Swiftly does it as inaugural season gets off to a flier

Moneyslane Thirds 2

BANBRIDGE Rangers Swifts continued their impressive build up to their inaugural season with another win over Moneyslane thirds at Dromore Leisure Centre on Saturday past.

Robbie Baird's side had the better of the first half with Brian Dobbin and Neil Wilson linking well up front from the first minute. This was Wilson's first game since April and showed no signs of rust with some neat touches before opening the scoring with a trademark strike inside the area.

Banbridge Rangers Swifts midfield was on top in the opening period with Stuart Cairns and Stephen Copes excelling on both wings with both deliveries and efforts on goal.

Richie Baird supported play maker Matthew Gribben in the centre who was looking to supply the front two with his incisive passing.

Banbridge Rangers scored twice more with Neil Wilson doubling his tally before Stuart Cairns deflected effort bounced fortuitously over the Moneyslane keeper.

Rangers Swifts went in at the break 3-0 to the good but could have added to the tally but efforts from Dobbin and Wilson were thwarted by the Moneyslane rear.

The second half got off to a dubious start with a converted penalty for Moneyslane before a second goal was added despite strong calls for an offside decision. Trevor McMinn and John Thompson were brought for Copes and Dobbin with Thompson playing the lone striker role for a while with Wilson operating on the right hand side.

Wayne McCallister was introduced on the left for Banbridge Rangers Swifts with Paul Dobbin then replacing Richie Baird in the centre of midfield. Chances for both sides were becoming less clear cut as the half continued with John Thompson having the best opportunity midway through the half.

Thompson had read the exquisite pass from McMinn which dropped six yards out between the keeper and centre half but Thompson's effort was thwarted by the onrushing keeper.

Ian Beattie and Stuart Cairns were two of Rangers' best players on the day alongside Wilson who scored a fine brace.

Both sides played out the remainder of the game with no further goals and will have to meet again in the Newcastle League Division tWO during the season with Rangers Swifts deserving of the win on this occasion.