Brayden Mann was the man asked to step up for the last-shot penalty on Saturday under the lights, slamming the 91st-minute winner past goalkeeper Sam Whatman to secure a 3-2 away win.

The referee displayed little hesitation in pointing to the spot against the desperate Rangers’ challenge in a clash at the NTCA Ground that appeared headed for a draw.

But their third win of the year has ensured the Strikers are just one point off the lead five rounds in after Launceston City’s fierce draw with reigning NPL premiers South Hobart across town.

The 0-0 result keeps City’s impressive undefeated reign – the only side to do so this year – and current leadership in check for four days at least. 

Hobart Zebras could claim outright top spot should they defeat Olympia Warriors on Anzac Day at North Hobart.

But it was Devonport who gained the most during its northern derby, pinching the points that Rangers looked destined for in an upset.

The visitors did score first, almost nonchalantly, from a sideline throw in. 

Mann gained the fortuitous benefit off a teammate’s deflection to head one into the back of the net for a seventh goal of his campaign.

A serious injury to Jesse Fulton that attracted ambulance attention seemed to spur Rangers to fight back.

Teenager Daniel Cristy has continued to prove his worthy inclusion in Lino Sciulli’s NPL side this season.

Cristy’s powerful shot in the 42^nd minute had put the teams on level footing heading into the changerooms.

The home side captured the ascendancy soon into the second half when Argentinian Federico Cano Colaianni converted from the spot.

The 50th-minute penalty boosted Rangers efforts as perennial goalscoring threats Harry Thannhauser and Nick Lanau-Atkinson both came close to a third for their team.

But Devonport just could not be denied. Amid a mad scramble and a sea of bodies, the Strikers managed to put the ball over the line to level.

Despite Whatman’s series of gallant saves throughout the evening, Rangers would surrender all three points.

The frantic finish was in stark contrast to the scrap at Buckby Land Rover Park.

And that’s what it was.

Neither team took control that would have frustrated counterparts Jez Kenth, who was desperate to retain winning ways, and Ken Morton, just desperate to regain their record-breaking 2017 form.

Morton could argue that he walked away more disappointed just as South had 16 shots to City’s three, nine of which were on target but lacked their usual polish.

The visitors’ pleas for a penalty were waved away after the referee overruled his linesman in a lengthy discussion involving both captains.

Tensions boiled over as South’s Nick Turner was cautioned and in minutes given his marching orders in the climax for the home crowd.

Clarence United and Kingborough earlier drew 1-1.