It took both sides time to get fluidity into their game with little time in midfield as either team started the game with one striker up top. Rangers had the majority of the possession in the first half with Scott Ward and Colin Cousins forceful running putting Richhill on the backfoot. James Beck had the chance of the half when his looping header was acrobatically turned over the bar by the excellent away 'keeper. Jonny Porter had another excellent game at centre half and eliminated the threat of a goal with a superbly timed tackle inside the area as the Richhill striker was about to pull the trigger.
With only a couple of minutes remaining in the first half John McCahon carried the ball into the box and turned his marker who tripped him, surprisingly the referee allowed advantage after the infringement in the box and the resultant shot was put wide. Jason Gourley and Chris Chambers both had efforts on target but for the Rangers supporters on the sidelines it looked like a stalemate was on the cards.
Both sides returned for the second half with Richhill again content to play the game in the air and break up Rangers usual high tempo approach to games on Cheney's 3G playing surface. With Rangers pushing in search of an equaliser it was Richhill who had the opening chances of the second half when their counter attacks caught out the Rangers backline until timely interventions by both David Smyth and Chris Chambers averted the danger.
When Smyth got injured midway through the first half Richard McMinn was introduced into midfield allowing James Beck and John McCahon to push forward in search of a breakthrough. Rangers dominance in the Richhill half provided shooting opportunities at the edge of the area with Chris Loney and Richard McMinn having openings but unfortunately both efforts failed to put the Richhill 'keeper under threat. With the game drawing to a close McCahon was moved out right and had several efforts when cutting in on his preferred left foot but again the Richhill 'keeper gathered comfortably.
Rangers last clear chance of the match came with about five minutes to the end when Chris Chambers was left free at a corner but headed wide after getting under the flight of the ball. The game ended as a no-score draw with Richhill seeing this as a point gained and Rangers hoping their title rivals had an off day. This was to be as Markethill were also held to a draw and Lurgan Town overcame League favorites AFC Craigavon 4-2 to leave the race as tight possible going into the final stages of the season.
This week Rangers take on Broomhedge in a Friday night match at Cheney Park with kick off at 8pm.
Banbridge Rangers...........................0
Richhill Utd....................................0
Saturday 20th February 2010 2.15pm
