HARARE - Harare City yesterday outfought Mbada Diamonds Cup finalists Monomotapa in a Castle Premiership match that never rose to expected heights.

City, whose wastefulness in front of goal has been their major handicap all season, surged ahead after 35 minutes under fortuitous circumstances.

Monoz defender Jimmy Tigere, with his back to goal, flicked the ball into the nets in an effort to head away City right-back Munyaradzi Nyenye’s well executed cross.

Biggie Mawiwi’s men continued to create the better scoring chances but could not kill off the game.

After 55 minutes City’s Crybert Muvuti failed to score in front of an open goal when his header crashed against the cross bar.

Moments later Ronald Chitiyo, easily the best player on view, left fly a powerful long range effort that was tipped over by City goalie Nomore John.

City finally got the cushioning goal they needed to make the game safe through an unlikely scorer, anchor-man Crispen Dickson.

The former Blue Ribbon defender, who has been converted into a defensive midfielder at City, met a free kick from right-back Ronald Maketo and fired home from close range.

Ten minutes from time, Monoz substitute Zvikomborero Biseki scored the former champions’ face saver after being set up by stand-in captain Kuda Musharu.

Despite spirited attempts by Monoz to level the scores, City remained resolute at the back to deservedly claim victory.

Meanwhile, Blue Rangers’ woeful season, characterised by financial hardships and boardroom manoeuvres, finally ended with relegation yesterday after they were hammered 7-1 by Hwange at the Colliery.

The 10-man Rangers succumbed from double-scorer Gilbert Zulu while Francesco Zvikumbawire, Tawanda Mareya, Thonisani Sibelo and Nkosana Siwela all grabbed a goal each.

McDonald Motsi pulled one back for Rangers.