FRENCH midfielder Patrick Nicolas scored his first goal for Kui Tan to steer them to a priceless 2-0 victory over Rangers in a Hong Kong League First Division match at the Shamshuipo Sports Ground last night.
The victory - only their third in 15 league games and their first since they beat Club 3-2 on the same ground on October 9 - lifted Kui Tan on to 16 points, seven clear of Rangers, and virtually assured the club top-flight football next season.
Club prop up the table with five points from 15 games, Rangers occupy the second relegation spot with nine points from 14 outings and Voicelink are in the safe eighth position on 10 points.
Victory was sweet for 26-year-old Nicolas, who was playing only his second game for Kui Tan after joining them last month.
Originally from Mulhouse, Nicolas turned up in Hong Kong to look for work and offered his footballing services to First Division clubs training at Happy Valley.
Rangers said 'No' but Kui Tan said 'Yes' - and he repaid the faith they had shown in him by firing in the crucial opening goal in the 42nd minute.