Russell hat-trick takes Rangers top of the table
Wolves 1 Southampton Rangers 4A Dennis Russell hat- trick catapulted Rangers to the top of the Premier Division standings at Devonshire Rec last night.The menacing Rangers striker struck in the 37th, 63rd and 90th minutes while strike partner Jahnai Bean also got in on the scoring act as the visitors completed an impressive fightback after falling behind to a Vincent Minors penalty in the early going.Wolves took the match to their opponents from the kick-off and took a deserved lead in the eighth minute during a period of sustained pressure when Minors sent Rangers ‘keeper Jason Smith the wrong way from the penalty spot after Jahma Charles was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.The hosts kept Rangers on the back foot for long spells with their superb running off the ball, slick passing and pace but failed to capitalise on several gilt edge chances that ultimately came back to haunt them.This enabled Rangers to remain in the match and they were virtually gifted the equaliser when Wolves’ ‘keeper Dantel Adams spilled a cross into the path of Russell who slotted the ball into the empty net to send the teams into the break all even.An aggressive Rangers built upon their momentum in the second half and their confidence on and off the ball seemed to grow with every venture into their opponent’s turf.It came as no real surprise when the visitors took the lead for good in the 63rd minute after Russell bundled the ball over the line at the near post during a quick raid.Wolves player/coach John Barry Nusum moved from defence to attack as the home team tried to drag themselves back in the match. However, the tactical change left Wolves vulnerable down the back and Rangers took full advantage.Bean killed the match off in stoppage time when he chipped a free kick from the edge of the box over the wall and just past the hapless Adams to make it 3-1 .Russell then completed his hat-trick minutes later when he intercepted Adams’ poorly directed goal-kick and stroked the ball into the far corner as Wolves’ fans raced towards the exit.The result was Rangers fourth league win under new coach Marvin Belboda and they currently top the Premier standings with 13 points.In the preceding First Division encounter Crossroads Warriors hammered Paget Lions 7-0.