Gourley goal edges locals through

BANBRIDGE Rangers travelled to play Broomhedge in the Alan Wilson Cup on Saturday past.

On a poor surface which the home side were clearly accustomed to Rangers found themselves 2-0 down inside the first 10 minutes.

Thankfully calm was restored when the influential Scott Ward smashed home a fantastic free kick from 25 yards. Before the half hour the Banbridge lads were level when skipper Loney sent Gourley through with a fine pass and the striker curled an early shot past the out rushing keeper.

In a game that not much football was played the long ball behind the defence was causing problems and with great delivery from Chambers the front pairing of McCahon and Gourley were now a constant threat.

Before the half ended Colin Cousins was first to react when the keeper made a save from Gourley and smashed home from 10 yards to give his side a 3-2 lead.

The second half was a tenacious affair with conditions deteriorating and it was no surprise that several tackles were mistimed. With 10 minutes left a decision by the referree to award Broomhedge an indirect free in the box saw their forward draw the game level with a low shot past Blevins.

The game went into extra time but now the superior fitness of the Banbridge side was crucial as they created several chances one of which James Monteith converted to give him a goal on his senior debut.

Gourley then added his sides fifth before Broomhedge grabbed a late consolation but overall Rangers deserved to move into the next round. Next week Rangers have a home game against Oxford in the league.