RUARDEAN Hill Rangers moved out of the Gloucestershire League dropzone with a morale-boosting 10-man 2-1 win at sixth-placed Bishops Cleeve.

The form book suggested a hosts’ victory, but it was the visitors who took the lead with an Ollie Mason free-kick that went in without a touch.

Ruardean then added a second before half-time with a superb cross-field pass collected and converted by Charlie Mason.

But the second half saw momentum swing when the latter was sent off, and Monty New reduced the deficit from close range.

Further Cleeve chances were squandered though, including Curtis Osinuga striking over from close range, as Rangers held on to gain a valuable three points.

Rangers A also stormed into the semi-final of the FJ Pope Cup with an 8-1 home lashing of Longhope 2nds.

Jack Knight blasted a hat-trick, backed by goals from Luke Johnson, Scott Edwards, Steve Coombes, Andrew Coleman and Kirt Jones, with Dan Morgan scoring the consolation.

Both Mitcheldean and Lydbrook’s Northern Gloucestershire 1 games were scuppered by the weather, while Lydbrook A lost 2-0 away to Staunton & Corse A.

Fixtures this Saturday (February 7) include – Newent v Bewdley, Ruardean Hill v Stoke Gifford, Lydbrook v Longlevens, Mitcheldean v Mushet & Coalway, Howle Hill v Broadwell 2nds, Huntley v Woolaston, Harrow Hill v Longhope, UDA Glos Dev v Newent Dev, Tidenham v Lydbrook 2nds, Bream 2nds v Mitcheldean 2nds, Longhope 2nds v Rank, Hunts Grove v Ruardean Hill A, Lydbrook A v Twigworth Green.

On Sunday, Ross Juniors Women travel to Worcester to face Nunnery Wood, while Ross Juniors Ladies visit Penybont United.