Duley shines as Pirates remain unbeaten

Alex Duley scored two fine goals from free kicks as Central Pirates remained unbeaten in the Top of the South football league.

Duley’s double paved the way for a 4-1 away victory over FC Nelson Reserves on Saturday to make it two wins from two in the six-team competition for the Blenheim side.

Pirates were in control 2-0 at halftime through Duley’s strikes, which came about in similar fashion from about 22m out.

A well-taken individual effort from Bryce Smith, who beat the offside trap, and raced away to score, made it 3-0 in the second half.

Pirates added a fourth through Liam Sluiter after a neat interchange of passing with Shane Evans.

FC Nelson Reserves added a late consolation goal, but the damage had well and truly been done.

Pirates coach Paul Finnegan said it was a job well done by his side, who face FC Nelson Locomotive at A&P Park next on Saturday.

‘‘I thought we could’ve played better but you’ve got to be happy with 4-1.

‘‘It would be nice to keep it going.’’

Rangers City held off a fastfinishing Central to triumph 4-3 in a high-scoring duel.

After leading 4-1, Rangers City would have been disappointed to concede two goals in the last 20 minutes, but still did enough to gain the spoils.

Rangers City coach Craig Forman was pleased to notch a victory after beginning the competition with a 3-2 loss to Central Pirates last week.

‘‘I’m stoked. The guys played awesome - really, really well.’’

Rangers City took the lead through an own goal and then went 2-0 ahead after a Milan Cunliffe-Post strike.

Keagan Mortimer added their third and Matt Weaver also got on the scoresheet to put them in control at 4-1.