Abbey Rangers Under 16s Too Strong for Suncroft

Post date: Apr 2, 2017 11:37:14 PM

The Abbey Rangers under 16 team welcomed Suncroft to Ballykelly on a fine Friday evening. Rangers, missing 5 players through injury, still had three on the bench to be called upon.With two matches deferred, this was the first competitive fixture of the season for the U16s amalgamation. Without too much time to prepare as a squad because of the minor league, no one could be sure what to expect.From the throw in, the sides cancelled each other out until a foul in the square on Cian Murtagh meant the awarded penalty taken by Daniel Gilbert was dispatched confidently. For the rest of the half Abbey Rangers were the stronger however the visitors converted more of their opportunities, Rangers a bit wasteful with theirs, allowing the wide count outnumber the scores taken.At half time, the score was 3-4 to 1-3 to the home team. Goals came from Oisin Hyland, a well improvised fist of a long ball past the keeper, and Thomas Browne who converted well at the end of a slick passing from midfield, points came from Oisin, Shane Lawler and Dan.

Second half was a bigger test for the lads in red, conceding a penalty which was converted despite a good effort from Paul Morgan in the No 1 jersey.

A goal from Aaron O'Connor dipping in just below the crossbar was the last time Rangers would hit the net and points from Mikey Delahunty, Aaron Behan, Shane and Oisin meant the first run out for the lads resulted in a 4-9 to 3-8 win but credit to Suncroft for winning the second half and making it a bit of a nail biter right to the 60th minute.

The lads travel to Athgarvan on Friday for the next round. Throw-in is at 6.45pm.

By Fergal Gilbert