Adair's Rangers suffer a harsh cup exit

Rathfriland Rangers 1

Tandragee Rovers 2

RATHFRILAND entertained local Mid Ulster rivals Tandragee Rovers in the first round of the JJB Irish Cup on Saturday.

The game started at a high tempo and never really let up throughout. It was the away side that took an early advantage when former Portadown player Craig Davidson his a thunderous free kick into the bottom corner.

Rathfriland then took charge of this tough encounter with Sterittt, Black and Evans all going close. In fact it was bit of magic from Evans on the wing when he cut inside beating two players and played a delightful one two with Sterritt before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.

However, Rovers always look dangerous on the counter attack. Shortly before half time a long through ball by Rovers centre back should have been cleared by Groves, instead a short back pass was intercepted by the centre forward and he coolly took the ball around Rippon and slot into an empty net.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with Rathfriland continuing to press forward in search of an equaliser and Rovers content on soaking up the pressure and looking for counter attack in search of a third.

Rathfriland played most of the second period in the Rovers half with Evans, Sterritt and substitute Mackin all having good chances to equalise.

To Rovers' credit they defended very well throughout the 90 minutes and Rathfriland were left to rue their missed chances when on another day the scoreline would have been much different.

Rathfriland travel to Premier League contenders Kilmore Rec on Saturday in the second round of the Border Cup.