Kilroot prove a point against Lynn’s Rangers

It was the first league goal the Magheramorne side had conceded since mid-August, bringing to an end their run of four consecutive clean sheets.

“We were well worth a draw and we could have nicked it at the end when Jamie Wright blasted one over the bar from just a few yards out,” said Mervyn Smyth. “Other teams will be starting to sit up and take notice – and I firmly believe that if we can get a full side out, we’re a match for many’s a team in this Division!”

Newington manager Geordie Lynn agreed: “I’ll take my hat off to Kilroot. If they play like that for the rest of the season, they won’t struggle. They were a credit to themselves and they could have won it in the end, but we just weren’t at the races.”

Neil Hodge’s spectacular strike gave Rangers an 11th-minute lead but back came Kilroot 10 minutes from the break, when Darren McKinty lofted the ball through for Wright to race throughand level.

OnSaturday, for Kilroot, it’s another derby, away to Mossley FC, while Newington travel to Groomsport.

Grange Rangers were idle at the weekend, but Bushmills United will be the visitors to Foundry Lane on Saturday for an IFA Junior Cup first-round tie.

Following the resignation of first-team manager Paul McAllister, applications are invited for a successor. Anyone interested should contact Rangers chairman, Ivan Higgins (07989697304).