Whites pick up the points in a competitive match

Ballynahinch got off to a positive start and went close on a couple of occasions but then the visitors took the lead on 15 minutes when Ryan Evans fired in an angled shot from the edge of the 18 yard box.

Ciaran Feehan then had the ball in the net from close range to make it 2–0 but the referee disallowed it ruling the goal offside.

Rathfriland then did go 2–0 ahead when they were awarded a penalty which Ally Wilson crashed down the middle.

The remainder of the half was dominated by Rathfriland but the scoreline at the break had Rathfriland still clear by the two goals.

On the restart the game got more competitive and as the match progressed it threatened to boil over with the referee reaching for his pocket on more than one occasion.

The defence of Coulter, Munn, Allister and Paul Evans coupled with `keeper Harriosn were on top of their game to thwart the Ballynahinch attack.

Scott Ward kept the number eight at bay but the referee eventually had enough of the bad tackles with a scythe on Kevin Henry signalling a red card for the Ballynahinch midfielder.

Some strange refereeing decisions only fuelled the game with Rathfriland player picking up a yellow as well.

In the end Rathfriland secured the points and were pleased to leave the team who have been unbeaten in the league this season with the job done.

TEAM: Shane Harrison, Stevie Coulter, Paul Evans, Decky Allister, Stevie Munn, Scott Ward, Kevin Henry, Ryan Evans, Ciaran Feehan, Ally Wilson, Ally Beck. Subs: Paul Gibbons, Andrew Bell, Glenn Waddell.