LEADERS Harpfield Harriers proved too strong over two games against a depleted Cheadle Town Whites.

Town were 2-0 down almost straight away and left with a mountain to climb against a rampant Rangers.

Keeper Johnny Speed had to be brave and decisive – dashing out of his area to pull off save after save.

Ryan Booth was tireless and Sam Wynne covered most of the pitch.

But despite their efforts, Town succumbed to two more quality goals and half-time came as a relief.

Cheadle pulled themselves together in the second half, but failed to find the net.

Sam Wood was denied time to strike firmly and his effort bobbled wide.

Alex Jones similarly scuffed a shot which was parried while Wynne and Jack Reeves also forced saves.

Rangers then twisted the knife with their first break of the second half to make it 5-0.

Sustained pressure from Rangers followed, but Town still battled away for a consolation with Wynne closest in the final moments.

Whites enjoyed a much-improved start in game two.

Reeves picked up a great clearance from Joe Proctor before finding Morgan Crittenden, who was halted just outside the box.

However, it was Rangers who drew first blood after catching Town on the break. At the other end Wynne and Wood both came close with free-kicks.

In the second half, Town were rewarded when Wynne picked out Wood.

He threaded it through for Reeves and his cross was fired home by Crittenden.

Town came close to grabbing the lead when Jones crossed to Reeves, whose header was saved.

But it wasn't to be Town's day and Rangers took the lead from a perfectly-executed corner.

In the latter stages, Reeves was unlucky with a flick-on from Lightfoot's throw.

Jones also hit a speculative long shot, but Rangers broke and scrambled in their third with the last touch of the game.

Town coach Tom Holdcroft said: "We were severely depleted with no substitutes and it took the lads some time to realise they could compete.

"Once they did, the performance was excellent and they genuinely deserved better luck in the second game."