Three red cards given as Kempsey Saints defeat Macleay Valley Rangers in Round 3 of the FFA Cup

Kempsey Saints and Macleay Valley Rangers contested Round 3 of the FFA Cup at Optus Park with sparks flying in a fiery contest.

The first twenty minutes saw end to end football the name of the game.

A shot on target for either side while Rangers defender Troy Ward was given a yellow card.

Injury to Jack Saveall forced an early substitution of the 30^th minute mark for Rangers before a Ward long shot fizzed over the bar five minutes later.

An excellent run and cross by Saints striker Nick Wright then brought about an opportunity as Cedric Blodorn finished the chance.

1-0 Saints.

Half-time ended with a challenge on a Rangers played just outside the box.

Young Harry Burns stepped up to the plate for the free-kick.

His excellent attempt went to the left of a full stretched Mitch Clarke and thudded into the goal-keepers gloves with cheers accompanying the save.

1-0 half-time.

Saints came out of the blocks in the second-half firing with cries for a penalty going unrewarded in the 47^th minute.

Moments later the ball found Evan Clarke at the edge of the box.

With time and space, his lethal left foot hit the ball first touch and into the back of the net.

2-0.

A couple of opportunities followed for Rangers before controversy struck.

A melee begun on the South-Western side of the field with one player thrown to the ground.

The process lasted for well over a minute as players were dragged away.

Referee Gerald Hoskins had no choice but to hand out three red cards with Josh Hughes (Saints), Noah Hoskins (Rangers) and Andrew Potter (Rangers) given their marching orders.

Down to 9 men the incident seemed to kick Macleay Valley into gear.

A run down the left saw a Rangers opportunity parried but onto the feet of Brett Morn at the back post who slotted the goal.

2-1 and game on.

Another great Brett Morn run saw a shot saved 5 minutes later.

However, Saints managed to gain back momentum and extended the lead with a run down the right sideline from Nick Wright.

His throw ball ended up at the feet of a sensational Harry James run who slotted the goal.

From there Saints managed to hold the lead to get the Baker and Clarke era off to the perfect start as they progress to Round 4 of the FFA Cup.

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