Rangers 1, St Martin’s 6

ST MARTIN’S have proved again that they are a force to be reckoned with in this year’s C&W Priaulx League. So far this season they have looked a well-organised outfit with the return of Kevin Graham, wearing the captain’s armband in the centre of defence, controlling things.

Last night on the new re-laid St Andrew’s surface, which played many times better than the old one, they walked all over Rangers.

‘It was just pure hard work and desire,’ said Saints coach Colin Fallaize.

‘I think we just competed a little bit more than they did.

‘We did the simple things well and we executed what we’ve practised on the training ground.’

Saints got the opener within the first 10 minutes when Sam Rowe put the ball away during a goalmouth scramble at a corner.

Just over 10 minutes later, they got their second when a Simon Geall free kick from out wide found its way past Rangers keeper Chris Parrott and into the back of the net.

The defender, who was playing in the middle of the park for the black-and-whites, then got their third with a minute to go before half-time, with a cross-cum-chip that again defied Parrott.

Rangers hardly looked like scoring during the first half and that trend continued into the second.

Saints’ fourth came courtesy of striker Will Thompson five minutes after half-time with a far post tap in after Rangers captain Dave Parrott headed on a throw by mistake.

A few minutes later it was five when Adam Heaume followed up a Craig Farnham shot that Chris Parrott could only parry.

Saints saved their best till last with 10 minutes left on the clock when Heaume found Rob Pickford with a peach of pass that was bettered by the forward when he sent an exquisite curler into the top corner.

Rangers’ solitary goal came five minutes from time by way of a penalty after Graham sliced down Andy Chamberlain with a clumsy tackle.

The Rangers winger hit the deck hard and had to leave the pitch. He was taken to hospital with ankle and collarbone pains.

Substitute Paul Prior sent Nathan Pattimore the wrong way from the spot to get some compensation.

‘We were poor, simple as that,’ said Rangers boss Mac Gallienne.

‘I thought Saints played some excellent football and as good as they were, we were as bad.’