Dan's side make it 11 wins on the bounce

Ambassadors Reserves 2

BANBRIDGE Rangers Reserves impressive run of results continued on Saturday when Dan Thornton's side put five goals past Ambassadors Reserves.

The win now takes Banbridge Rangers four points clear of Ambassadors who lie in third position but have played four more games.

After a minutes silence in respect of club member Stephens McKee's recent bereavement the match had started at a quick pace on a slippery Tech pitch with both sides looking to exert their physical dominance on the game and grab the important opening goal of the game.

Banbridge Rangers Reserves were first to make their mark on the score sheet when midfielder Richie McMinn slotted home after only 10 minutes. McMinn's left footed shot from the edge of the area was slightly scuffed but managed to find its way into the far corner.

Banbridge Rangers were in confident mood at this stage and got their second 10 minutes later from a well worked free kick 20 yards out. Buchanan stepped over the ball before being released down the side of the wall and his driven cross was headed over the line by Dan Thornton to give Rangers a 2-0 advantage.

Banbridge Rangers went from strength to strength in the first half against Ambassadors who gave very little in attack with McMinn, Thompson and Cousins all testing the keeper before going in at the interval two goals to the good.

The away side came out a different team in the second half with renewed vigor and Banbridge Rangers had to be cautious as the next goal of the game would be decisive.

After weathering the storm for the initial 10 minutes the third killer goal arrived when Dan Thornton had the vision to pick out Colin Cousins in the six yard box. The well worked goal came after Richie Adamson put in a pinpoint cross to Thornton who had the chance to head at goal but instead found the run of Cousins who had the easiest of tap ins.

At three down the Ambassadors team kept going at Banbridge Rangers with McCune dominant at corners and free kicks. Neil Wilson and David Sterritt replaced Adamson and Thornton with Wilson having an immediate impact on the game.

Wilson picked out the run of Cousins behind the Ambassadors back line who then drove home his second of the match and Rangers Reserves’ fourth of the game.

On 70 minutes Banbridge Rangers went five goals up with arguably the best finish of the match. Sterritt and McMinn combined in midfield before Chris Loney picked out Aaron Buchanan's run down the left hand side. With most players striking first time Buchanan had the confidence to take a touch before rifling his shot of the underside of the crossbar to seal the points for Banbridge Rangers.

James Montieth came on as a substitute for Chris Loney for the remaining quarter of an hour with the home side stepping of the gas allowing Ambassadors to capitalise with a consolation goal.

The away side did get another late on but this was Banbridge Rangers Reserves 11th win in succession and will be eager to make that a dozen when neighbours Scarva Rangers visit the Tech on Wednesday April 7.

Man of the Match went to John Thompson up front for his tireless work rate and link up play throughout the game.