The game got underway with both sides having half chances but the visitors found McCune in the Rangers goal in fine form as he pulled off a few fine saves and Rangers themselves going close when Thompson spun his marker to fire just wide of the post. with Rangers missing a few players off their own the deck had to be reshuffled witch saw David Rodgers move into centre half were he never put a foot wrong all day in what was a great performance by all off the back four of Sterritt, Rodgers, Harper and Gray who were up for the challenge.
The deadlock was broken just before half time when Gribben slotted home after some fine work from McAllister on the left flank Rangers now started pushing the visitors deep into their own half as they looked to grab a second before the break and again came close when the Tullyvallen keeper pushed a Thornton header over the bar just as the referee blew for half time.
The second half got underway with Rangers going all out for the second goal and they were unlucky as Thompson fired just over the bar but they didn’t have to wait long for the all important goal as the Tullyvallen centre half handled the ball inside the box leaving the referee no chance but to award the penalty kick Colin Cray stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to make 2-0 to Rangers who were now well in control of the game.
With about 20 minutes left in the game Rangers introduced fresh legs into their midfield with Dillon, and Wilson coming on for, Gribben and Cochrane who worked hard all day for their team-mates. Tullyvallen shocked the home side when their midfielder pounced on a Rangers mistake and fired past McCune in the Rangers goal to set up a nervous end to the game but Rangers reply was quick as they caught the visitors on the break when Robert baird Thompson and Wilson combined well to find McAllister on the edge off the box who in return fired past the tullyvallen keeper to wrap up all 3 points for rangers who keep their fine run of form going and keep the pressure on the teams above them in the league.
Man of the match on the day for rangers was Mathew gribben who worked hard all day and was rewarded with a goal for his fine performance
Banbridge Rangers Reserve .......... 3
Tullyvallen................................... 1
Venue Tech Pitch, kick off 2.15
