Scarva on top in feast of goals

Scarva Rangers 4

THE first ever clash between Scarva Rangers and Portadown Casuals produced a feast of goals.

The Division Two side deservedly emerged on top in last Wednesday night’s Marshall Cup tie but not before enduring a nervous finale.

Scarva made a barnstorming start, taking the lead with an immaculate sweeping move instigated by right back Stephen Morton, whose pass found Mo Brown in space in the centre of the park.

Brown’s incisive through ball released Wes Baird and his low cross was confidently fired home by Stephen Anderson.

Scarva’s Division Four opponents responded brightly to the setback and a sustained period of pressure yielded a deserved equaliser.

Rangers retook the lead against the run of play, when Stephen Anderson’s long throw in was flicked on by Brown and Gary Dodds reacted sharply to steer the ball into the Casuals net.

Once again the hosts bounced back, equalising for the second time in the game with a goal that was remarkably similar to their first.

But the see saw encounter swung back in Scarva’s direction. Mark Gracey’s cross was controlled by Gary Dodds and his intelligent pass fell at the feet of Stephen Anderson inside the penalty area.

The midfielder steadied himself and produced a composed low finish to claim his second goal of the game.

The hosts struck the crossbar before Rangers edged further ahead with another beautifully crafted goal.

Gary Dodds was the architect, with a perfect low cross that Wes Baird fired unerringly home from close range.

In terms of goals and goal chances the second half was a less entertaining spectacle. Early in the half Mark Gracey carried Scarva’s chief attacking threat, with a series of fine attempts on goal. Rod Douglas then headed narrowly wide of the target.

As the game ticked towards an uneventful end, the referee awarded the Portadown side a penalty for handball.

Scarva’s protests were in vain and the ensuing spot kick was converted to revive Casuals’ hopes of an upset.

By now Rangers were on the back foot and the hosts hit the crossbar before the final whistle heralded the visitors’ passage to the next round.

Best for Scarva were Stephen Anderson and Wes Baird.