Football Federation are making a habit of rostering big games between Devonport and Northern Rangers at the business end of the season, three years running now and 2011 was almost as big as 2009 when the club secured its maiden premiership in their last match of the year.

The equation this year was pretty simple, win and stay in the race, lose or draw and drop out.  For Devonport, a draw would have been acceptable, but a win preferable, Devonport’s superior goal difference and the fact they play both challenges in the race in the last two games in Rangers then Knights, had them in the best seat going into the second last round, and probably took the favourites tick going into the match. 

Across town Prospect Knights played Launceston City, and the assumption was that Knights would win easily, and they did, toppling Launceston City 4-0.

Rangers were at full strength for the first time this year, the only exception Stefan Jago running in the reserves as his groin is still far from perfect.  Devonport also had a full list to pick from so the stage was set for a big match.

Rangers came out firing in the first half, a pleasing sign, putting Devonport under great pressure, particularly in the back line.  Devonport looked a little lost on the big pitch at the NTCA, and the back four hung onto the football too long at times.  Chris Hunt was a menace, chasing everything down that was even remotely in dispute.

Schipper, Hingston and Scott Murray playing in his last game were again exceptional, this midfield team has been outstanding this year, and the club will miss Scott Murray greatly, but wish him all the best in England as he chases his dreams.

Some great chances but it took a little while for Rangers to force Will Lanau-Atkinson into the score board for the first time.

Gabriel Tams sent a perfect ball to the back post for Todd Hingston who slammed his effort into the upright with his head, but his hunger got him to the ball first and he finished the rebound to put Rangers into the lead.

Patty Lanau-Atkinson doubled the lead just before half time when Chris hunt cut into the box and spotted “Wee Pat” alone on the other side of the goal mouth waiting for the tap in.  Lanau-Atkinson made no mistake and sent the Ranger Army into song just on half time.

Second half was a different affair, Devonport came out a different side, more determined and applied the pressure back onto the Rangers.  Grantan was pushed into midfield and had an outstanding impact on the match.

Devonport’s work paid off and it was their leading marksman Chris McKenna who made the home side pay when he rose above Declan Cuschieri and nodded home Devonport’s first goal shortly after the re start.

The game ebbed and flowed from here, but Nicholson looked like he might throw a cat amongst the pigeons a few times. With 25 to play, Nicholson ran into the box with Simon Wilson hot on his heals, Nicholson dispatch the cut back and was tackled late, and the referee pointed to the spot.  Hingston stepped forward to calmly convert the kick and put Rangers back out to a 2 goal lead.

It was never safe though, and Devonport would not lie down and kept coming.  They were rewarded when Daniel McGinn volleyed a strong shot into the net to give the visitors a sniff on 85 minutes.  Kiren Mulraney could have become a cult hero as he ran on to a long ball into the box, controlled it with his chest only to find the flying rock (Marshall Pooley) on his big toe taking one of the greatest saves in the clubs history and keeping Rangers ahead at the death.

The whistle blew and Rangers won 3-2 in what was a cracking game of football.

Adam Whitemore said after the game  “I thought we again showed great mental strength in a game we had to win. 7 wins straight now, and everyone has been a must-win.  Fantastic character. Our big game players stepped up again.

Half-time came too early for us as we were really dominant. We knew Devonport would hit back hard, and moving Gratten into midfield got them a foothold where we had been on top. McKenna's goal was brilliantly taken, but a poor goal from our point of view which gave them momentum.

At 3-1 we looked safe and missed a couple of chances to put them away. They showed their quality by coming back again, and they had chances to equalise. I probably took the wrong player off in hindsight. We missed Nicholson’s work rate, and this left us a little tired at the death and hanging on unnecessarily.

It's all down to the last game and it won't be an easy one. Our focus again needs to be on our performance and nothing else.”

So the equation for those that have not studied the ladder over the last week is as follows for the final round on August 20.

Northern Rangers (2^nd on 37 points) play Ulverstone at the NTCA, across town, Prospect (1^st also on 37 points but with a greater goal difference) play Devonport (3^rd on 36 points)  For Rangers to win the league, Northern Rangers need to defeat Ulverstone, and rely on Devonport to get a result against Prospect Knights.

The club again calls on all of our supporters to get to the NTCA and support the club in the search for its third successive title on the 20^th of August at 2:30pm.  Details will follow.