Rangers 5, Alderney Nomads 5
RANGERS ended a run of losses but a last-gasp equaliser on the KGV 3G was a bittersweet point.
The red and blacks have again made strides this season but this was their poorest showing of the league campaign, although nothing should be taken away from Alderney’s best away effort by a distance.
The Ridunians, boosted by the signing of Rovers’ Island U18 cap Saul Falla, plus other seemingly new faces, were nothing like the negative side that came to KGV earlier this season and last, and were well beaten on both occasions.
Alrhough twice two goals behind the blues deserved something and looked like getting the win when Josh Concanen slotted hone his second spot kick of the game in the 94th minute to give the visitors a 5-4 lead.
But there were still a couple of minutes of stoppage time to play and with virtually the last kick of the game, thankfully for Rangers, sub Jose Camacho launched a 30-yarder into the far corner to rescue a point.
In so many ways it was a remarkable game and had Zac Batiste (pictured) - our best performer by some distance - been a little luckier he might have celebrated his 18th birthday with four or five goals.
As it is, he put Rangers a goal ahead early on with a sure fire Priaulx League goal of the season contender, volleying home a 35 yard thunderbolt high into the net.
Later he reestablished our lead after Alderney had hit back to 2-2 midway through the half and in the second half, twice he struck a post - the second effort being another outstanding volley which smashed against the upright.
The youngster also hit the post when it seemed he must score and also was inches wide after a one-two with Chris Hackeson who made a welcome return to the squad off he bench, and was also denied a hat-trick by a brilliant Dean Carre diving save low to his right.
Jacques Cauvin headed home from a corner to make it 2-0 and Steve Renouf also found the net for our fourth just before half time.
But in the second half Cauvin injured a hamstring in the process of letting in Alderney for their third and a harsh handball gifted Alderney their fourth late on.
Short of defensive options with Cauvin, Harry Tester and Nick Trebert all injured, we finished the game all over the place in defence and it was no surprise that Alderney got back into the game as they did through sheer grit and effort.
On chances created Rangers should have won the game but, at the same time, we hardly deserved more given that we were outfought by the Ridunians.

Team
Seb Sheppard; Tom Solway, Jacques Cauvin (Jose Camacho 55), Kyle Fossey; Steve Renouf, Jack Smith, Sam Green, Shane Billien (c), George Goubert (Chris Hackeson 46), Zac Batiste, Steffan Timms.