Grange Rangers get off to a flyer against Eagles

Following relegation, both teams are hoping to bounce straight back up again, but it was Rangers who got off to a flyer when left-back Donnelly opened the scoring in the second minute with a header from a King corner.

Eagles responded with a series of attacks, but were unable to get the ball past Mark Deegan who pulled off several fine saves.

On the half-hour King doubled the lead when he tapped in to the net after Leite’s initial effort had been blocked by the keeper.

Thompson made it 3-0 in the 70th minute following a solo run, before Keith Boyle set it up for Leite to complete the rout in added time.

“A clean sheet and four goals in the first match of the season is very pleasing, so let’s hope this form continues this weekend in the local derby with 4th Newtownabbey at Sixmile Leisure Centre,” said Rangers manager Stephen King.

Grange Rangers: Deegan; Johnston, McFaul, Gault, Donnelly; Thompson, Cooper (C), White, Murphy; King, Leite. Subs: Gregg, Boyle, McCoy.