Gregg captains Gers to cup victory

BANBRIDGE Rangers eased into the third round of this years Marshall Cup on Friday night at Cheney Park with a 2-0 win over Ambassadors.

The Craigavon side were one of the toughest opponents that Rangers could have drawn with other Division 1 sides knocking out two Intermediate A teams over the course of the weekend to show their ability to compete.

An early goal from Jason Gourley was just what the doctor ordered when he lobbed the onrushing keeper to give Rangers the lead in the fourth minutes of play.

On 12 minutes Ambassadors broke the high defensive line of the Gers but came up against the formidable Chris Chambers in nets who pulled off a superb save when the striker tried to curl past him when through one on one.

Ambassadors where caught offside on numerous occasions as they forced the early ball over the top when under pressure from the midfield trio off Colin Cousins, Matthew McKnight and debutant Tony Graham who signed for Rangers last week after a brief spell at Banbridge Town.

In the second half Ambassadors came into the game a bit more and were more willing to get the ball down and play to try and match Banbridge Rangers who were patient in their search for a second goal to take control off the game.

After some half chances for each team the second goal arrived for Banbridge Rangers with Colin Cousins netting on his return from injury.

Ambassadors spurned a good opportunity in injury time to reduce the deficit but in truth they never fully recovered from the early goal.

Banbridge Rangers were captained on the night for the first time by 19 year old centre half Ryan Gregg who lead by example with a towering performance.

Banbridge Rangers take on Valley Rangers this Friday night in the Bob Radcliffe Cup at Cheney Park with kick off at 8.00pm. The Kilkeel side have settled into Mid Ulster Intermediate life like ducks to water and will prove stern opposition for Banbridge Rangers with a large crowd expected to make the journey over the Mournes.

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