The Rangers banished their 2014 Ballarat and District Soccer Association demons with a 1-0 win against reigning champion Ballarat Red Devils at Jones Oval on Sunday.

Warrnambool coach Cameron Pyke said an emphasis on defence was the catalyst for the Rangers’ seventh victory of the division one season.

“Against Sebastopol we scored and then we conceded straight away and against other teams our defence has been shaky minutes after we’ve scored,” he said.

Corrie Shields’ header put the Rangers ahead in the second half against the Red Devils.

The classy midfielder returned to the Rangers’ ranks last weekend after a two-season break.

Pyke said the win, which came after the two sides drew earlier in the season, was vital to Warrnambool’s championship quest.

“It means we are still in touch with the top teams, so it definitely sets up our season,” he said.

A competition bye this weekend followed by a club bye the following round will give the Rangers time to “recharge our batteries”.

Warrnambool’s reserves suffered a 3-0 defeat to Ballarat and its under 17s a 5-0 loss to Sebastopol.