Every game's vital now for Rangers

Broomhedge 1

Banbridge Rangers 3

WITH only six games remaining in the league campaign every game is almost a now deemed a must win for Geordie McCallister’s Banbridge Rangers.

After easing past their counterparts by eight goals to one a few weeks ago this on paper was three points for the taking but football is never that easy and with Broomhedge having an advantage on their own home surface it was always going to be a tougher game than that witnessed on the 3G of Cheney park.

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Ryan Gregg made his first start at right back after doing well as a substitute last week and Cousins was switched into a central midfield role. Apart from this it was a familiar looking Gers team who started brightly and on a difficult surface tried as best they could to play football and keep possession.

The opening goal game courtesy of a Chris Loney cross which was side footed into his own net by Broomhedge’s centre back. Within five minutes the home side had drawn level when their right winger evaded tackles from Frazer and Cousins before his whipped cross was volleyed home at the back post.

This gave the home side a lift and the game now became more competitive but just before the interval Gourley grabbed his sides second when he was quickest to react to a second ball inside the box.

Within minutes it should have been three as Chambers played in Frazer down the left channel and his cross was met by Gourley who somehow sent wide with the goal at his mercy. The second period opened with a few rash challenges but the referree had full control and tried as best he could to allow flow of the game.

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McCahon was introduced to the left flank for Hughes and eventually Gourley sealed the game when he grabbed his second and Rangers third goal on the hour mark. McMinn was also introduced for Loney to settle the game in midfield and Rangers could have went further in front only for Chambers to see his free kick well saved and Ward having an effort go just wide as the visitors now stepped up the tempo.

Broomhedge had a few late chances but Craig Anderson in goal was in fine form and Rangers ran out deserved winners and picked up a valuable three points as they kept the momentum going for their title assault.

Banbridge Rangers have no fixture for this coming Saturday and can concentrate on their upcoming Wilson Cup semi final tie away to Hanover on Saturday April 3.