Bangor Rangers 2 - 1 Grange Rangers
On Saturday Bangor Rangers played the first of their back-to-back games against Grange Rangers.
Rangers started the game brightly and dominated the early exchanges. John Maxwell was through on goal early on but hit his shot wide of the upright.
Rangers continued to make chances and were rewarded when Jonathan Busby latched on to a loose ball in the box and fired it into the net.
After this Rangers work rate decreased and this allowed Grange to dominate the proceedings, picking up every loose ball and creating space in the final third. On 40 minutes Grange equalised when the centre forward met a cross from the right and directed it into the bottom corner. Half-time 1-1.
After some words at half-time Rangers began the second half in determined mood and forced Grange keeper into a couple of fine saves; one of these resulted in the keeper sustaining an injury which forced him to leave the field.
As the game wore on it got stretched with both teams going all out for the win. On 60 minutes a pass from Neil Bowater was met by Busby but his effort came back off the inside of the post to safety.
Rangers took the lead on 80 minutes when after great work from Keith McCready, winning a 40/60 tackle in midfield, he released Jamie Rice who lift the ball over the advancing keeper and into the net.
Grange pushed forward in an attempt to get an equaliser. They had a header which flashed wide and a free kick which was well held by goalkeeper Cooke. Rangers held out for the victory and the 2 points. Final score 2-1 to Bangor Rangers.
Team: Cooke, McCready, Beckett, Newberry (Capt), Willis, Smith (Mitchell, 46 mins), Busby (Scott, 65 mins), Mayne, Bowater (Ferris, 78 mins), Rice, Maxwell
