Rangers Reserves are all tied in thrilling game

Rangers were once again boosted by former Glenavon striker James Costello, who was ineligible for Irish Cup duty.

Disaster struck for the leaders when a miscommunication between Power and Stewart in the heart of midfield allowed the opposition midfielder to steal the ball and play in his front man who fired home. This was a rare clear-cut chance for the home side with Joe in the Rathfriland goal called into action only once more in the opening half, to expertly tip over a fierce drive that was destined for the roof of the net.

Rathfriland equalised through Costello when he twisted and turned in the box before slipping the ball into the bottom corner. The visitors then took the lead through Maginn who fired in after a goalmouth scramble. Rathfriland should have further extended their lead when Maginn went one on one with the home keeper but fired at his legs.

The usually pacey Costello was played in for a straight leg race with the centre back but on two occasions allowed the defender to tackle back and thwart his attempts.

The second half started with the home team equalising early on and really applying some pressure. They took the lead for the second time when McKnight was on hand to turn the ball into an empty net following another goalmouth scramble.

Rathfriland weren’t finished however and Costello again twisted and turned to work a shooting opportunity, which he slotted into the bottom corner to make it 3-3.

For Rathfriland, 16 year old James Pollock looked very assured at right back playing the full ninety after captaining the U17s to victory earlier in the day.