North West Counties League Division One South

Maine Road 4

Ellesmere Rangers 1

Ellesmere Rangers were dealt another blow in their quest for survival after they suffered another big defeat, away at Maine Road on Saturday.

The hosts looked in fine form and took just 15 minutes to put themselves a goal to the good.

William Wells equalised soon after for the visiting side, but another first half goal for Maine Road, along with a second half double, secured the three points.

Rangers went into the game knowing a win would take them nine points from safety, but the defeat means although they are mathematically still able to stay in the league, it will prove to be a tough task to save themselves from relegation now.

Connor Hughes opened the scoring on the afternoon beating Richard Cowderoy early in the game.

The hosts looked comfortable during the opening half an hour, however Rangers showed their resilience early in the game with an equaliser through Wells just after 30 minutes of play.

They weren’t level for long though – Maine Road took the lead once again when Owen Pollitt broke through and fired home with 10 minutes of the first half remaining.

After half-time, it was Maine Road who started better and their good performance continued through until the final whistle.

They doubled their lead in the 56th minute through Thomas Keyworth before Joseph O’Brien got his name on the scoresheet with 20 minutes remaining.

Maine Road held onto their comfortable lead and took home the three points to secure safety from relegation.

Rangers sit in 19th after five straight defeats, and have just seven fixtures remaining to secure safety.

Next time, Ellesmere host Alsager Town on Saturday at Beech Grove (3pm).