Rathfriland takes the challenge
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
Rathfriland Rangers ...3.
Downshire ...2.
RATHFRILAND Rangers hosted local rivals Downshire Young Men on Saturday, knowing that nothing less than a win was required to keep their title challenge alive.
It was the local's first league game since mid November and a game played in difficult conditions saw leading marksman Wilson edge it for Rathfriland.
Rathfriland made the worst possible start, with barely seconds gone they found themselves 1 nil down as winger Graham stole in the blind side to score pass Wilton.
As the half progressed, Rathfriland were starting to put together some decent passages of play with Coulter and Wilson at the heart of everything good the locals produced.
Rathfriland deservedly got back on level terms through Wilson when he coolly slotted the ball into the corner of the net.
The momentum of the game suddenly changed in favour of Rathfriland as the locals started to dominate the play.
Henry and Ward were starting to control midfield, with good support from Evans and Beck on the flanks. Excellent approach play down the right wing involving Gibbons and Evans saw the latter play an excellent ball into Wilson in the box.
Wilson's first touch allowed him to rolled the big centre half before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.
They say football can be a funny old game.
Wilton who had been a spectator since the opening seconds of the game was soon picking the ball out of his net, as Porter rose above Marks to nod into the corner of the net.
Half time 2-2.
As the rain clouds gather over Iveagh Park at half time the question on everybody's mind was would both teams come out for the second half.
To the delight of the home support referee Jess felt that both the pitch and the game would be played to a conclusion.
The second half, Rathfriland seemed to be more comfortable dealing with the difficult playing surface. Beck and Wilson almost increased Rathfriland lead in the opening minutes but were denied by fine saves by the visiting keeper.
However, Wilson was not to be thwarted for too long when the same two players combined from Rathfriland's deserved winner.
Beck picked the ball up from Henry on the left flank and burst into the penalty box.
Just as he was about to shoot the full back took his legs from under him.
Up stepped Wilson to blast the resultant penalty into the corner of the net for a fine hat trick.
As conditions deteriorated there were very few further chances for both teams and the game got a bit feisty in the middle of the park as both teams knew how crucial the result could be today.
There were no more alarm bells and Rathfriland held out for a well deserved win.
It was a very good all round team performance and another three important points.
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