Rathfriland U16’s show spirit with super comeback to earn win

Lisburn Rangers U16 2
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Football update

Rathfriland Youth U16 3

Rathfriland’s U16’s beat the weather and their opponents on Saturday as they came from 2-0 down to beat Lisburn Rangers 3-2 in the first round of the NIBFA Cup.

Things appeared to be going wrong early on with a couple of defensive lapses seeing the hosts open up a two goal lead within ten minutes.

Credit to the Whites as they didn’t let their heads go down and they were rewarded for their efforts when a ball over the top was flicked on for Daniel Bailie to pull a goal back before the break.

The second half was a different affair to the first with Jack Lennon, Shea Byrne, Sean Lennon, Ethan McDonald controlling the midfield and with 55 minutes on the clock, Bailie again latched onto a through ball to level the scores at 2-2.

With this goal came the belief that a shock could be on the cards and five minutes later, Shea Byrne broke clear and coolly slotted into the corner to put Rathfriland in front for the first time.

Trouble appeared to be on the cards when Oisin Toner was dismissed for a second bookable offence but it was soon ten against ten when a Rangers player got his marching orders with a straight red. The fresh legs of Stephen Bingham and Patrick Winters frustrated the hosts even further with Byrne missing a great chance to make the win even more comfortable.

A delighted coach Conor Fitzpatrick said, “I was so proud of the lads. They have great spirit and fight and were rewarded for it.”