Gilford start as they mean to go on

Banbridge Rangers U16s 0

GILFORD started this local derby well and things only got better from there on.

The first goal could have gone to any of the side’s only for some great defending and goalkeeping of the highest standard.

Gilford’s two centre backs, Joe McDermot and Matthew Kennedy, the side’s captain, were solid for the full match with Rangers limited to shots from range which took some good saves from the Gilford stopper to keep them at bay.

Their two full backs Lenny and Neil Toner terrorised the Rangers defence with some surging runs down the flanks.

This was indeed the route to Gilford’s opening goal with a great through ball from Lenny to into the path of the Gilford striker Connor Magee who finished superbly slotting the ball home passed the helpless Rangers keeper.

Gilford had a number of chances on goal due to the great work from the midfield quintet of Davy Arlow, Mick Hoy, Mark McInerney, Kevin Harbison and Philip O’Neil. They worked tirelessly in attack and also in defence giving great cover in front of the back four.

Connor Magee might of doubled his and Gilford’s tally only for some good saves from the Rangers keeper the first half ended with Gilford one up and in control.

The second half started with Rangers searching for the goal that might get them level and back into the game unfortunately this was their undoing as Gilford broke away and with an outstanding shot from 25 yards Neil Toner drilled the ball passed the keeper and made it 2-0 to Gilford. This was his first goal for Gilford.

After these Rangers heads had dropped and the game ended 2-0 to the travelling side.