Rangers grab the points as they return to league action

Two goals, two missed penalties and a host of fine saves would indicate that fans certainly got their money’s worth whilst watching the 2-0 win over Larne Tech OB.

Rathfriland’s first meaningful attack came on 25 minutes when Costello raced down the left and cut inside to cross for McGrath who bravely headed over the advancing keeper but the ball cannoned off the underside of the ball and out.

Larne were awarded a penalty when the referee deemed a Rathfriland player to have handled the ball inside his own box.

Ciaran Kelly stepped up only to be denied by a fantastic Harrison save.

Rathfriland started the second half with a slight change of shape and this proved to be a change in fortunes for the home side.

McGrath and Marty Havern got into the game more with Wilson and Costello starting to link up.

The opening goal of the game eventually came when the ball broke on the edge of the box and after an initial Ally Wilson effort was well saved Marty Havern was on hand to follow up and rifle home from 10 yards.

With 15 minutes of play remaining a through ball by the diminutive John Scannell found Costello who rounded the keeper but was upended and the referee pointed to the spot once more in the game.

At the same end where a penalty was missed in the first half Marty Havern stepped up and crashed his penalty off the bar and away to safety.

The second and final goal of the game came when McGrath again broke clear down the wing and cut inside to unleash a left foot shot past the despairing Keenan and end the game as a contest at 2-0 with five minutes remaining in the match.

Overall not the prettiest of performances but they move to third in the league.