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Awards 2010-2011


Our annual awards were presented following our successful Race Night fundraiser in O'Neill's Bar on Saturday, May 21. Well done to the deserving winners. 
Our teams, season 2010-2011

No cup consolation for Rangers sides

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St Joseph's ended our First Division Cup hopes by inflicting a 2-0 defeat at The Orchard on Friday evening (May 13).
A poor performance by Rangers saw us create nothing until the closing stages, by which time we were a goal down, conceded just before half-time. 
The visitors struck again inside the last 10 minutes to seal the result and end our season.
On Saturday (May 14) away to Piltown our Second Division side were knocked out of the Infirmary Cup after penalties. 
Andy Nolan had put us ahead with a well-taken goal in the first half, but, after missing a penalty to go two up, we lost our way.
The less said about the spot-kicks the better, though keeper Tom Flynn pulled off a few fine saves.
Our Youths were well beaten by Villa A in Connors Park in their cup competition.


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Rangers boss Joe Williams, John Murphy and Gary Morrissey show their delight after beating our local rivals at Graun Park, this time in the cup. Pics: Thos Brett

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Mac makes vital impact

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Mark McCarthy is congratulated after forcing the winner
We beat Tramore AFC 1-0 away in the First Division Cup on Saturday (May 7) to make it three Rangers wins out of three in the sides' meetings this season. 
A second-half OG settled the tie after a fine run and cross by the impressive Mark McCarthy, pictured, who replaced the injured Gary Morrissey just before half-time. 
With the wind swirling in off the sea across Graun Park, Gary had produced the best moment of a poor opening half as early as the second minute, letting fly from outside the area and forcing John Falconer into a decent save at the butt of his upright. An Eoin Purcell downward header from the resultant corner squeezed through the Tramore keeper's legs but the ball was adjudged by referee John Purcell not to have crossed the line.
Purt headed a difficult chance straight at the veteran Tramore custodian on 13 minutes, and seven minutes later, from one of a succession of AFC corners, his opposite number Killian Burns produced a fine double-stop, first with his legs, then catching an attempted curler.

Chances
There were a few half-chances/semi-close calls at either end (including shots from Rangers midfielders Alan Harrington and Drew Keating) before the interval, but nothing to generate too much excitement on the sidelines.
Four minutes into the second period James Legg cleared off the line from yet another Tramore corner, and Killian had his angles covered as a Gary Hunt effort went just wide.
Two minutes later McCarthy broke free down the left flank and beat his man before crossing low and hard into the six-yard box. Unluckily for him AFC defender Ian Stenson got the vital touch and diverted the ball past the helpless Falconer to put Rangers one up.
Mac jinked his way into space inside the edge of the box soon after but his low strike was saved at the near post.
Purt was played in on 72 minutes after great determined play by captain Chris Kirk but Falconer did well to get his hand up and stop the striker's attempted dink.
James Legg's pace caused problems as the game wore on and after a few attempts of his own he set up Niall Jackman, whose finish, like many others before him, was on the tame side.
Though we'd plenty of chances to make things more comfortable, our defence was probably the key to this win, with the excellent Cathal Duffy and Mark Hannigan holding the centre and fullbacks Michael Gribben and Kirky also in command.
And so it's the always awkward St Joseph's at The Orchard in Round 2 next Friday the 13th (6.30).

Eleven-goal epic 
at The Orchard

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Rev: screamer
Undisputed Match of the Day at The Orchard on Saturday afternoon (May 7) saw Rangers beat Portlaw 6-5 in a 2nd Division Cup classic! 
Strikes from Niall Reville (2, including a late contender for goal of the season), Brian Sullivan, Col' O'Connor, Stephen Sawyer, and a slightly deflected but still spectacular Gary Nolan winner, were - just - enough to win an epic encounter in which we went 4-2 up and 5-4 down in a crazy second-half. 
Rev's goal to make it five-apiece, arrowing a bouncing ball on the half-turn into the far top corner, had players and supporters from both sides shaking their heads in appreciation, and in our case relief, not least managers Mark Dunphy and Derek Farrell, who was struggling to remember all the details (more anon).
We're now away to Piltown in the quarter-finals on Saturday (May 14), with opposition and venue TBC.  


Derby win in Graun Park

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Goals: Morrissey and Sawyer
Division 1A
Tramore AFC 0   Tramore Rangers 2

Rangers completed the league double over local rivals Tramore AFC at a pitch-perfect Graun Park on Wednesday, April 20.
We went in front after just four minutes when a lovely ball from James Legg put Gary Morrissey - and Simon Power - clean through and Mossy finished with aplomb past John Falconer.
A speculative effort from Tramore's Gary Hunt on seven minutes came down off the angle of bar and upright, possibly after a touch from keeper Killian Burns who immediately launched a long clearance upfield which Sanjay latched onto, but his first-time lob went narrowly over.
On 10 minutes Power played in the lively Eoin Purcell, who dragged his shot wide from a good position. Our next opening came towards the end of the first quarter: Gary getting free up the right and curling in a lovely cross to the near post but Purt couldn't keep his header down.
Seven minutes later a Michael Gribben free from deep to the far post fell to James who jinked his way through a crowded penalty area before the ball ran to Alan Harrington, but the busy Rangers midfielder was disappointed to side-foot wide from 12 yards.

AFC earned a handful of corners in the first half but created nothing clear-cut. They started the second period in determined mode but it wasn't until 11 minutes in that their first chance arrived, with Killian reacting well to just about keep the ball, deliberately deflected en route, from going over his line.
A few minutes later Stephen Sawyer, who'd replaced the injured Power up front just before the break, fired narrowly over from long range as we tried to regain a foothold. However, Tramore, in truth, had us under the kosh for a considerable spell, but only had a high corner count to show for their efforts. 
Rangers centre-halves Mark Hannigan (who made one great, goal-saving block from a Hunt strike) and Cathal Duffy were doing well under pressure, and captain Chris Kirk and Legg both put in a really strong shift, aided in the middle of the pitch by Harry and Drew Keating.
Our durability was rewarded on 33 minutes when the bang-in-form Sawyer got on the ball down the left channel and instinctively cut into the box before unleashing a superb left-footed finish into the far top corner for his ninth of the season.
Three minutes later Killian was at his best again to thwart the home side. Seconds later a great bit of play from Kirky saw the ball at Sawyer's feet once more. Attacking the area he went down under what looked like a foul challenge but as referee Mark Corcoran waved play on, Rangers skipper, who'd kept running, flashed a cross-shot just wide of the upright.
Three minutes from full-time a long clearance from Killian was fed on well by sub Niall Jackman to the impressive Gary Morrissey whose pull-back from the endline was blasted over by Sawyer from a great position in what was the last meaningful action of the match.
The teams meet again in a First Division Cup first-round tie at the same venue on Saturday, May 7th (2pm).

Two games, Nine goals

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Simon Power completes his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the second half, watched by referee Johnny Matthews.

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Sanjay: now on nine for the season, Sawyer too
A good Saturday afternoon (April 16) home & away saw our Division 1A side win 5-1 against De La Salle at The Orchard - courtesy of a hat-trick from Simon Power, a Cathal Duffy header, and a left-foot howitzer from Alan Harrington - while Andy Nolan (11) kept himself ahead in the golden boot standings by notching in the Division 2B team's 4-2 victory over Rathgormack, as did Niall Reville and Stephens Sawyer and O'Gorman.

More ifs, buts and maybes . . .

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Sog: centre-back
Division 2B
Rangers 2 Tycor 2
Our Division 2B team shared four goals at home against Tycor in their final league game on Thursday (21/4/11).
Scoreless at half-time, we hit the front just after the change of ends when left-full Brian Sullivan let fly fro 25 yards and keeper Mark Kennedy was unable to repel the vicious pace on the Coolnacappogue man's shot.
The visitors weren't long in equalising, however, with a through ball catching us square and Tom Flynn on goal had no chance with the finish.
After a few close-run things at both ends, we regained the lead when substitute striker Gary Nolan fired the ball in on the run from an acute angle, and his delivery-cum-shot deceived the keeper to fly in at the near post.
Unfortunately we couldn't hold onto that lead, though Tycor's second equaliser looked offside from every angle. In many ways, mind, it summed up the lads' season. 
Among Rangers' best on the night were centre-backs Stephen 'Hyypiä' O'Gorman and Tom "Carra" Corcoran.


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Eoin Purcell: opener

'Headwrecking' way to lose


Division 1A

(19/3/2011)
Rangers 3 Southend 4
We lost a crazy game against title-chasing Southend at The Orchard on Saturday by the odd goal in seven - and right at the death the final nail in our coffin came.
Eoin Purcell put us one up with a beautiful, top-corner free kick early on, and the excellent Simon Power up front made it two.
The vocal visitors pulled one back through a header but Sanjay scored again with a cool round-the-keeper finish to put us 3-1 ahead at half-time.
But the Ballybeg clubmen, who'd earlier had a man sent off, scored a second header just after the change of ends and Rangers were rocking.
However, we composed ourselves again to create a few right-good chances but our finishing and decision-making let us down.
Southend grabbed an equaliser in the closing stages when, with keeper Killian Burns having received a knock to the head, the play was allowed to continue and they were able to tap the ball into an empty net. 
Southend then went in search of a winner and when it arrived in the final seconds they celebrated in championship-clinching fashion.

Second string score four

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Division 2B
(5/3/2011)
Rangers 4 Mooncoin 0
A much-improved all-round performance by Rangers' 2B side saw us stick four past Mooncoin without reply at The Orchard on Saturday afternoon (March 5), and it could easily have been a few more.
Our early dominance was made count when Niall Reville bagged a brace on 27 and 29 minutes: the first a controlled volley after a good cross from the left by Jason Ridgard was headed down by Andy Nolan; the second an assured close-range finish when Kevin Dunne squared the ball back after being played in by Niall Farrell. 
Into the second half and with Rev's hat-trick attempt (following a fine through ball by Stephen O'Gorman) foiled by the Mooncoin keeper, Andy's follow-up was ruled out for offside.
After a bit of a Drogba/Lampard stand-off, Dunney calmy converted a penalty inside the final quarter to put us three up, before Gary Nolan came on and scored with a lovely lobbed finish to copperfasten the result and a badly needed 3 points.
Best for Rangers included the two Farrells, Eoin and Niall, Stephen O'Gorman, Rev, Dunney and Brian Smith, although everyone played well for the first time in a while.


Rangers succumb to sucker punch

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Division 1A
(13/2/2011)
Rangers 1 Grannagh 2
We played Grannagh on Sunday morning but it ended under a familiar cloud.
Having gone a goal down in the first half, we’d all the play for most of the second period, with Eoin Purcell, who went closest to equalising with a shot that clipped the crossbar, also seeing a penalty appeal waved away.
With five minutes remaining the pressure paid off: Noel O’Neill swung over a super cross from the right flank and when the ball broke just inside the box Simon Power applied an unerring finish (pictured).
However, Rangers suddenly stopped playing and surrendered the initiative to the visitors who were irate when a would-be goal, after a corner caused chaos, wasn’t given, with the referee unable to judge whether the ball had crossed the line.
However, a mere minute later the visitors grabbed a winner when we were caught in possession and the ball was flashed across the six-yard box, where it was finished past Killian Burns from what appeared to be an offside position.
Having deserved a point this was a sickening result, with our inability to see a game out a recurring theme. Among Rangers’ best players on the day was the hardworking John Murphy, whose attempt at emulating Wayne Rooney was captured by eagle-eyed amateur lensman Thomas Brett.


Murphy does a Rooney!

Man-of-the-match John Murphy was clearly watching Wayne Rooney the day before judging by his acrobatic exploits in last Sunday's Division 1A defeat against Grannagh at The Orchard. Practice makes perfect eh! (By the way, in case you're wondering the ball didn't end up in the net...)                          ¬ PHOTOS BY THOMAS BRETT

Low five

Division 2B 
(26/2/2011)
Ballyduff 5 Rangers 1
A first-half Gary Nolan screamer was the sole highlight of a 5-1 drubbing by Ballyduff on a barely-playable Lower pitch on Saturday. Despite the scoreline we applied plenty of pressure but a few slip-ups at the back were severely punished. Not a happy hunting ground for us this season to say the least.

Narrow defeat against 
Old Boro boys


Youths B League 

(27/2/2011)
Dungarvan 2 Rangers 1
Despite having the bare eleven our youths gave a good account of themselves away to Dungarvan United on Sunday. John Tobin and Drew Keating are both claiming the consolation. One for the dubious goals committee.

Youthful exuberance!

Youths B League
(13/2/2011)
De La Salle 6 Rangers 3
The Youths lost 6-3 in De La Salle on Sunday afternoon (Feb 13), but by the mood in the dressing room afterwards, you’d think we’d just won the cup.
It was a first half to forget, leaving us 4-0 down at the break. However, the lads’ attitude remained remarkably positive, Johnny Harris saying “we’re gonna win this half 3-2.” Aaron Coughlan and Chinner came on at half-time.
After conceding again completely against the run of play, a great ball over the top found Paul who played a super cross that left Johnny to head home to claim his ice-cream. Shortly after Coggy won a free-kick, placed the ball himself and stuck it straight in from 30 yards. Superb.
We conceded again minutes later but immediately we were on the attack. Johnny chased down a long ball from Drew Keating, forcing the keeper into a comical error and poked the ball into the net.
Drew, captain for the day, covered every blade of grass on the pitch, and was the undoubted man-of-the-match. Best for Rangers were Paul Nyhan, Coggy, Killian Burns and Johnny.
Thanks to Stephen Jackman, Beans’ dad and Mammy Smith for transport!

Weather beaten

Division 1A
(6/2/2011)
De La Salle 2 Rangers 1
We lost 2-1 away to De La Salle in dreadful conditions on the morning of Sunday. We played well in the first half and a Niall Jackman goal had us in front at the break. However, against a fierce wind the wheels came off after the change of ends and we left Williamstown with zilch. Thanks to those who braved the elements (especially 2B players Andy Nolan and Stephen Sawyer) – as to those who didn’t…
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Youths let lead slip at home

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Youths B League
(23/1/2011)
Rangers 1 De La Salle 3
Our youths lost 3-1 at home to De La Salle on Sunday. The lads went in at half-time 1-0 up thanks to a goal by Johnny Harris (pictured) and were in complete control. 
However, a mixture of complacency, lack of concentration and possibly too many pre-match "refreshments" led to our undoing. 
Our best performers on the day were Shane McNulty, Johnny and "utility" player BIG John Tobin in goal. 
Thanks to Mark Dunphy, Derek Farrell and Davy Purcell for their assistance and support once again.

Display of two halves

Division 2B
(7/2/2011)
Villa 2 Rangers 1
Rangers Second Division side lost 2-1 away to Villa on Sunday. An excellent team display in the first 45 minutes saw us one up at the break through a Gary Nolan goal.
However, our second-half performance was abject and the home side struck twice for a deserved three points.

Second Division score four

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Farley: fourth
Division 2B
Rangers 4 Abbeyside 0
Rangers' Division 2B team returned to winning ways when they beat Abbeyside 4-0 at The Orchard on Saturday, Jan 8. 
The visitors missed a penalty before Col' O'Connor put us in front. Gary Nolan added a second before half-time, while a well-taken Niall Reville goal put us 3-0 up before Kevin Dunne unusually missed from the spot to remain three adrift of the absent Andy Nolan in the 'golden boot' standings (see tab). 
Niall Farrell added a fourth — his first of a SEVENTEENTH consecutive junior season with Rangers — on a day when everyone played their part, back to front, in a convincing and comfortable win.


Same old story against Saints

Division 1A
Tramore Rangers 1 St Josephs 3


Rangers' run of disappointing results against perennial bogeymen St Josephs continued at Newtown on Sunday, Jan 9.
However, we went a goal up after ten minutes when James Legg applied a fine edge-of-the-area finish inside the far post after a great move involving Chris Kirk, Niall Jackman and, twice, Eoin Purcell, who set James up with a superb piece of skill.
We were well in charge for the next 25 minutes or so until the visitors equalised through a freak goal: keeper Stephen Higgins' clearance striking an opposing player and rebounding into the net.
Having gone off at the interval all-square, we started the second half impressively but wasted some excellent chances (including ones that fell to Legg and Stephen Sawyer) to regain the lead. We were made to pay when two defensive lapses allowed Josephs in and they made no mistake both times to take all three points; a flattering result if ever there was one but we'd only ourselves to blame.

Sawyer's superb brace seals 
victory after two-month hiatus


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Stephen Sawyer: double
Division 1A
Villa 1 Rangers 2

Two Stephen Sawyer strikes in the last 10 minutes fired Rangers' Division 1A side to a first win of the New Year away to Villa on Sunday, Jan 2.
In a cold Connors Park neither side created anything clear-cut in the first half as the Christmas excesses and weather-induced cobwebs took a while to shake off.
We were in control for most of the second period and capitalised on the space created after the home side were reduced to ten men with quarter of an hour to go.
On 80 minutes striker Andy Nolan was stopped on the edge of the box but did well to slip a pass to supersub Sawyer who fired home clinically with his left foot.
Five minutes later Sawyer set off down the left wing from the halfway line. Taking on the Villa defence single-handed, he cut into the area and produced a superb finish with his instep to put us 2-0 up. 
Andy had a would-be third cancelled out for offside after being set-up by impressive teenager Mark McCarthy, and it could have been costly when Villa grabbed a close-range header in injury time. However, to the relief of managers Joe Williams and Chris Jones, Rangers ran the clock down for a deserved three points in what was our first match since November 6.
Others to impress included Mark Hannigan and Drew Keating in the middle of midfield, centre-halves Noel O'Neill and Mark O'Byrne, and fullbacks John Murphy and Chris Kirk.

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Rangers players celebrating supersub Sawyer's second goal against Villa

Soft goals gift Carrick the points


Division 2B
Tramore Rangers 1 Carrick 4

Having gone the best part of two months without a fixture, our Division 2B outfit got the new year off to a disappointing start at home against an ever-ready Carrick United on Sunday, Jan 2.
Having gone a goal down through slack marking after 10 minutes, Kevin Dunne converted yet another penalty to get us back in the game. However, the visitors soon struck again and were flattered to retire at half-time 2-1 up. 
Pushing on in search of what would have been a deserved equaliser, having missed a slew of chances, a mix-up at the back handed Carrick a soft third and they added a spot kick before the finish to compound a miserable morning.

Youths beaten by Ballyduff purple patch


Youths B League
Tramore Rangers 2 Ballyduff 4
Our Youths B team were beaten 4-2 by a better but slightly flattered Ballyduff side at The Orchard last Sunday afternoon.
We went in front after only 30 seconds when striker Rory Connolly got on the end of a ball in from Andy and headed it past the stunned Ballyduff keeper.
Rory was put through soon after and could have made it two, but the opportunity went a-begging.
The visitors created a lot of chances as John Tobin's goal led a charmed existence up until half-time, when we were still 1-0 up.
The second period saw Ballyduff continue where they left off, but determined to take their chances.
In truth the three goals they got in quick succession after the re-start were of the soft variety as the luck we'd rode earlier ran out.
Andy McAlindon buried a half-volley to get us back in the game and suddenly we were all over the opposition but couldn't draw level (seeing a penalty appeal after Johnny Harris was felled in the box waved away) but Ballyduff made sure of the points with a screamer of a fourth.
Overall the lads played well, riding their luck at times, but showing that with a bit more training under their belts, better days are around the corner.
Thanks to Derek Farrell and Davy Purcell for running things on the line.


Munster Cup KO

Munster Junior Cup 1st Rd
Tramore Rangers 0 St Joseph's 1
We were knocked out of the Munster Junior Cup in galling fashion by our bogey team St Joseph’s at The Orchard on Saturday (Oct 23).
There was nothing in it throughout and extra time and probably penalties seemed inevitable. However, in the dying seconds an inadvertent Mark O’Byrne back-header looped over the helpless Brian Sullivan and the visitors were in the next round.
Captain Chris Kirk was Rangers’ best player on the day.
Footnote: Pity the strength on show on the sideline hasn’t been reflected at training of late.

Depleted Second Division draw

Division 2B
Tramore Rangers 1 Johnville 1

On Sunday morning (Oct 24) our depleted Division 2B squad were held 1-1 at home by Johnville. We went one down despite being all over Johnville for the first 15 minutes. They scored with their first attack and were on top until half-time.
The second period was all rangers, even after the dismissal of Brian Smith for a second yellow. Tony Barry grabbed our equaliser and striker Andy Nolan might have squared to Tom Flynn for what would have been an easy and deserved winner with a few minute to go, but he shot himself and missed.
Defender Tom Corcoran made two goal-saving blocks, while Stephen Jackman and stag Niall Farrell also impressing. Mark Dunphy also merits a mention for going above and beyond the call of duty to come on and make a difference in midfield after we went down to 10 men.

Southend blitz Rangers

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Alan Harrington makes a point
Division 1A
Southend Utd 6
Tramore Rangers 1

Matt Keane

Four goals inside the opening 22 minutes, including a hat-trick by Lee Russell, proved too much of a handicap for Tramore Rangers on Sunday morning (Oct 10) in Southend Park.

The visitors to Ballybeg began brightly and the first goal came somewhat against the run of play but when the hosts scored the first goal of the game the entire course of the contest changed. Southend went into the game rock bottom with just three points and they badly needed this result. Relegated from the Premier League last season, many people expected them to be the team to catch in Division 1A but their start to the season left a lot to be desired.

This victory, only their second of the campaign, will lift the spirits within the club. Tramore Rangers have also got an overall total of six points from their half-dozen games played in what is a topsy turvey league, although Grannagh are setting a blistering pace at the top with 16.

Tramore Rangers looked the brighter outfit when the match got underway and they went close after five minutes when Gary Morrissey forced a fine save from Cliff Kearney.

The home goalkeeper turned Morrissey’s shot from 30 yards around his left upright. Alan Harrington then went close with a glancing header following a cross by Niall Jackman.

The Southend opener had an element of luck about it. Lee Russell let fly from 25 yards but when his fierce shot took a deflection off Rangers defender Cathal Duffy goalkeeper Killian Burns was left wrong-footed and the ball finished up in the back of the net.

That goal arrived on 11 minutes and three minutes later Rangers found themselves two down and again it was Lee Russell who scored. Mark Phelan found Daniel Phelan with a great pass from the middle of the park and he crossed from the left and Russell ghosted into the Rangers six-yard box to head powerfully past the helpless Burns.

Lee Russell turned provider on 16 minutes. He moved down the right flank before pulling the ball back from the endline and Dylan Murphy headed home unmarked at the back post.

Eoin Purcell had a half-chance to pull a goal back for the visitors after 19 minutes but his shot on the run, after meeting a pass from Morrissey, went wide.

The roof fell in completely on the visitors on 22 minutes when Lee Russell completed his hat-trick. Duffy fouled Dylan Murphy just outside the penalty area and Russell gave Munster Under-17 panelist Burns no chance with a well-struck free kick.

To their credit Rangers kept battling and made Cliff Kearney work on 28 minutes when Morrissey met a pass from Eoin O'Keeffe. Substitute Simon Power cracked in a free kick from 30 yards on 34 minutes and when the ball ran loose to Morrissey after coming back off the Southend wall he made no mistake from 10 yards.

Just as they had done when the game started, Rangers took the game to their hosts when the second period got going and Simon Power was just over with a half-volley from the edge of the area.

Eoin Purcell then got onto a cross from full-back Michael Gribben on 56 minutes but his header went inches wide.

Another substitute Thomas Brett made Cliff Kearney produce the goods on the hour mark but Southend made it 5-1 on 78 minutes with a well-worked goal. David Croke came in from the right to meet a free kick taken from the opposite flank by Michael Merrigan and when he headed the ball back across the six yards box, Lee Russell was on hand to head to net his 4th. In the last minute Duffy fouled Mark Phelan inside the box and Dylan Murphy sent Burns the wrong way from the penalty spot.

Southend United: Cliff Kearney, Paddy Dooley, Michael Merrigan, Stephen Forressy, Kevin Gahan, Lee Russell, Daniel Phelan, Mark Phelan, Dylan Murphy, Daniel O'Sullivan, David Croke. Subs: Liam O'Rourke for Russell (80 mins) Sean Ryan for O'Sullivan (86 mins) Trevor Swift for Croke (86 mins).

Tramore Rangers: Killian Burns, Michael Gribben, Chris Kirk, Noel O'Neill, Cathal Duffy, Eoin O'Keeffe, Gary Morrissey, Alan Harringhton, Eoin Pucell, James Legg, Niall Jackman. Subs: Simon Power for Jackman (30 mins) Thomas Brett for Harringhton (57 mins).

Referee: Ian Paul.


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Rangers' Gary Morrissey gets in a cross
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Simon Power feels the pain under a heavy challenge
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Eoin Purcell stretches to block a pass
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The Southend keeper takes a catch ahead of Chris Kirk
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Gary Morrissey turns away after scoring Rangers' only goal

Youths' super comeback win

Youths B League
Rangers 3 Mooncoin 2
Rangers’ Youths B team bagged their first win of the season
thanks to a fantastic comeback against Mooncoin at The Orchard last Sunday week (Oct 3). The boys were a couple of goals down: the first conceded when a Toby Hackett header flew 25 yards over the head of Killian Burns, who then left a cross/shot slip past him for 2-0.
However, the boys battled back and Aaron Coughlon scored a
penalty only for a re-take to be ordered for an infringement. Unfazed, Coggy coolly placed his second effort into the same stop past the stationary South Kilkenny keeper.
Yahich Jordan made it 2-2 after great determination by Coggy who
could easily have earned another penalty en-route.
Some great play by Janich and Sully saw Coggy score a remarkable
winner, fitting reward after a tremendous collective show of character.

Andy’s at it again!

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Tom Flynn: goal
Division 2B
Mooncoin 3 Rangers 4
There’s no keeping a gud ’un down and Andy Nolan recovered from his latest injuries to hit another hat-trick (the last his 9th goal of the season) as our Division 2B team beat Mooncoin away last Sunday morning. Former top-scorer Tom Flynn grabbed our other goal on the back of an all-round great performance across the Bridge, which saw us well in control for the most part despite the closeness of the final scoreline.


Not pretty but job done in Nire Valley

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Hoppy looks on in the Nire Valley

Munster Junior Cup (Preliminary Rd)

Pinewood Rgrs 1 Tramore Rgrs 3

We advanced to the next stage of the Munster Junior Cup with a hard-fought preliminary round win over Pinewood Rangers in the backwoods of Ballymacarbry on Sunday, Sept 26.
We went behind after 15 minutes, the home side having started the game much better, though they soon started played for time.
After a stern talking to at the break we were much improved in the second half and equalised just eight minutes in – Andy Nolan clipping home from close range after Eoin Purcell did well to get his head onto a deep free kick.
Seven minutes later, after persistent pressure, Michael Gribben’s throw-in was flicked on in the air by substitute Eoin Farrell and fellow centre-half Mark Hannigan glanced home with his head. A carbon copy of that move midway through the half saw Andy Hook over inside the six-yard box.
With quarter-of-an-hour to go we got the insurance goal. Man-of-the-match Chris ‘Captain’ Kirk whipped in a corner from the left and Alan Harrington got across the defence to guide a header past the Pinewood ’keeper.
Purt came close with a dinked effort having been held back inside the box and he also brilliantly set up Andy for another late chance. However, thankfully three goals were enough.

No home comfort

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Niall Farrell - web error taunt

Division 2B

Rangers 1 Villa 2
Our badly-depleted Second Division team went down 2-0 at HOME against Villa on Saturday, Sept 25. Tom Corcoran and Niall Farrell (who was back on first team duty the next day) were among those who impressed in a decent display all things considered. Thanks to Joey for the emergency pitch lining, and apologies again to the lads and Villa for the pre-match mix-up!


Rangers stick half-dozen past Abbeyside

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Brian Smith plays the ball forward as Kevin Dunne (3) looks on during the 2B team's demolition of Abbeyside | JO'K
Division 2B
Abbeyside 2 Rangers 6

We got to Abbeyside early on Sunday (Sept 12) and this match was put to bed in the opening half hour.
After creating nothing clear-cut up to that point, Tony Barry came forward for a corner swung over from the left by Kevin Dunne on 14 minutes and his header looped into the top corner. Sixty seconds later Tony, who thought he'd strained something in the warm-up, repeated the feat, swooping onto a Dunne free-kick to head home number two.
The home side were at sixes and sevens at this stage and when Stephen O'Gorman sent Andy Nolan into space up the right his fine cross was acrobatically volleyed home by Niall Reville. 3-0, and only 28 minutes on the clock.
Five minutes later another deadball delivery by Dunney was spilled by the hapless Abbeyside keeper: Andy played the ball to Sog who was isolated at the far post and receiving the return the unmarked Nolan finished easily from close range.
With Eoin Farrell especially commanding at the back, aided by Tony's no-nonsense approach and the sturdy Tom Corcoran, and keeper Brian Sullivan sweeping up Higuita-like (as is his wont), Abbeyside were unable to gain any sort of foothold. 
On 37 minutes a succession of nice moves eventually found Dunney wide left: his tantalising cross caused consternation in the Abbeyside defence, and Andy was on hand to tap home a gift (and his fifth goal of the weekend) from a couple of yards.
With Rangers' midfield four dominant, more nice inter-play between Niall Farrell and Brian Smith on 43 minutes saw Mark Dunphy spray a ball out to Sog who headed an intelligent assist into the path of Smithy's run and he nodded smartly past the advancing keeper to make it 6-0.
Understandably our concentration and intensity dipped significantly after the change of ends and Abbeyside grabbed two consolation goals. But the job was done and dusted in the first 45 minutes. So a first win for the team managed by Mark Dunphy and Derek Farrell (who again had a strong squad to mull over), and one worth waiting for.


Andy nets hat-trick
but we're still beaten

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Andy Nolan: answer
Division 1A
Kilmacthomas 4 Rangers 3
Apart from a 4th Division title-clinching win in 1999, Alaska Park has been a source of cold comfort to Rangers over the years, and Saturday last (Sept 11) was more of the same.
Unfortunately an Andy Nolan hat-trick (his first strikes for Rangers) weren't enough to take anything from the match, with Kilmac' edging it by the odd goal in seven.
We went ahead after ten minutes when Andy - drafted in from the second division side as cover for the absent James Legg - was put through and he finished smartly to answer his (perceived) critics.
We held that lead up to half-time but complacency seemed to set in after the change of ends. Kilmac' drew level from the penalty spot 12 minutes into the second period, a decision that looked a little on the soft side considering some of the stuff that was permitted. 
Before we could compose ourselves Kilmac' scored again, walking through the Rangers defence and suddenly we were chasing a game we'd had under control.
Andy found the net with a fine shot that chipped the Kilmac' keeper from the edge of the area to equalise, but Rangers' concentration levels were lacking and the home side hit back on the breakaway to take the lead once more.
Into the final ten minutes and with Rangers pressing Kilmac' countered and scored a fourth, which looked like game over.
However, Andy completed his hat-trick, firing home low and hard as the ball bounced around in the box.
Now Kilmac' were now holding on. Alan Harrington let fly from 35 yards only to see the ball bounce down off the underside of the bar with the keeper beaten all ends up, and to sum up our luck seconds later a John Murphy header also came crashing back off the crossbar.
Mark Hannigan went close with a far-post header entering time added on, but our great start to the season has come unstuck.

First point, but should
have been all three

Division 2B
Carrick Utd 2 Rangers 2
A story of more missed opportunities, this time at Tom Drohan Park, Coolnamuck on Wednesday, September 1. 
Brian M Smith put us one up with a fortuitous opener but Carrick equalised. Smithy touched a free-kick to Kevin Dunne who drilled a beauty beyond the Carrick keeper to restore our lead (his 5th goal in 3 games!) which we maintained at the break. 
Carrick levelled matters a second time after the change of ends but Rangers were left to reflect on several excellent chances that went a-begging, with Andy Nolan having a night to forget in front of goal. At least it's one point on the board.

Rangers throw it away

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Mark Hannigan sends the Villa keeper the wrong way from the spot





Division 1A
Rangers 1 Villa 2
Rangers' Division 1A side were left kicking themselves last Sunday (Aug 29) after throwing away a match-winning position in the last five minutes to hand Villa all three points.
We went one up through a well-dispatched Mark Hannigan penalty (given after an attempted James Legg lob over the ’keeper was handled) and dominated the match thereafter. 
We should have had a second but for a mistake by the referee in disallowing a perfectly good goal (at least he was decent enough to admit it afterwards) but in truth we’d only ourselves to blame.
Still, it says a lot about the spirit in the side that the lads were so devastated afterwards.


Harry comes on strong to spur win

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Division 1A
Bolton 1 Rangers 3
Rangers' Division 1A team came from behind to beat Bolton in Kilbarry on Tuesday evening (Aug 24) thanks to a battling second-half display. 
One down at the break, a "long-range effort" from Noel O'Neill levelled matters just after the change of ends, before a Niall Jackman shoulder and an Eoin Purcell belter secured the three points to maintain our 100% start to the season. 
Man-of-the-match was substitute Alan Harrington (pictured having a well-deserved drink) who provided the crosses for the second and third goals and created several other chances in addition to his work-rate.  Pic-Nicky McCartan


Fourth pen in two games not enough

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Dunney: scored 4 spot-kicks so far
Division 2B
Rangers 2 Ballyduff 3
A slack 15 minutes before half-time and a comically-bad decision in the second period cost Rangers the chance of a first point of the season at Newtown on Saturday (Aug 28).
Ballyduff never threatened before going one up on the half-hour, ’keeper Brian Sullivan doing well to even get a hand to a sweet strike from the edge of the box. Minutes later the visitors strolled through for a second and then went three up from the penalty spot.
Kevin Dunne pulled one back from 12 yards after Stephen Jackman was taken down after a jinking run before the referee somehow failed to point to the spot after a close-range Niall Reville effort was clearly handballed off the line by a Ballyduff defender (aka "Banksy").
The same player was belatedly sent off after he again saved a goalbound Andy Nolan header with his hand not long later and Dunney stroked home the award for his fourth coverted pen in two games (some sort of Rangers record?).
Best for Rangers on a bizarre afternoon were defenders Dunney, Eoin Farrell (now Facebook friends of Rangers after a long campaign) and Ciaran O’Connor, plus substitute Niall Reville up front.


Tramore derby triumph at The Orchard

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Eoin Purcell (centre) opens the scoring, set up by James Legg (left). Pic-Noel Browne
Division 1A
Tramore Rangers 4 Tramore 2
Tramore Rangers beat their local rivals Tramore AFC 4-2 in a cracking Division 1A derby at The Orchard last Friday night (Aug 20). 
The outstanding Eoin Purcell and his livewire strike partner James Legg scored a brace apiece — the former with an early opener; the latter with the last-minute clincher — but Rangers’ undoubted hero was ’keeper Killian Burns. 
The 16-year-old pulled off two brilliant penalty saves, both in the second half, as Joe Williams’ and Chris Jones’ new-look First Division side came back from a 2-1 deficit at the break to get the season off to a great start on what was a glorious evening at Newtown.

Team: Killian Burns, John Murphy, Chris Kirk, Mark Hannigan, Mark O’Byrne, Simon Power, Eoin O’Keeffe, Gary Morrissey, James Legg, Eoin Purcell, Niall Jackman. Subs: Noel O’Neill for O’Byrne (69), Alan Harrington for Jackman (85).


Contentious goals cost second string

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Division 2B

Tycor 4 Tramore Rangers 3
Rangers’ Second Division team could only curse their luck after losing by the odd goal in seven in an eventful away opener against Tycor on Saturday (Aug 21). 
Best for Rangers included midfielder Brian Smith who contributed three assists, and striker Andy Nolan who went off with concussion to be replaced by his namesake Gary, who scored in addition to two Kevin Dunne penalties. 
Ultimately, Rangers, having trailed throughout, were left to rue what looked to be a clear offside and a handball in two of the home side’s goals.

>> Various '2B' (and other) heads at the Rangers-Tramore derby. Pic-Thomas Brett


Experience, fitness lacking

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Youths B League
Rangers 1 Dungarvan 4
The Youths lost 4-1 at home on Tuesday night (Aug 31) against a decent, fit Dungarvan side. Once again we conceded in the first 10 minutes! The scoreline, however, was not a fair reflection of the effort the lads put in as we had our fair share of possesion and indeed goal opportunities. 
John Harris in particular tested the visitors' keeper with two well-struck free-kicks. Other chances fell to Aaron Coughlan, Yanich and Dylan "Beans" White. Our goalscorer on the night was Coggy, who takes his tally to three, already, for the season. 
Fitness was a huge factor in this result and that will be addressed in the coming weeks at "The Orchard". In the words of vastly experienced clubman Tom Power the team is still "maybe a little naive". Once again all players gave 100%, and thanks to all our supporters, the lads appreciate it!


Youngbloods still finding their feet

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'The People's Club'
Youths B League
Tramore Rangers 1 Villa 2
Rangers’ new Youths team will know they had the three points for the taking versus Villa at home on Sunday afternoon (Aug 21). 
Making their competitive home debuts, Brian Smith’s side fell behind after only a couple of minutes. However, the ‘boys in black’ more than held their own thereafter and John Harris went close with a curling free kick. 
We missed a great chance to equalise midway through the second half when David Smith’s penalty was saved — the second successive game a spot-kick‘s been spurned.
To rub salt in our wounds Villa scored a sickening second soon after. The ball was clearly 2ft over the sideline but the flag never went up and play continued. The resultant cross was volleyed onto the bar and the follow-up gave the otherwise excellent Burns no chance. 
A fine finish from Aaron Coughlan after a stonewall penalty was waved away gave us hope late on, but time ran out. Best for us included John Harris, Paul Nyhan, Toby Hackett and the aforementioned Aaron. For others Sunday afternoon soccer (and Saturday moderation) is going to take a bit of getting used to.
Manager Smith said afterwards: "If the players keep their heads up it wont be long before we record our first win, as there was some great football played at times and everyone battled hard again."

Stradbally simply too strong

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Youths B League
Stradbally 4 Rangers 2
Youths lost 4-2 away to a good Stradbally side on Thursday night (Aug 26). Some poor defending and silly individual errors cost us dearly though it wasn't for any lack of effort on our part. 
The Covesiders went one up around the 10-minute mark. Our first goal came from Coggy (showing our lads how a penalty should be taken) after David Smith was brought down in the box. 
Stradbally scored again before the break and a third with around a quarter-of-an-hour to go when their No7, by far the best player on the park, gave Killian Burns no chance after easing his way through the Rangers' rearguard.
John Harris finished easily from 18 yards after Rory Connolly forced the Stradbally keeper to tie himself in knots and played a very unselfish through-ball to Harry. The lads who started tonight were an example of the attitude Rangers people love to see; it's just a pity the same can't be said for some on the line.  
As The King might put it: "A little less conversation, a little more action please. All this aggravation ain't satisfactioning me."
Chins up lads, the wins will come.


Debutants deserved better

Youths B League
Abbeyside 4 Tramore Rangers 1
The youths started the league season (and their Rangers careers) on Tuesday, Aug 17 with a 4-1 defeat away to Abbeyside. However, the scoreline flattered the home side as our lads fought tooth and nail for every ball. Their only downfall was simply inexperience and a little lack of communication at times. 
We were down 1-0 after only a few minutes but fought back almost straight away with a goal from Yanich Jordan, who worked tirelessly throughout. Abbeyside came on strong, however, and we went in at half-time 3-1 down, but after a chat on the line and some firm advice from Burnsy, the lads showed their fighting spirit in the second half and on another day could've scored 3 or 4. 
But it was just one of those nights, summed up when keeper Killian Burns missed a penalty to make it 3-2. (He doesnt want to take another one!). Top performers on the evening were Andy McAlindon, Brendan O'Sullivan, Aaron Coughlan and Yanich. 

Division 1A
18 games

Bolton
De La Salle
Grannagh
Kilmacthomas
Piltown
St Josephs
Southend
Tramore
Tramore Rangers
Villa
Division 2B
18 games

Abbeyside
Ballyduff
Carrick
Johnville
Mooncoin
Piltown
Rathgormack
Tramore Rangers
Tycor
Villa
Youths B
18 games

Abbeyside
Ballyduff
Carrick
Dungarvan
Mooncoin
St Josephs
St Saviours
Stradbally
Tramore Rangers
Villa
Tramore Rangers Football Club  |  The Orchard, Newtown, Tramore, County Waterford,  Ireland  |  www.tramorerangers.com
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