Reserves on top in eventful match

Banbridge Rangers Reserves 4

Donacloney Reserves 1

BANBRIDGE Rangers Reserves played Donacloney Reserves at the Tech on Tuesday night in an eventful match after gaining promotion last week with five matches to spare.

Several changes were made throughout the squad with Jonathan Wilson, James Beck and Bradley Hughes getting a game as well as John McCahon who made his return from injury.

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The corresponding fixture two weeks ago saw the Banbridge side leave Donacloney with all three points after a hard fought 3-1 victory.

The game got off to a lively start with Banbridge Rangers centre midfielder Richard Adamson rising highest to head home from a corner after only five minutes. Adamson brought the crowd to life with his Robot celebration giving Kyle Lafferty a run for his money.

Banbridge Rangers continued to probe for another opening throughout the half but Donacloney threw themselves at everything. Dan Thornton put the ball in the back of the net on 35 minutes but the referee ruled for an infringement when the away keeper spilled the ball.

At the interval Banbridge Rangers were only one goal to the good but should have been more in front with Wilson, Thornton and Hughes all having chances thwarted.

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The second half was only three minutes old when Jonathan Wilson was caught in a late challenge by the Donacloney left back. The referee gave the offender his marching orders and the game was delayed for several minutes as Wilson was taken to hospital with a suspected dislocated shoulder.

With 10 men Donacloney started to play better football and 10 minutes into the half snatched an unlikely equaliser after the substitute finished calmly after being put through from a fortunate ricochet from the high Rangers backline.

Banbridge Rangers went on the attack immediately with Wayne McAllister and John McCahon adding to the front line. Bradley Hughes regained the lead for the home side after smashing a half volley in from the edge of the area midway through the half.

With Banbridge Rangers back in the driving seat it wasn't long before more chances arrived with the Cloney keeper looking as though he palming the ball outside the area when Neil Wilson was left with an open net. John McCahon slotted the resultant free kick under the wall and keeper to double Banbridge Rangers advantage.

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The fourth goal arrived when James Beck found the top corner with a well placed shot after gaining a free yard inside the Donacloney area.

Banbridge Rangers continued to press for more goals but in the end it finished 4-1, sealing the 17th win in a row.

Rangers Reserves’ next game was a Friday night game in Armagh against mid table Lisanally Rangers.

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