, it went straight into the top corner and it was unsaveable.”
The Rangers entered the second period with the game comfortably in their hands but they continued to apply the pressure to their opponents.
Thurlow grabbed a double, converting a penalty to extend their lead but they were reduced to 10-men shortly after as Blake Pietch was given a second yellow card and sent from the field with 20 minutes remaining.
It didn’t deter the Rangers side as they defended well and Michael McCarthy came off the bench to complete the scoring.
“It is always great to start the season off with a victory and it is good to see the other senior sides doing well,” Riordan said.
The Rangers first grade side take on Forster in the second round FFA Cup on Thursday night but Riordan said they might not be full strength
“We don’t want any injuries early in the season, and three games in the space of a week can cause niggles.”
Blake Pietch will be unavailable for the match due to suspension, but he will be free to play in the Rangers first home game of the season against the Taree Wildcats on Saturday.
The Wildcats opened their season with a victory, defeating the Tuncurry-Forster Tigers 2-1.
The Rangers reserve grade side won 5-1 while third grade came out on top 5-3.
