Rangers ease past Blackersmill in cup

Blackersmill 1

RATHFRILAND drew Blackersmill in the first round of the Bob Radcliffe Cup.

Their opponents currently play in the top league of the Mid Ulster League, however Rathfriland were hoping this game would be a confidence booster with a positive high score line.

The game started brightly for the home side and they created a few early chances through Wilson and Newell up top.

Rathfriland’s back four were also kept busy in the early stages, however they dealt with all that came their way.

It was also clear in the early stages that the referee was going to have a large part to play in the game after making a few contentious decides. However one of his decisions came in the favour of the home side in the 15th minute when Newell was bundled down in the box and the ref pointed to the spot. Evans stood up confidently and slotted the pasted the visiting keeper.

The home crowd hoped that the first goal would lead to many more, however this wasn’t so before half time.

Both teams came out in the second have with the idea that there was a game to win. Rathfriland knew the victory was not sealed and Blackersmill showed they had the belief they could still take a win.

The visiting side pressed hard and made Rippen in goals to do his best to keep the score line the way it stood.

Rice extended Rathfriland’s lead on the hour mark when he broke up the left side and lobbed the keeper from the tightest of angles, an excellent goal from the left back.

Wilson got the goal he deserved when he received a throw in just inside the box and he turned his marker and rifled the ball past the helpless keeper.

Blackersmill grabbed one back at the death to prevent a clean sheet. It was an average performance from the home side. More will be expected to progress in the league campaign.