The Women’s Team fresh from beating 4^th Place Somerset last week 6-1, travelled to Ulverstone on a wet highway on Sunday.

Ulverstone were in 3^rd spot and were hoping to consolidate that position, for the Final 4 Series at the end of the Season.

With Rangers being in 6^th, The pressure was on Ulverstone, and Rangers are just playing now for enjoyment and to upset as many Top 4 contenders as they can.

Northern Rangers went into the game having no Subs, due to the unavailability of stout young defender Carmel Loft, Jess Loft and Joe Brumby.

This was not to deter Rangers, and chose to kick against maybe a 2 goal wind in the 1^st half.  While giving away a large number of corners, and Ulverstone having most of the play in the 1^st half, Rangers never conceded a goal.

With Carmel’s absence, Rangers had to move Bec Wheatley’s forward partner in crime, Emily “Huddo” Hudson, back to defence.  Huddo played well in defence, but Bec seemed a bit lost without her trusty sidekick with her.

After half time, Rangers had more of the play, and coaches Ian and Jason were tossing up when to move Huddo back along side Bec, and play man to man at the back.  Rangers didn’t want to do it too early, or too late.  They made their mind up with 20 minutes to play. 

In the 69^th minute, the girls made the change themselves, and Bec received the ball out wide and took off on a sole run, and slotted past the keeper.  You can not keep a forward down for too long.

Huddo was soon moved back to defence.  That though gave Ulverstone 20 minutes to attack.  They came close on numerous occasions, but the defence heard firm.  With about 10 minutes to go, Ulverstone did in fact sneak the equaliser.

Once again Rangers moved Huddo forward and attacked, However Rangers didn’t really threaten.  With the game drawing to an exciting draw, and probably the right result, an Ulverstone player latched onto a cross from the right, and sealed the winner with about 1 minute left.

At least the game was lost trying to win it.

Coach Smith said –

“It shows over the last 2 weeks, that we can match it with most teams, and with increased motivation and attitude next year, with a good pre-season under our belt, we can make the Top 4.  With games against L’ton City Allies and Devonport  (among others) left to play, we can still shape the Top 4, and upset a few teams on the journey home)”.