SLIDESHOW: Boot on the other foot

Rangers know all about conceding late goals when you are down on your luck but the boot was on the other foot on Saturday.

Hailsham arrived bottom of County League 1 with only one point from their first six games and they did enough to deserve another one to add to their meagre total.

But it was not to be as seven minute from time home sub Josh Hawkes saw his intended cross deflect off a defender’s boot and arc over keeper Sheldon Levitt and drop inside the far post.

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It was a fortunate goal and a fortunate win as Rangers continue to struggle themselves this season. But they could argue that on the debit and loss reckoner over the past few seasons they are due a bit of good luck. And it is little things like a lucky deflection that can turn things around.

The visitors started in upbeat fashion but it was Rangers who had the first clear sight of goal just five minutes in. Dan Vinten sent over a superb cross from the left but Aaron Walsh outside the far post failed to control what was a very difficult volley.

Walsh more than made amends in the 21st minutes when he did well on the left and sent over a cross from which James Westlake slid in to strike the ball into the roof of the net from close range.

Rangers certainly looked the more dangerous up front and so it was something of a surprise when Hailsham levelled on 33 minutes as the talented Steve Dallaway finished superbly when finding himself in space goalside of the defence.

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After the break Hailsham offered a little more going forward, but the hosts, with the gifted Charlie Pitcher having one of his rare off days in what has been an excellent season for the youngster, were not looking as dangerous.

Rangers did rally in the closing stages, however, although they needed that bit of luck to net the winner.

Before that Jamie Weston curled a shot just wide from distance and skipper Brannon O’Neill missed a couple of chances from the same dangerous corner by Pitcher, who himself failed to finish from Harry Farmer’s earlier cross.

Many in the home camp would have sympathised with the visitors but there is no room for much sentiment at this level and winning boss Geoff Pitcher will be hoping his side can now build on their second win in seven starts.

Rangers: Gordon; Collins, O’Neill, B Palmer, Vinten; Westlake, Barnes, Butler, Weston; Walsh, C Pitcher. Subs: Farmer (Barnes, 45), Hawk