NEWELL IN THE CROWN

Lee pops in an early goal and then adds a penalty assist to help Wilson’s Gers go top of table

in the race for this term. They went out of the Intermediate Cup at the first round stage, however, and Wilson believes that defeat at Crewe has worked in their favour in the long-term.

“In hindsight, that was probably a blessing in disguise,” he said.

“Last year we did well in the cups and were always miles behind in the league.

“We were constantly playing catch-up which is so hard to do.

“This season it’s been different and we’ve managed to get league games played.

“We’ve never been top of the table at this stage of a season so psychologically it’s a good boost for everyone.”

It took just seven minutes of Saturday’s encounter with Laurelvale for Rangers to get their noses in front.

The Vale keeper failed to clear the danger and Lee Newell took advantage to knock the ball into the vacant net.

Despite chances to increase their lead, that’s how things sat at half-time at Sidney Wright Park.

Then on the hour mark Chris Chambers made it two from the spot after Newell was brought down in the area. And from that point there was never likely to be any other outcome to the game than an away win.

“We weren’t great on the day,” Wilson admitted.

“They are fighting for their lives and it showed.

“It wasn’t pretty but the most important thing is to get the win and we did that.

“We’re thin on the ground at the minute with a lot of injuries and suspensions.

“Momentum and luck come together sometimes so we’re looking to keep that going as long as we can.”