The two teams entered the round six fixture undefeated, with the Rangers a perfect four wins from as many games.

An entertaining first half saw both sides create opportunities in attack but neither team capitalised and they went into the break locked at nil-all.

However, the goals were piled on in an end-to-end second half that saw the momentum change throughout the 45-minutes.

The Rangers were the first to break the deadlock as Chris Walker converted from the penalty spot after Andrew Potter was brought down by a Port United defender inside the box.

Walker doubled the Rangers’ advantage minutes later when he pounced on a loose ball outside the box.

The right midfielder didn’t hesitate and fired the ball into the back of the net.

The second goal sparked United into life and they began holding the possession.

They were able to hit back on the scoreboard as two Rangers defenders failed to clear a cross into their box and a United player made no mistake from 6-yards out.

The home side reinstated their two-goal cushion when John Henry finished off an attacking move that saw a string of passes break down the United defence.

However, United weren’t done yet and they ensured the match would have a grand stand finish as they scored their second with 10-minutes remaining after forcing a turnover inside Rangers’ half.

United continued to press for the remainder of the contest but were unable to create a quality opportunity to find an equaliser.

Rangers’ coach Keith Morn was proud of his side’s defensive effort but still asked for more from his team.

“We defended really well throughout the game, they didn’t have many clear cut chances and their two goals came from silly errors,” Morn told the Argus.

“They put a lot of pressure on us but we didn’t allow them much space to get off a shot.

“Our attack could have been better, we still had our attacking flair but we went away from working as a team at time.”

Morn held high praise for United and he expects them to be one of the best sides all season.

“They are the best team we have played so far this year,” Morn said.

“They moved the ball quickly and have a lot of skillful players, they were a tough team to beat.”

The victory keeps the Macleay Valley in first place on the ladder while the loss dropped Port United to fifth. However, United have a game in hand.

The Rangers are back on the road next weekend when they take on the Tuncurry-Forster Tigers.