Brown's error costly
Goalkeeper Hewvonnie Brown was the villian in the Wolves camp last night at Devonshire Rec., after a mistake in injury time cost his team their first victory in five weeks.
Brown, playing his first match of the season, was too casual as he tried to control a seemingly harmless long range shot from Rangers substitute Ian Mullins at the near post and deflected the ball for a corner. The match was already a minute into injury time when Omari Hart's cross came in from the right Craig Darrell smashed a fierce low shot back across goal and into the far bottom corner.
It was the bright spot in an otherwise dull performance for Rangers who didn't look themselves after a demanding three games in the last five days began to show. But the point was well appreciated by a team that has now gone four league and cup games without defeat.
Both teams were understrength as Wolves gave late transfer signings Jamel Warren and Sekai Waldron their first starts alongwith Brown who replaced Cymande Davis in goal. Rangers were without the suspended Donnie Charles and Pernell Brangman (religious reasons) from the team which beat Boulevard in the FA Cup on Wednesday night.
The lively Darrell twice went close for Rangers in the opening 12 minutes, the first effort producing a save from Brown and the second a first time shot that went wide after being put clear.
Wolves made them pay when, from the same end and same side of the field as Rangers, they scored from a corner through captain Anthony Thomas' header.
Brown made a couple of good saves late in the first half from Rangers corners to keep Wolves in sight of victory.
They should have doubled their lead in the 66th minute when Peter Sampson was put clear of the defence, only to sidefoot wide as Randy Darrell advanced.
Time was added on for treatment Darrell received for a thigh injury and that time at the end of the match worked in Rangers' favour as Rangers snatch a dramatic late equaliser.
Wolves: H.Brown; C.Smith, J.Warren, L.Simmons, T.Trott, P.Sampson, S.Waldron, N.Smith (K.Smith 70min), D.Simmons, M.Ray.
Rangers: R.Darrell; M.Raynor (E.Brangman 67min), O.Riley, (I.Mullins 55min), R.Belboda, N.Grant, J.Raynor, A.Russell (h.Dillas 36min), O.Hart, C.Darrell, N.Smith, S.Ming.
Referee: Stuart Crockwell Men of the match: Lanario Simmons (Wolves), Craig Darrell (Rangers).
Yellow cards: Oscar Riley, Craig Darrell (Rangers).
Rude Girls defended their Konica Cup title in the opening match, beating PHC 1-0 in the final. The winning goal came after 37 minutes through Tamisha Darrell.
Fans won't have many choices tomorrow as just two Premier Division matches are on.
Devonshire Colts have the chance to close the gap on PHC back to three points (and with a game in hand) as they take on Boulevard at White Hill field.
Boulevard, who crashed out of the FA Cup in midweek when Southampton Rangers hammered them 5-1, are trying to avoid four straight league and cup defeats.
At the other end of the Island, at St. David's, Dandy Town return to the scene of their Martonmere Cup triumph nine days ago when they are hosted by bottom club St. David's.
The Islanders are in desperate need of points, having lost their first four league matches. Their fight to avoid relegation will be boosted by the availability of Otis Minors, one of the late transfers who had to wait until November 15 to join their clubs.
Also stepping out for the first time this season will be new North Village signing Dwight Warren, who joined the Red Devils from Boulevard. Village are away to Somerset tonight at 8.00 in the other league match this weekend.
In the First Division tomorrow, leaders Ireland Rangers host Prospect at Malabar field, St. George's entertain Hamilton Parish at Wellington Oval, Paget take on FA Cup giant killers Devonshire Cougars at White Hill and Social Club meet Somerset Eagles at Bernard Park.
