Hall Road Rangers made it four successive league wins on the bounce as they secured a 0-2 derby victory against Hull United at Steve Prescott Sports Centre on Saturday.

Rangers dominated the first half and carved out a good number of opportunities on the Hull United goal. In the 10th minute, skipper Lewis Andrew bagged his second goal of the season and put Rangers in front with a sweetly struck effort which found its way into the bottom corner of the net.

Ellis Miller fired an effort over the bar in the 14th minute. Eight minutes later, Tom Oliver saw his shot saved by Citizens keeper Harry Milner. Rangers doubled their lead in the 26th minute when Tom Iversen pounced on a loose ball inside the Hull United box and slotted home to get his fourth goal of the campaign.

Andrew put a free-kick just wide in the 32nd minute before both Rob and Jordan Hall had efforts saved by Milner. In the 39th minute, Milner pulled off another good save to prevent Iversen from bagging his second goal of the game.

A few minutes into the second half, Rangers nearly made it 0-3. This came through a Fin Pulford effort which was saved as Milner continued to keep the Citizens in the game. There were a couple of Rob Hall efforts which went over the bar whilst a shot from Joel Shepard was also saved.

There was late drama when the Citizens were awarded a penalty, but Rangers keeper Haydn Withill produced a great save to prevent them from converting the spot kick. This ensured that Rangers picked up a much coveted and well earned clean sheet.

MOTM- Jordan Hall sponsored by Connexin

Hall Road Rangers: Withill, Pulford, J. Hall, Davies, Bullement (Shepard 71’), Andrew (C), Wray (Spinks 86’), R. Hall, Miller, Oliver, Iversen (Harrison 75’).

Sub Not Used: Waud.

After the game, Rangers boss Chris Burke said:

“To be fair, it could’ve and should’ve been a lot more. Even by half-time, it should’ve been game done.

First half, we controlled it from the first minute to the half-time whistle. We obviously scored the two good goals, but we created umpteen chances. It’s just that little bit of calmness and a little bit of confidence sometimes in front of goal. It could’ve been five, six or seven by half-time.

Obviously, we went in at half-time and had a chat with the lads. Told them everybody knows two nil is the hardest scoreline in football and the next goal is critical.

The second half was a bit frantic really. We didn’t really get our foot on the ball and try and control the pace of the game. To be fair to the lads, they’ve seen the game out.

I told them all that they owe a big debt of gratitude to Haydn. Two minutes to go, don’t lose possession. We gave away a stupid throw in, turn over the possession, it goes down the other end and they get the penalty. To be fair, Haydn’s dug them out to keep that clean sheet in tact.

The main thing is the clean sheet. Obviously, the three points are nice as well and that’s four in a row now. We’re on a good run and those results breed confidence especially going into next week.”