Scarva lose out in nine goal thriller

The hosts went into the third round tie as firm favourites, a tag they more than justified by carving out an early two goal lead.

Rangers reduced the arrears when Jason McClelland embarked on a purposeful run out of defence and sent a ball over the top for Gregory Douglas to latch on to.

Douglas sped clear of the home defence and slotted his shot past the Bessbrook keeper.

United restored their two goal cushion with a long range effort but Rangers quickly narrowed the deficit to a single goal.

Jones forced a corner after a penetrating run. Greg Douglas’ inviting cross was headed home by William Morrison.

At the other end Stuart Wilson made an outstanding save but the ball fell kindly to a Bessbrook player who fired home to leave his side leading 4-2 at half-time.

This was a resilient Rangers display and once again they narrowed the home side’s lead.

Greg Douglas took the free kick and Sam Boyd headed goalwards.

The defender cleared the ball straight to Boyd and he smashed it into the Bessbrook net.

Another Douglas set piece paved the way for a Scarva equaliser; this time the goalkeeper couldn’t hold on to the ball and Boyd poked it home from close range.

Wilson in the Scarva goal made two superb saves as Bessbrook pressed forward in a bid to restore their lead.

Wilson made another top class save but the pressure eventually told and the hosts scored for a fifth time in the tie.

Greg Douglas unleashed a dangerous long range strike but the home keeper pushed it around his post to safety.