Touchline Talk from Rathfriland FC

this will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm. Please note all players are to be on the pitch for 7pm. All new and existing players welcome.

FRIENDLIES - RANGERS: Tuesday July 20, 7pm, Loughgall (Iveagh Park); Saturday July 24, 2.30pm, Coleraine Reserves (Coleraine Showgrounds); Tuesday July 27, 7.45pm, Newry City (Newry Showgrounds); Saturday July 31, 2.30pm, Glenavon (Iveagh Park); Tuesday August 3, 7.15pm, Portadown, Iveagh Park; Thursday August 5, 7pm, Bessbrook (Iveagh Park); Saturday August 7, 2pm, Lower Maze (Iveagh Park); Tuesday August 10, 7pm, Ballyvange FC (Iveagh Park).

SWIFTS: Saturday July 31, 2pm, Valley Rangers II FC (Ingram Park); Wednesday August 4, 7.15pm, Ballyvea, Iveagh Park; Saturday August 7, 2pm, Darkley FC (Ingram Park); Tuesday August 10, 7.15pm, Banbridge Town Reserves (Ingram Park).

SWIFTS 1 ANNALONG FC 2 - Rathfriland Swifts hosted their first friendly of the season on Wednesday last with the game ending 2–1 to the visitors.

This was a tight match with the home side taking an early lead when Philip Johnston crossed for Michael Morgan to slot home. Annalong had chances and eventually equalised when they broke through to score at the second attempt to make the score 1–1.

In the second half a free kick rebounded off the wall and the same player struck it to curl inside the post to make it 2–1 to the visitors. Overall a good workout for both teams to kick off the 2010 friendlies.

SWIFTS 2 BANBRIDGE RANGERS 5 - Rathfriland Swifts hosted Banbridge Rangers at Ingram Park in a friendly with the game finishing 5–2 to the visitors.

Banbridge took the lead on 10 minutes while Rathfriland equalised through Philip Johnston. The visitors then took the lead when uncertainty in the Rathfriland rearguard allowed a second and third goal to be conceded.

In the second half Banbridge scored a fourth after more Rathfriland mistakes while Niall Maginn pulled one back to make it 4–2. On the blow of the final whistle Rangers scored a fifth to leave the final score at 5–2 to the visitors.

MILESTONE FOR RATHFRILAND FC! - Rathfriland FC are delighted to announce a new association and main sponsor in a two year deal with The Milestone Service Station, Rathfriland.

The committee sincerely thank owner Tom McAvoy for his generosity and support from the Newry Street business and look forward to a partnership in sport and business.

Exciting times are ahead on the pitch with this sponsorship adding to what hopefully will be a positive time for both club and business. Rathfriland FC and The Milestone Service Station – the perfect match.

CONGRATULATIONS! - Congratulations from all at Rathfriland FC to Rathfriland player Ryan Monaghan on his recent engagement to his partner Roisin. Monk, as he is affectionately known, popped the big question last weekend – I thought pre season was all about football!

SWIFTS 1 WARRENPOINT TOWN II`S 2 - Rathfriland Swifts hosted Warrenpoint Town II`s on Thursday night last and despite an excellent performance lost out 2–1.

Warrenpoint took the lead on ten minutes when some confusion on the ede of the six yard box allowed their number nine to poke home. Rathfriland soon equalised after a super through ball by Keith Megaw to Micky Morgan resulted in the latter cleverly firing past the visiting keeper.

From this point to the end of the half Rathfriland were the better team and could have went further ahead.

In the second half the Swifts continued a great performance with Adrian Megaw, David Gilmore and Micky Morgan all going close although Brian Magennis did clear off the line for the home side.

With five minutes remaining Warrenpoint sneaked a winner when a slip by the home goalkeeper allowed the number 15 to tap into the net.

Overall a super performance by the Swifts with every player playing really well in a super team performance and a great workout to continue their pre – season campaign.

IN COMMITTEE! - The July committee meeting will take place on Tuesday July 20 at 7.30pm at the clubrooms.