Warrnambool Rangers to play Ballarat in BDSA

Coach and goal keeper, Cam Pyke, is expecting to welcome back Isaac Welsh (toe) and George Paspaliaris (knee) who missed the 2-1 victory against Bacchus Marsh on the weekend in the Ballarat and District Soccer Association (BDSA).

"They're more niggles than proper injuries so we took the opportunity to give them a break and have them ready for this weekend, hopefully," Pyke said.

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The Rangers mentor has been impressed with the side's ability to win ugly in the past fortnight.

"It's really positive we can win the scrappy games," he said.

"Ideally, we'd like to be playing a bit better football with more controlled possession."

Pyke wants his players ready for the high-pressure contests they will face in finals.

Striker Ryan Bail opened the Rangers' account in the second minute following a turnover.

Pyke said he tucked it away from the edge of the box.

Bacchus Marsh's Kyle Stewart scored a penalty in the 71st-minute to square it up.

Pyke felt that gave his side a second wind after it had been playing too defensive.

The response came just three minutes later.

Bail, from the wing, crossed to fellow striker Clinton Demartin who volleyed into the net.

The Jones Oval-based side is second on the ladder behind Vikings.

But Vikings have played 10 games so far while Rangers have hit the pitch eight times.

The Rangers return home this Sunday to play Ballarat.

Meanwhile, the Rangers had a strong 3-0 win against Hamilton in the South West Victorian Football Association (SWVFA) on Sunday.

Pyke said the it was great to see the young side get some reward for effort in the past fortnight after it also drew with second-ranked Portland Panthers.

He said the Rangers' BDSA and SWVFA sides trained together as one big squad.

Warrnambool Wolves defeated Stawell Pioneers 3-2 while Corangamite Lions scored a 2-0 victory against Port Fairy Plovers in the SWVFA.

Portland Panthers defeated Deakin Dragons 6-2 at Harris Street Reserve.

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