Rangers in title showdown

BANBRIDGE Rangers will hope to another historic step in their short lifespan tonight when they face AFC Craigavon at Lakeview Park tonight.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd May 2010, 10:32 BST
Updated 3rd May 2010, 10:34 BST

Mid Ulster Intermediate B has gone right down to the wire this season with anyone of four teams still able to win the league in the month of May.

A 2-2 draw with Banbridge Rangers on Saturday past saw Hanover as the first of the four teams to be eliminated from contention with promotion also now out of their reach mathematically. Winning Intermediate A twice in the last ten years made Hanover automatic favorites at the start of the season with many people who may have underestimated the competitiveness of the league.

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Markethill Swifts still sit at the summit of Intermediate B on 46 points, finishing their league campaign six weeks ahead of their nearest rivals and have been waiting anxiously on results coming in with promotion secured if Banbridge Rangers fail to beat AFC Craigavon tonight.

AFC Craigavon will still be favorites to lift the league title even with defeat to Banbridge Rangers as they have two remaining games home and away to Broomhedge next week. If AFC Craigavon win both of these matches they will take top spot a point clear of the rest of the pack but by no means is the six points guaranteed against Broomhedge meaning a positive result will be another massive step towards taking the league title.

Geordie McCallister has managed to propel Banbridge Rangers to within touching distance of Intermediate B with the club only being formed less than five years ago. After a year competing in the Newcastle League Banbridge Rangers went to Mid Ulster winning Division 4 before making the switch to Intermediate football after the following season.

The young squad assembled at Banbridge Rangers have been involved in some thrilling matches this season with Chairman Richard McMinn and Captain Chris Loney providing the experience in the middle of the park.

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As the crowds flock to Craigavon tonight many neutrals will be saddened by the end of a thrilling season in Intermediate B which has been one of the most unpredictable leagues in Northern Ireland football.

Kick off is at 7pm tonight at Lakeview Park in Moylinn, Craigavon.