It's scrappy - but Rangers are happy to beat AFC Chichester

In freezing conditions Chichester’s five-man midfield caused problems, but the Rangers defence snuffed out the early pressure.

The hosts opened the scoring midway through the half. Lee Doran struck a goal-of-the-season contender, latching on to Andrew Dean’s pass and lobbing the keeper from 25 yards.

Rangers enjoyed their best spell and debutant Andrew Lawrence gave them a two-goal lead with a smart finish when one-on-one with the keeper.

AFC Chichester pulled a goal back ten minutes into the second half when a long-range effort deflected into the path of an AFC Chichester striker, who beat McLaren.

The game petered out with both sides squandering possession too easily and although AFC Chichester had the territorial advantage, they were unable to penetrate the Rangers back four.

They almost did 15 minutes from time when Dean’s corner nearly curled in, and then Alex MacIver headed down Dean’s free-kick for Nathan Stock to volley in but the goal was ruled out, MacIver penalised for a foul on the visiting defender.

RANGERS: Mclaren, Song, Wheeler, MacIver, Pasterfield, Long, Stock, Dean, Lawrence (Coe 85), L Doran (Berryman 60), Holland. Sub not used: M Doran.

Nyetimber Pirates 2 Old Barn 1

Div one

Tom Williamson claimed another man-of-the-match performance as the Nyetimber Pirates extended their winning streak to 17 games.

Old Barn started superbly, forcing Jamie Walter into a number of fine saves. Barn’s persistence paid off when Kev Dewey gave them the lead when he latched on to a long ball to head the ball over Walter’s head.

The Pirates started to get hold of the game and they hit back when a fine strike was turned in by Mickael Numbanine after a goalmouth scramble on the stroke of half-time.

As the second half got under way, both teams looked nervous.

Pirates improved on their first-half performance as the midfield partnership of Griffin and Williamson bossed it.

Nyetimber took the lead after a long Ben Bishop throw was cleared straight into the path of Numbanine, who smashed the ball in past the helpless goalkeeper. The Barn had late claims for a penalty turned down.

PIRATES: Walter, Hamm, Urqhart, Palmer, Tribe, S Williamson, T Williamson, Griffin, Ludlow, Hardwell, Numbanine. Subs: Vevers, Bishop, Thomas, Burton, Carter.

OLD BARN: Pugh, Livermore, Carter, Lester, Jones, Stairs, Jenner, D Towers, S Towers, Templeman, Dewey.