The Macleay Valley Rangers cruised to a 4-1 victory against Wauchope to remain undefeated in the Premier League competition on Saturday.
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Macleay Valley scored their four-goals during a 20-minute blitz in the first half but Rangers coach Keith Morn wasn’t impressed with his side’s second half effort.
“It was a great first half, we were sharp and finished off our chances,” Morn said.
“But it all dropped off in the second half.
“I am not sure whether it’s our fitness or if it was because we were leading comfortably but we can’t afford to play like that again.”
The Rangers immediately put pressure on Wauchope’s defence and Daniel Saul opened the scoring after 10-minutes of play.
Sam Applegate doubled his side’s advantage after he beat two defenders and fired into the back of the net.
The Rangers continued to press forward and were rewarded when John Henry latched onto a through ball and made it 3-0.
Justin Crockford scored the fourth goal to extend the Rangers’ lead ahead of the half-time break.
The Rangers remained on top in the second half but played with less enthusiasm and intent and eventually Wauchope made them pay when they scored a consolation goal in the final 10-minutes.
Rangers’ attention now turns to their top of the table clash with Port United this Saturday.
The match will be the Rangers’ first game at home this season and Morn knows his side is facing its toughest test of the year.
“I think United and Wallis Lake are the benchmark,” Morn said.
“We will need play like we have in the first half for the entire game.
“United have shown they’re a good side and can fight their way back into games.”
Port United, the Rangers and Wallis Lake are the three undefeated sides in the Premier League.
Meanwhile United sit in second place on the ladder and are one competition point behind the Rangers, but they have a game in hand.