The club’s rising talisman and its fourth goalkeeper in just 10 games this year have delivered Northern Rangers their second win of an often sputtering NPL campaign.
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But the crucial three points ensures Rangers still impressively climb back into fifth spot in response to challenger Kingborough Lions upset against Hobart Zebras.
The momentous 3-2 result over Clarence United away at Wentworth Park also puts the club firmly in the running for the final two spots on offer in the post-season League Cup.
The match on Sunday was on tenterhooks heading into the dying minutes of regular time after late call-up Jesse Rodriguez equalised at 2-2 in the 70th minute.
The first-year Brisbane signing undid his good work just nine minutes later he fouled Nick Naden inside the 18-yard box to swing the momentum back towards the home side.
But a full-stretch save from Sam Whatman in goal had prevented Richard Heath putting the Clarence ahead from the spot.
The drama unfolded even further when striker Nick Lanau-Atkinson put Rangers back in front with a 86th-minute match sealer for the first time since the opening goal.
The 22-year-old bent a free kick perfectly from well outside 30 metres that bounced off the far post over the line.
Rangers were still forced to block two injury-time shots to secure its first win since upsetting Launceston City – their next opponents in the Derby Cup clash.
The visitors started the game promisingly when Riley Darrant headed home the first after 22 minutes.
Andrew Mathieson
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
