Defeat for Rangers in rearranged Cup tie

Banbridge Rangers 1

Banbridge Rangers played their rescheduled Intermediate Cup tie on Saturday and exited the competition with a surprisingly heavy defeat. The match was originally scheduled for the previous week but called off due to a waterlogged pitch. This caused some selection headaches for manager Andy Frazer as this date was called as a free Saturday in the league and over 30 senior players were unavailable but unfortunately there is no way to call a free week in the Intermediate Cup.

The pitch was very soft underfoot and cut up very badly within the opening few minutes under a heavy downpour and this didn’t bode well for the Rangers camp who are used to playing a passing game on a 3G surface. The Bangor based team were 2-0 up at half time despite both sides having an even share of chances throughout the first 45 minutes play with both McKnight and Wilton going close for Rangers.

In the second half Bryansburn caught Rangers out with an early goal but the Gers responded with Chris Chambers scoring a penalty just before the hour mark.

In the final five minutes Bryansburn scored twice to extend the scoreline to 6-1 and go through to Round 3 with a bye. This Saturday Banbridge Rangers play their first league game since the middle of August when they host Crewe United at Cheney Park. Kick Off is at 3.00pm with any donations at the gate supporting the annual Poppy Fund.