With a healthy side heading into the final four rounds of the regular season, Rangers coach Keith Morn has set the challenge to his players to earn their spot on the field in the finals series.
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Macleay Valley have had their depth tested throughout the season with a variety of injuries hitting their key players.
However, with star striker Sam Applegate, instrumental midfielder John Henry and captain Paul Thurlow back to 100 per cent, the battle for positions in the side has heated up.
“Nobody wants to give up their spot in the side so it’s definitely going to be a tough decision on who to play each week,” Morn told the Argus.
“There’s about 14 players who deserve a starting spot but obviously that can’t happen.”
The Rangers are guaranteed a place in the finals as they continue their two horse race with Wallis Lake for the minor premiership.
The team will be tested on their run home to the finals as they face the other three top four sides.
The first obstacle is the third-placed Port United on the road this Saturday.
“They are always a tough test, especially when you play them at home,” Morn said.
“We will need to turn up, play at our best ability and keep the pressure on them.”
Morn recognises they pose a dangerous threat up front.
“They’ve scored the second most goals behind us and they have a couple of lethal strikers,” he said.
“We need to be wary of them and limit their opportunities.”
Rangers escaped with a 3-2 victory when the two sides met earlier this season but it was a real battle.
Morn admitted his side was lucky to escape with the maximum amount of competition points on offer.
While the Rangers are set to be challenged over their final four games of the regular season, Morn claims it’s a positive for his side.
“It will make us start playing at a high level every game to achieve the results we want,” Morn said.
“That will prepare us well for the finals as we need to lift our performances.”
The Rangers earned a 5-1 victory over Wauchope in their last match but Morn wasn’t pleased with the defensive effort.
Wauchope, who sit on the bottom of the table, created plenty of chances but failed to capitalise.
“We could have easily scored 20 but they also could have scored 10,” Morn said.
The Rangers boast the best attacking record in the league, with 44 goals in 13 games.
The side has also been the second hardest to crack, with only Wallis Lake conceding less goals this year.
Saturday’s match kicks off at Dixie Park at 3pm.
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