Assured Gers get up and running

After a bright start Rangers became encamped in the Swifts half with Chris Chambers leaning back to send a looping header into the top corner on 11 minutes to open the scoring.

On 34 minutes Markethill’s right winger was lucky to stay on the pitch after a scuffle with full back Porter following a tackle; referee Walker opting for a caution. The same player then had great delight in scoring the equaliser three minutes later in the Swifts first breach of the Rangers back four.

After a lengthy break at the interval Rangers looked rejuvinated and three minutes into the half saw former Markethill player Ryan McIlroy score a fine goal on his league debut drilling low to the far corner to make it 2-1.

Markethill drew level again against the run off play on 54 minutes when their midfielder nipped in to poke a loose ball clear off the last defender and he showed a good turn off pace to latch on to it and slot past Crawford to make it two goals from two chances.

ItOn 69 Wilton to make amends tapping in to make it 3-2 after good work and ball across the six yard box by Jason Gourley.

Banbride Rangers moved two goals in front on 73 minutes when Chrissy Chambers stepped up and fired the resultant penalty high to the left with the keeper rooted to the spot.

Rangers sealed the win with Willie Frazer and Coly Cousins linking up well down the left and Frazers overlap saw him free on goal and he drilled high past the keeper.

Coly Cousins emphatically made it 6-2 with a high rasping shot. Markethill reduced the deficit in the 95th minute when their striker poked home past Davy Crawford.