Tullygally win in penultimate game for Rangers

Banbridge Rangers Reserves 1

BANBRIDGE Rangers Reserves penultimate game of the season was played at Kernan Playing Fields against Reserve Division Three winners Tullygally Reserves.

This was a significantly better match than the corresponding fixture at the start of the season when newly formed Tullygally overpowered Banbridge Rangers at the Tech.

The first half started at high tempo with both sides showing an attacking display of football that has seen both these teams score 89 and 90 goals respectively so far this term.

In an even first period both sides threatened going forward with Tullygally getting the opening goal of the game under somewhat disputed circumstances. The Tullygally shot hit off the inside off the upright with the referee awarding the goal after judging that the whole of the ball had crossed the line before it was cleared.

Banbridge Rangers had several half chances before Tullygally went close again five minutes from the half with a free kick that was well saved by the Rangers keeper.

The second half belonged to both keepers with Banbridge Rangers denying Tullygally from another free kick before the opposition keeper used his feet to block a couple of efforts on target.

The momentum of the away team was lost somewhat after Chris Chambers had to be replaced in centre midfield with the Tullygally centre midfielder able to stamp his authority on the game. Tullygally extended their lead shortly after when their centre half rose highest at a corner to head home and double the advantage.

Banbridge Rangers Reserves felt aggrieved at not being awarded a penalty kick three minutes later but Wayne McAllister stepped up to slot home for the second time this week to bring the score back to 2-1 with almost ten minutes remaining of the match.

Tullygally held on for the remaining minutes to lift the league table and start the celebrations before both these sides head to Reserve Division two next season.

Banbridge Rangers Reserves last match of the season is away to Craigavon City this Thursday night with kick off at 7pm.