Favourites ease past Rangers U17s

Banbridge Rangers U17s 1

BANBRIDGE Rangers U17s traveled to Mallusk on Saturday morning to play league favourites Deanby who performed well in the premier section of Mid Ulster last season.

A very nervous start presented Deanby with two clear cut chances to Deanby in the opening 10 minutes with the home team converting both past stand in keeper Jordan McCracken.

The disappointing start continued with Deanby playing the better football and a lack of communication and closing down gave the hosts time to pick out their passes and this eventually lead to a third goal midway through the half.

A change in formation with Ryan Burns going up front by himself gave Rangers more bite and movement in midfield with Nathan Copes and Lee McCullough provided the outlet on each flank.

Rangers did start to lift their game and put their authority in the midfield with Jason Adamson and Stephen Copes getting crucial tackles in. Rangers back four looked more confident as the half drew to a close with Deanby still in search offurther goals.

The second half saw Timmy Topping introduced on the left hand side for Ryan Graham followed by Reece Wilson who replaced Nathan Sally at right back.

Deanby continued to push for more goals with McCracken pulling off two great saves denying their in-form striker on a slippery surface.

Banbridge Rangers had a chance to get back into the game when Stephen Copes latched on to a ball over the Deanby and had no hesitation lobbing the keeper with an outstanding effort from twenty five yards out to bring the score back to 3-1.

David Baird, on for the injured Nathan Copes, created the next opportunity slipping Ryan Burns a chance to shoot with the Deanby keeper pulling off a magnificent save to deny Burns as the ball seemed destined for the top corner.

Some lacklustre defending gave Deanby the opportunity to put the match beyond reach with five minutes remaining finishing their fourth goal of the match.

Banbridge Rangers got off to a slow start and will hopefully be able to make amends this Saturday morning when they host Annagh United at the Tech with kick off at 10.30am.