Rangers weather early West storm to take all three points

Date Published: 24-Sep-2012

For the second home game in succession, West United blew up in the second half as the concession of three goals allowed Corrib Rangers join defending champions Mervue United at the top of the Brod Trill Premier Division table.

Two weeks ago, West led Mervue 2-0 at the break, before conceding three in the second half. Against Corrib Rangers at the weekend, it was difficult to imagine how the home side could have finished pointless based on their first-half performance, as they controlled the opening period without any reward. However, a quick David Smith brace on the resumption turned matters the way of Rangers, as they took full advantage.

Newly promoted OLBC are certainly enjoyed their early weeks in the top flight as a 3-1 win over Salthill Devon moved them into third place in the table.

However despite their lofty standing, the signs are ominous for the chasing pack, as Mervue and Rangers have opened up a five point gap and it is difficult to see anyone breaching that as the campaign intensives.

In the only other Premier game, East United and Hibernians shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

West United 0

Corrib Rangers 3

The result flattered Rangers, but to their credit they soaked up all the pressure in the opening half, before taking the opportunities that came their way in the second half.

Just once did they get a sniff of goal in that first half as David Goldbey tested Robert Forde at the near post, on his return to the junior game.

Otherwise the half was controlled by West, who pushed forward continuously. On 16 minutes, an Ian Burke delivery released Patsy Forde, but his angled drive was pushed away by John Egan, with no-one following up to finish as an open goal beckoned.

Shortly afterwards, an Eric Holland free-kick from wide on the left was met by John Egan, but his header clattered off the crossbar, with his namesake beaten.

Another set piece by Paul Murphy teed up Conor Murray at the far post, but his daisy cutter was blocked in a crowded box, before rebounding to Ward, who couldn’t direct his header on target.

Corrib Rangers manager Brendan O’Connor said his side “never got going in the opening half”, but they turned matters around quickly, as a handball gave them a breakthrough on 52 minutes, David Smith converting the penalty to put them 1-0 ahead.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.