The Jones Oval club fought out a nil-all draw against reigning Ballarat and District Soccer Association premier Sebastopol on Sunday.

The result has Warrnambool tied for first on points, but behind Forest and Sebastopol on goal difference.

Pyke, a third-year coach, said it was vital for Rangers to secure points in coming weeks after a month of challenging matches.

“We’re really happy to be placed equal first, despite having played some really quality teams,” he said.

“We’ve now got some winnable games coming up and I’d like us to have a go at increasing our goal difference because that can be so important.

“We’ll head to Ballarat next week, and while it will be an away game against Victoria Park, we’ll focus just on getting the win. But putting some goals in the back of the net will definitely be on our mind.”

He praised his defenders after a sturdy showing, keeping Sebastopol’s potent forwards from hitting the back of the net.

“Our defenders are just standing tall at the moment. They held firm while facing a lot of pressure late against Sebastopol,” Pyke said.

“Since I’ve been coach I’ve really focused on making sure our defenders can play the ball out of the back, on the deck. In previous seasons, we’ve played long balls.

“But that plays into the hands of taller, more physical defences. With it along the deck, we can control the game a lot easier.”

The North Warrnambool Eagles defender expected to battle Sebastopol at the pointy end of the season.

He said it was an indication of where Rangers’ on-field talent ranked with the competition’s best.

“It was one of the best, most skillful games I’ve played in a very long time,” Pyke said.

“Because it was played at a very high standard, I think they’ll be there with us fighting at the end of the year. 

“Our midfield and forwards were strong too, but we just couldn’t hit the back of the net.”

Rangers’ ladies fell to Ballarat North United five-nil.