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
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.
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.
 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
Mac makes vital impact
 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
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Derby win in Graun Park
 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. |
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Two games, Nine goals 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 . . .
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.
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.
 Eoin Purcell: opener |
'Headwrecking' way to loseDivision 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
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.
(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
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
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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… |
 Click to read in full size |
Youths let lead slip at home
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. |
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Second Division score four
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.
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.
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Sawyer's superb brace seals
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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. |
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Southend blitz Rangers
 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. |
 Rangers' Gary Morrissey gets in a cross  Simon Power feels the pain under a heavy challenge  Eoin Purcell stretches to block a pass  The Southend keeper takes a catch ahead of Chris Kirk  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!
 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 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. |
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Rangers stick half-dozen past Abbeyside
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.
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
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Harry comes on strong to spur win
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
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
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.
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
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).
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
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
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
 '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." |
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