Defeat is Ard to take for Rathfern

RATHFERN Rangers tumble out of the Clarence Cup, losing after extra time at the Diamond to newly-crowned Division 1C champions Ardglass.

Rangers boss Ryan McCartney wasn't too disappointed, suggesting: "Ardglass are a good side. They've a few players who've been at a higher level, and they'd more than hold their own in 1A. But we've got bigger fish to fry next week, away to Sirocco Works in the league."

Ardglass sought to have made the breakthrough when keeper Neil Lovell clipped a forward inside the box – though quickly redeeming himself by superbly saving the resultant penalty. Instead, it was Rathfern who forged ahead, thanks to Gary Weir's diving header, from a McBride cross.

Ardglass came out strongly after the break, thumping a 30 yarder against the crossbar, while Lovell did well to tip another shot from similar range onto the bar.

With the minutes ticking away, Rangers looked as though they were going to hold on – until Ardglass grabbed a deserved equaliser just five minutes from time.

The Co Down side inched ahead for the first time, catching Rathfern out in the first minute of the first period of extra time, and then repeating the dose in the opening minute of the second session.

Rangers were given some hope when Mark McKay was hauled down inside the box; David McCrea marking his return from injury by slamming home the resultant penalty, for his first goal of the season.

However, those hopes were soon extinguished when keeper Lovell made a rare error, fumbling a harmless enough looking free kick into his own net.

On Saturday, Rathfern travel to Wilgar Park to meet Sirocco Works in the league.

Rathfern Rangers: N Lovell – D McBride, G Lovell, Dodds (Kane), Crawford – McCleary, Gardiner, McCrea – Weir (Craig), Andrews (McKay), Moore.

Comprehensive local football coverage in this week's Newtownabbey Times. Available in shops now.