Survival battle swings Rangers' way

Rathfriland Rangers 2

ON Saturday past Rathfriland Rangers travelled to the Castlereagh Road in search of three vital points which would swing the hope of league survival in the Whites’ favour.

With the task clear the visitors started brightly and moved the ball well and through persistent pressure chances were being created.

Midway through the first half an excellent delivery from a corner by Groves was finished with a powerful header from Monaghan.

The goal gave the visitors the momentum and the lead was soon doubled when good approach play down the flanks saw the ball delivered into the box where Johnston turned neatly and finished coolly.

Rathfriland’s rear guard was kept alert by the pace of Civil’s attack who also brought the best out of keeper Cunningham on a couple of occasions. The visitors held out well to leave the half time score 2-0.

The second half saw the home side come out with more desire and determination to get back into the game. Civil dominated much of the possession and looked dangerous from set plays, while Rathfriland looked to the pace of Heslip and the craft of Mackin going the other way to find the third goal that would kill the game as a contest.

Civil got the life line they were looking for when the ref adjudged Gibbon’s attempt to get above his man as an infringement, the awarded penalty was coolly dispatched. This created a nervous final 15 minutes for the visitors where all bodies were called upon to keep shape and discipline.

The Whites held until the final whistle and deserved the hard fought three points. A win in the final game of the season away to Bryansburn will see remarkable escape to victory complete.