MACLEAY Valley Rangers earned a confidence-boosting draw last weekend, ahead of tomorrow’s clash with derby rivals Kempsey Saints.
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In a re-run of last year’s grand final, Rangers took on runaway Northern Premier League leaders Wallis Lakes.
And - just like at Port Macquarie, last September - the sides could not be separated at the end of 90 minutes.
This time around at Dangar St, however, neither side could breach the other’s defence in a 0-0 stalemate – and there was no extra time and penalties to elicit an outcome.
Goalkeeper Shaun Glover was awarded Rangers’ man-of-the-match honour, thanks largely to two saves in the final 10 minutes.
Coach Dean Riordan was happy to have held Lakes, who had lost just one of their previous 12 matches this season and who lead the table by four points.
“I thought we deserved the win,” he said.
“It was a dry pitch and windy conditions, but I thought if it had come to a points decision we would have got the nod.
“Wallis have great squad strength and expect to win.
“We upset their rhythm, and that’s something they’re not used to.”
Riordan, fielding an unchanged side for the first time this season, had instructed his men to close down space and not allow their opponents any time on the ball.
Rangers’ increasing confidence has been tempered by the loss of key players for the Saints derby.
Skipper Steve Morn pulled a hamstring again in the last 10 minutes, while Liam Applegate picked up a fourth booking of the season – earning him an automatic one-game suspension.
Kurt Riordan will return to the midfield, while Doug Tovey will make a start, after a long spell injured.
Tovey had a 45-minute run-out for the reserves last Saturday, as well as coming on for Morn in the top of the bill match.
Coach Riordan expects a keenly contested match at Eden St tomorrow.
“A win is crucial for both teams,” he said.
“Hopefully, our form has improved after the draw earlier this season at our place..
“I expect it to be a real tight match.
“It’ll be good for the code in the town.”
Kick-off will be at 3pm.