North West Counties League Division One South

Ellesmere Rangers 2

Alsager Town 0

RANGERS picked up their fourth league win of the season as they fight to keep their place in the league.

The win might not be enough to stave off relegation with six games remaining and nine points required.

Away side Alsager Town struggled to match Rangers who could have given themselves a bigger goal-advantage after rattling the woodwork twice and having two goals ruled out for offside and a foul on the keeper.

After Will Wells missed an early opportunity for the home side, firing tamely at the keeper when through on goal, Rangers needed an excellent save from Richard Cowderoy to preserve equality, charging out of his goal to block an effort from Declan Arber who was the recipient of a lucky ricochet, which fell to him eight yards out.

The hosts were denied their first goal after half an hour when Adam Davies found the net but was penalised for what looked like a foul on the visiting keeper.

Not long after the break, Rangers got the lead they deserved when a Jack Briscoe free-kick was fired into the net by a powerful Charlie Fletcher header.

They doubled their lead shortly afterwards when a flurry of chances fell for Rangers and James Gregory-Cork eventually put the ball across the line.

Rangers were well on top and struck the woodwork again through James Durman whose header came bouncing back off the bar.

And just before the end Rangers preserved a rare clean sheet when Cowderoy pulled off a superb save to deny Tyler Saage whose 30-yard curler looked to be heading for the top corner.

Davies just had time to miss a goal that would have capped a good personal display, scuffing an effort past the post before the referee blew for time.

Last night (Tuesday) Rangers were due to face Wythenshawe Town at Beech Grove with a 7.45pm kick-off.

On Saturday, Rangers face Sandbach United at home.