18 April 1999
Sunday Star-Times
Canterbury Premier League
Rangers maintained its good start to the season with a hard fought 2-1 win over Western at Rangers Park. Western took the lead after 14 minutes when Gary Joynson deflected in a low cross past the diving Alan Stroud. Rangers struck back immediately when Shem Banbury following up a Jason Stapley deflected shot to tuck into the Western net.
In further open first half action, both teams had chances to score but both keepers kept their teams in the match with fine saves.
Joynson had the opportunity to give Western the lead again just after the break but scooped his shot over from close range. After 55 minutes Willie Dennett potted a chance from long range and fired past the desperate Western keeper to give Rangers the 2-1 home advantage.
Rangers had the better of the second spell and should have increased its advantage but failed to take the openings created. Western could have come back to share the points just moments from time but youngster Jamie Duncan fired over the bar from close range.