Wilkinson secures welcome win for Rangers
Travis Wilkinson came off the bench to grab the only goal of the game and seal Southampton Rangers a 1-0 win away to Boulevard Blazers at Goose Gosling Field yesterday.
Starting the game with minus one point after being penalised for fielding an ineligible player last week, the win will go a long way for the resurging Rangers.
“We could have done better with our finishing but we got the job done,” said Julian Caisey, Rangers’ assistant coach, deputising for the suspended Jomar Wilkinson. “Hats off to Travis. This is his first game of the season and he got the points for us.”
Boulevard keeper Jahleel Shakir almost gifted Rangers the opening goal when he misjudged a bouncing ball allowing Jarazhino Bassett to get around him but Jakio Williams did well to recover.
Williams was called upon again as he was positioned well to clear a header by Cardel Henry off the line.
Just before the half, Boulevard’s TiaeVince Douglas’ low corner caused panic in the Rangers defence as it raced across goal untouched.
Early in the second half, Rangers had two opportunities to score as Brangman fired over, before Maynard tested Shakir with a stinging strike.
Midway through the half, Douglas should have opened the scoring for Boulevard but he shot straight at Rangers’ keeper Jason Smith, following a solo run.
Ian Coke also went close, volleying narrowly over from a bad Smith goal kick with the goalkeeper stranded.
However, Boulevard were made to rue their missed opportunities as Wilkinson struck the decisive blow in the 74th minute.
Harrison’s low corner found the advancing Wilkinson whose sneaky flick squeezed in at the near post to steal the points.