Geelong home with long shot

GEELONG secured the Community Cup with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Rangers at Stead Park last night.

The tournament favourites were made to work for it, needing two goals inside the final 10 minutes to secure the trophy.

Geelong coach Kristian Bright said he was satisfied with the result and the performance.

“It’s always good to win a cup final whether that’s preseason or an official cup final. It’s good to get one over the rivals,” Bright said.

Geelong’s Scott Robson opened the scoring in the 42nd minute with a chip over the keeper, but the lead would last only three minutes with former Geelong striker Jasko Ikanovic getting Rangers back to 1-1 before half time.

James Hidic, who supplied Ikanovic for the first goal, then hit the scoreboard and put Rangers 2-1 in front.

Enter Robson, who secured his brace after being put through on goal, netting in the far corner in the 68th minute.

With the scores locked at 2-2 the threat of penalties loomed until Lorenzo Qerimi came off the bench and netted a belter from 30 yards out in the 82nd minute.

Daniel Kuczynski then sealed the victory for Geelong, netting its fourth goal in the 84th minute.

“I was feeling comfortable at 1-0 and then we made an error to give them the equaliser. Then another error opened up a chance for them and they took it,” Bright said.

“We changed things up a bit and it all seemed to work out well. We changed our formation a bit, our point of attack a bit by bringing on a couple of other guys.

“Once Daniel scored it was a matter of closing out the game and making sure we didn't make any silly errors.”

Rangers coach Stuart Begg said his players, who play in State League 2, could walk off the pitch with their heads held high after giving State League 1 title challenger Geelong headaches.

“We thought we played really well,” he said.

“It took a goal from 30 yards to beat the keeper to go 3-2 up. We took the game to them, they’re a State 1 side pushing to win the league.

“What more could I ask for from the boys?”

Both teams are back in action this weekend, with Geelong playing a friendly today, while Rangers host an FFA Cup game on Sunday.