Battle of attrition: Jags improve but Massey take points

Pressure on the pass: Gisborne Thistle midfielder Ash McMillan (left) gets his pass away despite the efforts of Massey University central defender Ben Meyer. Thistle midfielder Raydon Semmens is in the background (second right) and Massey striker Michael Hilson (No.11) is on his way back to help. Picture by Liam Clayton

HASTINGS club Western Rangers filled a bus with players, team veterans, sponsors and supporters for their Pacific Premiership football game at Childers Road Reserve in Gisborne on Saturday.

They were thrilled with the 7-0 victory over ALH Gisborne Thistle Reserves.

Rangers were 5-0 up at halftime, courtesy of goals from right-winger Liam Carrington (2), striker Fane Morgan (2) and attacking midfielder Cory Janssen.

After the break, Janssen grabbed his second and defensive midfielder TJ Hinde also scored.

Coach Damion Kinsey said his players took their opportunities well to extend their run of games undefeated to five.

Apart from the goalscorers, he singled out for special mention the contribution of fullbacks Liam Brown on the left and Morgan Samuels on the right.

Thistle Reserves coach Craig Stirton said his best were Alex Shanks, at right midfield and, for the last 25 minutes, in attack; Reece Brew in a defensive midfield role; Shehab Altour in central midfield; Max Kume, rightback from 10 minutes into the second half; and Davie Ure, in an attacking midfield role.

The result leaves Western Rangers fourth and Thistle seventh of eight teams.

Referee Ian Sambrook was assisted by Jim Adcock and Geoff Griffin. The same trio also controlled the main game (below).