Four goals for Rangers
After a week of torrential rain the sun finally came out on Saturday, as the boys from Sydney’s Rangers A turned in their best attacking performance of the season so far against Belmore United at Beaman Park, Earlwood.
The Rangers started positively with some great work by Victor on the left resulting in an early chance for captain Koji Niikura. Hiro Tsuchiya and Riki Inamura worked tirelessly in the holding midfield roles, providing excellent cover to the defence and helping to create the attack.
The second goal was a great team effort and after some slick passing by the Rangers, the ball eventually found Niikura who grabbed his second goal with only 20 minutes gone.
Belmore came back into the game with both forwards starting to pose problems for the Rangers defence. Belmore finished the half strongly with another goal, ending the half on 3-2, with a narrow lead to the Rangers.
The Rangers controlled the pace of the game for large chunks of the second half. With 10 minutes to go, build-up play led to a through ball to Niikura who chipped a perfectly weighted shot into the net for his fourth goal.
The high-scoring game ended with a controversial decision by the referee who awarded a goal to Belmore even though she initially blew the whistle for offside. The Rangers won the match, 4-3.
“The boys responded to last week’s narrow loss in true style and deserved the win today especially after such an impressive attacking performance,” coach Joseph Roppolo said.
Man of the match went to goal-scoring hero Koji Niikura for his tally of four goals.
Rangers A next game is against Enfield on Saturday, April 28, 3pm at Henley Park, Enfield, followed by a double header against Balmain B on Sunday, April 29, 3pm at Pratten Park, Ashfield.
