U16s held in Sunnyside stalemate

Sunnyside U16s 0

BANBRIDGE Rangers U16s entertained Sunnyside in a Mid Ulster League game on Saturday morning past at the Tech.

The Rangers boys were in confident mood going into the match despite being down seven regular players but were subsidised by some of the club’s U15 players.

The opening chances all fell to the home side with Nathan Copes and Ryan Burns trying to close down any openings in the Sunnyside back four. The home side went close with Jason Gibson and Matthew Black missing clear cut chances but didn’t test the keeper on either occasion.

As the half wore on the game was played more in the air with both sides unable to put any series of passes together to the detriment of the large turnout of supporters.

Sunnyside rarely threatened the Rangers backline with Mark Baird and Ben McElderry missing nothing in front of keeper Mark Winter. As the half drew to a close Rangers rued their lack of composure in front of goal with Sunnyside happy to go in at the break level with no goals on the board.

The second half mirrored the first with the home side unable to break the deadlock but had more possession and territory. Timmy Topping was introduced for Gibbons on the left hand side and immediately made an impact on the game with his direct running and crosses that put Rangers on the front foot.

Topping almost opened the scoring when a speculative cross hit the upright from 30 yards out with the rebound falling to an away shirt. The introduction of Jordan Boyd also nearly paid dividends when he headed over from three yards out after meeting one of Baird’s long throws.

With Rangers being untroubled at the back they went with three up front but failed to test the Sunnyside keeper after being in good positions. Rangers had several corners which caused threat but it was one of them days where both sides could have played into the afternoon with no break in the deadlock.

In stoppage time Nathan Copes was put free on goal and played in Jason Gibson to secure all three points but was ruled offside. This Saturday the U16s travel to Armagh to face Kesh in their next League outing.