Rangers secured their capture of the Wernersgruner Cup in Auerbach this afternoon with a 1-0 win over Erzegebrige Aue before 2,500 spectators in the second game of the three match tourney.
Five changes were made from the earlier game, and it took just eight minutes for Ronald De Boer to open the scoring when he slipped home an excellent pass from Bob Malcolm.
Ten minutes later there was a first team debut for Steven Smith when he and Chris Burke replaced Nuno Capucho and Ronald De Boer. The local side almost became heroes in 28 minutes when a 25 yard shot from Mark Kurth flashed just wide of Allan MacGregor’s goal.
Bob Malcolm was clearly relishing his midfield role and almost added a second with an incredible 40 yard chip that only just cleared the crossbar.
Peter Lovenkrands should however have made victory certain when, released by Smith, he rounded goalkeeper Petkov only to miss the target.
Rangers were content to play out time even with just a one goal lead, and at the final whistle sent both team and fans away happy with the first trophy of the new season, leaving the stage clear for the two local teams to play each other for the wooden spoon.
Rangers:- MacGregor, Ricksen, Thome, May, Ball; Capucho (Burke 18), Malcolm, Nerlinger, Lovenkrands, De Boer (Smith 18), Mols.