McDowell's young side see off Grange

This Division 3 local derby was played at Threemilewater Park where Rangers finished with only ten men following the dismissal of Danny McFall.

With McFall and James Brown dominant in midfield, Rangers were first to show and they eventually forged ahead through Brown, who netted from close range after new signing John Crooks had beaten two defenders before crossing in to the box.

This reverse urged Roy McDowell's lads to step up the pace, and they levelled the scores with a 35th minute Sammy Duff penalty awarded after Johnny Heaslip hacked down David Higgins in the box.

Moments later the lead changed hands when James McCabe was gifted a score following a mix-up between Alan Blackwell and stand-in keeper Derek McComb.

Just before the interval Rangers fell further behind when a flowing move involving Duff, McCabe and Higgins resulted in Robert Newman beating McComb with a firm finish.

The Youth XI bossed the scoreless second session with their best scoring efforts coming from Robert McDowell, Ryan Rea, Gareth Woods and Higgins, but Rangers defence held out to keep the score at 3-1.

Rangers' Man of the Match award went to goalkeeper Derek McComb, while the Ballynure winner was impressive midfielder Gareth Woods.

Commenting Rangers player/manager Wayne Lewis said: "Ballynure were deserved winners today. Roy McDowell has a talented squad of promising young players several of whom will surely be knocking on the door for promotion to the senior team sooner rather than later. We wish them well in their quest for promotion."

Grange Rangers II: McComb, McClymont, Heaslip, Lewis, Blackwell (C); Dyer, Brown, McFall, Crooks Campbell; Cromie. Subs: Moreland, Mayne, McDonald.

Ballynure Youth XI panel sponsored by Arlene's Barber Shop: Davis, Dykes, McDowell, Rea, Duff, Woods, Stewart, Henry, McCabe, McMinn, Graham, Armstrong, Barry, Newman, Higgins.

The Grange senior side was knocked out of the Clarence Cup by Crumlin Star who won 4-0.