09/06/2023
Congratulations Rathfriland Football Club players, coaches, officials and supporters. An incredible achievement. Best wishes for the new season in new environs. Exciting times for the Club and the town as a whole.
PREMIER INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE – HERE WE COME!
OXFORD SUNNYSIDE 1 RANGERS 2
Rathfriland Rangers travelled to Knockramer Park, Lurgan on Thursday evening to play Mid Ulster Intermediate A team Oxford Sunnyside in the three team round robin NIFL play off which also includes Coagh Utd whom Rathfriland defeated 3 – 0 in their first game the previous week.
Not much separated the two teams in the first 15 minutes until Rangers midfielder Jordan Hayes got the pulses racing when he rattled a 25 yard rising shot off the face of the Oxford upright.
Ruairi Fitzpatrick looked lively as he danced and weaved his way through the Sunnyside rearguard with Matty Holloway and Andy Kilmartin giving a steely feel to the central midfield area of the pitch.
The visitors took the lead on the half hour mark when Fitzpatrick released Lee Newell and the big centre forward curled an impeccable angled 18 yard shot over the `keeper high into the net to make it 1 – 0 and send the large contingent of Rathfriland supporters into raptures.
Five minutes later Fitzpatrick fizzed a low 20 yard left foot shot which clipped the post and just crossed the line to double the score however the home side almost pulled one back when a well flighted free kick cleared everyone with the Oxford strikeforce sliding in at the back post but failing to get the all important touch.
In the second period the impressive Mid Ulster outfit battled hard and at times put it up to Rathfriland and got their just reward with a 20 yard shot which deceived both Rathfriland `keeper McMullan and the central rearguard.
There were further half chances at both ends couple with a sprinkling of yellow cards but in the end “The Whites” got over the line with six points from six in the play offs surely confirming that Rathfriland have got their on merit.
What a fantastic night for the club and one which all the players, officials, committee, supporters and sponsors can be rightly proud of!
TEAM: Bryan McMullan, Danny Devlin, Harry Campbell, Dalton Tate, Ross Black, Jordan Hayes, Ruairi Fitzpatrick, Andrew Kilmartin, Lee Newell, Matty Holloway, Jack Chambers. Subs: Ryan Leetch, Johnny Black, Jesse Carson, James Sergeant, Nigel Prentice, Andy Wilson, Ally Wilson.
