The thaw in the winter weather saw Rangers return to action for the first time in almost two months. Rangers welcomed former giants Afsar and Tariq back to the squad after spells at other clubs. Both made starts at the expense of the holidaying Wasim and Tauseef. The game also welcomed back Rangers legend Habib to dictate affairs from the sideline alongside Shah.
With the lack of match practice and a pitch that was in poor condition this had all the ingredients of a tough task for Rangers.
It was Rangers however who where quicker to settle into their stride, knocking the ball around with a confidence that spread through the whole team. With Rangers sharp in the tackle all over the pitch it was just a matter of time before the breakthrough came. It was on the twenty minute mark when a through ball from Zar caused confusion in the Smethwick defence, the ball found its way to an unmarked Afsar in the box. He marked his return to the side with a precise finish into the bottom corner of the net. Worst was yet to come for Smethwick when Akbar showing his usual strength on the ball, turned just inside his own half and fed a wonderful ball inside the full back to the advancing Zamal. The marauding Zamal found space and fired a fantastic finish into the the roof of the Smethwick net, to the delight of his team mates. The killer blow came just after the half hour when a through ball led to the Smethwick keeper advancing way out of his box to clear the danger. His clearance however was weak and fell straight to the feet of Afsar, who was positioned just inside his own half. With quick glance up Afsar uted a fabulous finish as his neat lob left the Smethwick keeper in no man`s land.
The half time team talk from both Habib and Shah was very positive and urging the players to maintain the same level of commitment and quality.
With the game more or less won, Rangers seemed to go through the motions for long periods of the second half. Smethwick enjoyed more possession of the ball but resolute defending from Rangers never allowed them to take any kind of advantage. The half was lit up by a wonderful goal from Fazlul, which epitomised the player`s character. In his usual manner he chased down the Smethwick defender and hassled and harried him until he conceded possession. He then picked up the ball and set off on a long mazy run which took him past a few Smethwick defenders and ended with a clinical finish to the keepers left.
There was still time for Farooq to display his skills as he made two fine stops from one on one situation`s. Smethwick`s misery was compounded with virtually the last kick of the game as their centre half fired high and wide from the penalty spot and giving Rangers defence a deserved clean sheet, who where marshalled excellently by man-of-the-match Majid.
Overall a satisfactory afternoon for Rangers who despite the long break showed good signs of the potential they have. The new additions to the squad gelled in seamlessly and will provide fantastic competition for a squad already full of quality and at the same time provide Habib and Shah with the kind of headache that managers dream of.
MATCH REPORT BY ADDERS, SHOWING HIS IMPRESSIVE TALENTS OFF THE FIELD ASWELL ON IT!!
