GLEBE BEAT THE DROP

A 2-1 victory over fellow relegation strugglers Coagh United at the Riada Stadium capped off a remarkable end of season turn around from Glebe who seemed destined for the drop just weeks ago.

With Glebe in apparent free-fall back then, low in confidence and with little light at the end of the tunnel, the club appeared to be deemed to plying its trade in the third tier of Irish League football next season.

With just seven points from 14 games, the writing - it was claimed in many quarters - was on the wall for one of the Province's youngest clubs.

The club hit rock bottom with a humiliating 8-1 home defeat to Donegal Celtic in January, prompting a parting of ways between the Glebe committee and former management team.

Gareth Scott (left) was given the task of salvaging some pride in the shirt - and didn't he just.

A formidable run saw Glebe take 20 points in 12 games, including five wins and five draws.

Famed throughout local football for his enthusiastic approach and meticulous attention to detail, Scott - along with his coaching staff - rejuvenated Glebe and got the just desserts their tireless efforts deserved during the local side's run-in.

Speaking to Times Sport on Monday though, Scott insisted the lion's share of the plaudits belonged to the players and staff.

"They really are the resurrection men," said Scott.

"And to finish 10th is a magnificent achievement.

"It was certainly the biggest day in the club's short history.

"They have been overcoming obstacles every week and it is absolutely fairytale stuff.

"They picked up 20 points in two months and you have to give full credit to the group for that.

"Everything at Glebe Rangers is geared towards success, it is a fantastic club."

Glebe went 1-0 down to the visitors early in the first half on Saturday, Stuart Dallas knocking the ball past Brian Kane in the Rangers goal.

But a wonderfully worked Parkhill goal on the eve of half-time levelled things up for the hosts.

Parkhill - who worked tirelessly throughout the game - wasn't finished there though and sent the home supporters crazy when he coolly slotted home from the spot in the second half.

Despite being reduced to ten men for the latter stages, Glebe held on for an historic win.

"At 1-0 down we keep faith in our system," said Scott.

"We trusted each other to get through the situation, and did so.

"We got a deserved equaliser before half-time and in the second half there was no question, we were the better team.

"As well as the penalty we did get I felt there were two other stone-wall penalties turned down.

"That left it tight and nervy for onlookers and supporters but not for myself.

"The Armagh game proved a great learning curve. On Saturday we didn't make the same mistakes under pressure as we did that day and were well disciplined.

"We won a penalty in the second half and once again Trevor Parkhill was one of the men stepping up in that situation.

"Having said that there were a number of others on the pitch who would have been confident of dispatching it, including Brian Kane.

"Trevor's goals have made a big, big difference for us."

Scott added: "We will enjoy the moment, but we will do so with humility.

"This is a tough, tough level and as a group you are either good enough or you aren't.

"I think we have proved beyond doubt we are more than capable to compete at this level.

"My thanks go to everyone at the club who made the impossible possible."

* Glebe Rangers wish to pass on their condolences to player Adam McCart and his family following the death of his grandmother at the weekend.