Swifts lose out at home to Downpatrick

Downpatrick Celtic Reserves 5

RANGERS Swifts played their second match of the season with a home tie against Downpatrick Celtic Reserves at Dromore Leisure Centre.

After five minutes it was clear that it was going to be an open match with Downpatrick taking the lead after only five minutes heading in from a cross down the right hand side.

The response from Rangers swifts was positive with Matthew Gribben dancing his way through the Celtic defence before smashing home an equaliser.

The joy was short lived when Downpatrick scored a carbon copy of their first only this time the goal was headed in after a cross from the left hand side.

A third headed goal was put past the Rangers side who could have reduced the deficit with Stuart Cairns and Stephen Copes both having chances before Colin Grays penalty was saved just before the interval.

The second half started brightly for swifts who had the better of the play in the opening 15 minutes of the half with Stephen Copes showing great technique to finish after being put in one on one with the keeper by Paul McCrum.

Banbridge Rangers went for the equaliser but conceeded on the break and a fifth followed soon after for the Downpatrick Celtic team.

The Banbridge side did get another goal back with 10 minutes remaining of the game when David Rogers fired home a rebounded effort from a corner.

Rangers Swifts continued to push for a way back into the match with Ally McMinn having a chance at the back post before Wayne McAllister had two long range efforts well saved bt the Celtic keeper.

The matches for Banbridge Rangers Swifts are proving to be of great experience to the young players at the club coming through with Kyle Sergeant and Stephen Copes showing promise with their performances on Saturday. This week is an away encounter in Comber against Saintfield AYC Reserves.