St Ann's Rangers continued their march up the Pro League standings yesterday with a 4-1 win over United Petrotrin at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar.
Petrotrin were without strikers Jerol Forbes and Beville Joseph, who are both bound for defending champions Clico San Juan Jabloteh, while the national duo of playmaker Keon Daniel and defender Makan Hislop and left back Lyndon Diaz were notable absentees also.
Coach Brian Williams' troops looked to be missing self-belief and know-how as well.
Kareem Smith, a solid right back, gave a decent account in central defence, while midfielders Romauld Aguillera and Simeon Augustus also acquitted themselves well. But it was not barely enough against an in-form Rangers team with an appetite for goals.
Striker Keon Edwards put Rangers ahead in the 15th minute and utility player Joseph Peters doubled their advantage with a well-placed free kick, seconds before the interval.
Petrotrin started the second half with gusto and might have managed a better outcome if Augustus had steered his volley on target after a good cross by Akeem Parris in the 56th minute.
Josimar Belgrave made no mistake from a Christon Thomas cross in the 70th minute for the third goal of the match and his 13th this season--the highest individual tally in the league.
Grenadian Shane Rennie got the fourth with a lobbed effort after being sent clear by compatriot Ricky Charles, three minutes later. Although Rangers conceded a consolation item as goalkeeper Shane Mattis let a Shavon Frederick shot squirm into the net. Petrotrin need to do much better and soon. Rangers are at full throttle though.