Northern Rangers star Nick Lanau-Atkinson has overshadowed his brother’s milestone game, slamming four goals past a weakened Kingborough defence.
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The captain’s goals in the third, 53rd, 75th and 85th minutes on Sunday set up a 5-2 victory over the Lions.
Rangers’ fifth win of the year also sealed their spot for the post-season League Cup.
Clarence United threatened to edge into the top six following a 2-1 upset over Devonport City on Saturday had Rangers not gained a point ahead of next week’s final NPL fixture.
Rangers now climb two points above Launceston City to join their sixth-placed rival into the cup draw.
The home-clinching win proved the perfect backdrop for Pat Lanau-Atkinson, who joined City’s Aaron Campbell this round as the first players to reach 100 NPL games, to watch his 23-year-old twin do all the celebrating.
Kingborough did equalise on his early opener from a spot after 19 minutes.
But late-season Canadian signing Kwin Kensley had soon after put Rangers 2-1 up entering half-time.
The brother playing in just his 79th NPL appearance capitalised from a stunning ball from Mitchell Jones for a solid two-goal lead.
The visitors not to be undone hit back immediately when late inclusion David Cooper scored their second.
But amid tiring defenders and without top keeper Sheku Kamara, Lanau-Atkinson added a third off a curling free kick while tapping in a fourth of a perfectly-timed pass.
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.
