PERHAPS a draw between two teams locked together in mid-table was predictable, but a 0-0 scoreline does not tell the full story.

Rangers had to play almost an hour with only 10 men after forward Danny Frost was sent off for two 'rash' challenges.

It was Rangers' first home league game since December 12, and they started slowly.

The Pikes came close early on but missed an opportunity when a shot would have been a better option rather than a square ball into the danger area which was easily cleared.

Rangers gradually found their feet, but just after the half hour mark Frost was cautioned when he caught a Pickering defender as he challenged for a ball inside the Town penalty area.

Worse was to follow nine minutes later when a tackle from the same player, in front of the Pickering bench, led to a second yellow card and suddenly Rangers were down to 10 men.

If Pickering thought they were in for an easy second half, they were in for a shock.

Rangers more than held their own and went on to more than match their opponents.

Right-back Danny Smith, making his home debut, shot wide after a good flick-on into the danger area.

Moments later, a good cross from the left by Graeme Severn was turned behind for a corner by Kevin Martin with Smith once again ready to pounce.

Pickering had been restricted to a few misplaced shots from distance, but after 69 minutes Adams forced Rangers keeper Jamie Allen into a superb save as he finger-tipped a goal-bound shot around the post for a corner.

As Rangers predictably tired, they used all three substitutes in quick succession in a bid to get fresh legs onto the park.

During this hectic period the home side missed their best chance of the afternoon as centre-back Micah Bleau suddenly found himself free in the box.

After his first shot was blocked by Martin, Bleau scooped the rebound over the bar.

This seemed to spur Pickering on and moments later Adams was allowed to turn in the box but fired his shot straight at a grateful Allen, who had a comfortable afternoon between the sticks.

The game petered out to a 0-0 draw which Rangers will feel they could, and probably should, have won.

Next up for Rangers are away trips to Lincoln Moorlands on Wednesday and Selby on Saturday, before they return to West Street for a big game against former Football League club Scarborough on March 10.