Brant Rangers kicked off their 2025/26 pre-season campaign in dramatic style this morning, narrowly edged out 4-3 by Anchor AFC in a hard-fought and weather-interrupted thriller.

It took just 3 minutes for the Gers to make their mark, with Luke Holmes opening the scoring early after some brilliant build-up play. But the lead lasted only moments, as Anchor responded almost instantly, levelling the score just 3 minutes later.

A well-taken goal from Anchor in the 31st minute gave them a 2-1 lead heading into the break. With torrential rain causing surface water issues, both sides were forced into an extended 20-minute half-time pause, but thanks to the referee’s call, play was cleared to continue.

Into the second half and it didn’t take long for the action to resume. At 52 minutes, Fillip Baranski was brought down in the box, winning a penalty. Up stepped Alfie Burnett, who calmly slotted home the equaliser to make it 2-2.

Anchor again found the net 18 minutes later, regaining their lead, but the drama was far from over. With just 3 minutes to play, the Gers won a free kick on the edge of the area — and Burnett delivered once again, slotting in a composed finish to make it 3-3.

But with what turned out to be the last kick of the game, Anchor found a late winner, catching the Gers off guard and sealing a narrow victory.

A spirited performance from Brant Rangers to kick off pre-season, showing both fight and quality in testing conditions.

Scorers:
Holmes (3’)
Burnett (52’ pen, 87’)

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