Evening Post Star Match: Tyndalls Park Rangers 0 Thrissell Nomads 1, Bristol & Suburban League Division II

Thrissell Nomads came out deserved winners against Tyndalls Park Rangers to stay a point behind Suburban League Division II leaders Ingleside.

Danny Moore scored the only goal of the game 15 minutes into the first half.

Delighted Thrissell captain Dan Campbell said: "We dug deep, defended well and got the all important three points."

The visitors had much the better of the match, dominating possession and creating more chances than Rangers. It was the home team, however, who had the first opportunity when Mike Irvine's shot took a deflection which Thrissell keeper Barry Mendez managed to get his foot to despite having been caught off balance.

The decisive moment came after right winger Niall O'Loughlin produced some great work, racing past his marker and whipping in a terrific low cross which Moore volleyed home at the back post.

Thrissell took command after going in front and almost doubled their lead with a wonderful effort from Matthew Evans. The Rangers defence missed a long ball, allowing Evans to storm through on goal. With the keeper advancing, he opted to go for a chip and was desperately unlucky to see his shot hit the crossbar before being hacked away for a corner.

Luke Welling produced a moment of magic which almost led to another goal. Receiving the ball just outside the area, he displayed quick feet and terrific skill to go round two defenders only to shoot wide as the keeper charged out.

The second half was a similar story to the first as Thrissell continued to dominate possession. Welling should have scored after O'Loughlin put him through with an inch-perfect pass, but he slid his shot too close to Rangers' keeper Jason Pont, who made a comfortable save.

Another chance went begging when Evans played an incredible crossfield ball from left to right to find Welling. His control on the chest let him down and he was forced wide before firing off target from a difficult angle.

Rangers did their best to try to get back into the game but struggled to create any clear-cut chances until Iwan Evans missed a great opportunity to equalise. Ross Bradley sent in a free-kick from just inside Thrissell half and the ball fell to Evans, who fired over from eight yards out.

Overall, Thrissell thoroughly deserved their win. They moved the ball well and got into good areas, but their problem was the final ball. Too often they got themselves into decent positions but failed to make the most of them, apart from when O'Loughlin set up Moore's goal in stunning style.

Rangers battled hard throughout the 90 minutes, but they were outplayed in the midfield and struggled to penetrate Thrissell's well-organised defence.

Thrissell looked a decent side and will be difficult opponents for whoever they play. If they can find a final ball, they could be a real force in the battle for promotion.

Tyndalls Park Rangers: Jason Pont, Robin Mason, Olly Davey, Brad Allix, Chris Wedge, Ross Bradley, Mike Irvine, Iwan Evans, Max Boon (Phil Miller 80), Mark Richards, Jake Mann (Marco Bonato 65). Subs not used: Bin Su.

Thrissell Nomads: Barry Mendez, David Bailey, Dan Campbell, Kevin Adams, Niall O'Loughlin, Ryan Bennett, Danny Moore, Luke Welling, Ben Thomas, Mathew Evans (Jordan Campbell 70), Ollie Flaherty.

Star Man - Niall O'Loughlin (Thrissell Nomads): Created the goal and was a constant threat. Playing on the right wing, he got into good positions and was the only player on the field to consistently find a threatening pass.