FOLLOWING the previous Saturday's inept league performance at home to Bewdley Town, Rangers travelled to the home of Worcester City FC on Wednesday evening for this WFA Junior Cup final not in the best form, in fact coveting just one win, that in the semi-final, in 2002.

LITTLETON 3, MALVERN RANGERS 1 (aet)

Littleton, however, are unbeaten in their Midland Combination Division Three and cup fixtures this season.

Littleton virtually totally dominated the first 45 minutes and after only ten minutes a free kick to the far post saw a header well saved by Ross Sanders. In the 33rd minute Mark White was forced to clear off the line and almost immediately a free header in the box went wide of the post.

Rangers' only real chance in the first half was when Rob Perrins did well but saw his near post shot saved by Ian Hunt for a corner from which Marc Lines shot straight at the keeper.

Rangers came out for the second half with far more purpose and after 12 minutes they took the lead when Richard Forde crossed well from the left and Rob Perrins was on hand in the box to score.

Rangers then had good chances to go further ahead but Rob Perrins twice shot just over the bar. With at least three minutes of time added on and with supposedly two seconds remaining Littleton scored. A long ball was played forward to Des Cox, Chris Allen tracked back and got in a superb tackle but the ball broke to Matthew Edwards who shot home.

Littleton started extra time strongly and took the lead when Mark White was penalised on the edge of the box and, although Ross Sanders made an excellent save from the kick, Curtis Major followed up to score.

Minutes later Des Cox made no mistake from the penalty spot to make it 3-1 to Littleton.

Whilst all the Rangers' players gave maximum effort Littleton were the better side on the night but oh, for the sake of two seconds!

Joint men of the match were Chris Allen and Mark White.

CHADDESLEY CORBETT 4, MALVERN RANGERS 2

RANGERS travelled to Chaddesley on Saturday in a dress rehearsal in three weeks time of the Nursing Junior Cup semi-final but hopefully not a similar type performance.

After ten minutes Ross Sanders made a good save with his feet and three minutes later Rangers took the lead when Brendon Watson lobbed the ball through to Chris Davis who scored with a good shot.

After 27 minutes an adjudged foul in the area allowed Ashley Phillips to score from the spot.

After 35 minutes Rangers deservedly regained the lead. Carl Preece took a long free kick, which Stuart Harvey flicked on to Rob Perrins whose superb cross into the box was met by Chris Davis to score his second goal.

The home side equalised through Craig Pratt and after 25 minutes a far post cross saw Brendon Watson isolated with the tall centre forward Edward Baylis and he headed home over Sanders. After 40 minutes Baylis scored his second and his side's fourth goal.

Man of the Match Chris Davis.

This coming Saturday Rangers, sponsored by Willie Thornes Snooker Club, have a real bottom of the table clash when they entertain Bustleholme Reserves with a 2.45pm kick off. Players to meet at the ground 1.30pm.