Ogier learns good news in long-distance call

Bels 2 Rangers 1

BELS did not miss the influence of charismatic coach Micky Ogier as they secured another vital three points on their way almost certainly to clinching the Sure Mobile Priaulx League title. Teenager Billy Page's winner gave them a 2-1 victory over Rangers at a bitterly cold Track on Friday night.

The champagne remains on ice, but despite being thousands of feet in the air and hundreds of miles away on his way to a holiday in Thailand, Ogier could not resist finding out the score.

He called assistant Shane Totty on his mobile phone midway through the second half and again minutes after the game to discover the result.

Bels could clinch the title on 8 March by beating St Martin's at Blanche Pierre Lane - providing both they and Saints win all their preceding games.

'We had plenty of possession but no killer instinct,' admitted Totty, who was just relieved to get maximum points.

'We are trying to win the league as quickly as we can. The boys are confident but not over confident,' he said.

'It was nice to see Billy Page back to near his normal self.'

Rangers began the game without influential suspended skipper Dave Parrott and his injured brother, Chris, who joined Ross Allen and Duncan Flint on the casualty list.

But Bels were also missing the likes of captain Leighton Chainey, Matt Drillot, Rhys Gower and Marc McGrath.

It took the champions-elect just eight minutes to stamp their authority on the game.

Dave Rihoy showed his class as he weaved his way past two Rangers players down the left flank on a typically mazy run before delivering a tempting cross to the back post where poacher Neil Clegg nonchalantly headed home.

In the opening salvos, Rihoy caused mayhem and only a fine tip-over save from stand-in goalkeeper Adam Gontier denied him doubling the lead as he let rip with a drive.

Bels were stunned though midway through the half, when totally against the run of play and out of the blue, Rangers drew level.

Ryan Gontier's shot appeared to be going wide when the ball deflected off Joby Bourgaize into his own net past Scott Rowe.

Page scooped a shot over from close range before Rowe prevented Jon Veron from giving Rangers the lead when he turned his shot round a post.

Ten minutes into the second half, Scott Bradford's clever dink over the defence found Page, but he fired straight at Gontier.

However, a minute later he made amends and struck the decisive goal as he half-volleyed a shot from just inside the penalty area past Rowe after Rangers failed to clear their lines.

Bels went looking to wrap up the scrappy game.

Gontier denied Bradford after Rihoy slipped him in at the near post, then Marquand somehow missed the target when a sliced clearance left him with just the goalkeeper to beat from eight yards out.

Mark Laws' cross from wide right then bounced to safety off the crossbar.

With just one man up front Bels never looked in danger of conceding another and held on for the win without really having to break sweat.

'I thought we played well and it was a very even game and we deserved a draw. I was disappointed with the goals we gave away but overall I was very pleased with our performance,' said Rangers coach Mac Gallienne.

He insisted his side would still hunt for a Wheway Cup spot while it is still mathematically possible.

Bels travel to Port Soif to play Rovers on 1 March and then are at home to Vale Rec four days later.

Saints entertain Rangers at Blanche Pierre Lane on Wednesday and head to Northfield to meet champions North on Saturday before playing Rec the following Tuesday at Corbet Field.