Enniskillen Rangers 2 Magheraveely 1

Ten man Enniskillen Rangers came from a goal down to secure the spoils against Magheraveely at The Ball Range on Saturday.

The ‘Gers fell behind to a 35th minute goal from Luke Allison before they then had Justin Palmer red carded late in the first half.

However, Michael Kerr’s charges levelled though Joel Byrne before a Jake Browne goal with 20 minutes to go sealed all three points for the home outfit.

“I felt that we deserved the three points based on chances created and I was pleased with the second half performance.

“The boys didn’t panic despite being down to ten men and we were happy to get the win. We had a bad December so we needed the three points,” said Kerr.

The win now sets them up for a big test on Saturday when they take on leaders Tummery at Crawford’s Lane.

“It is a massive test for us, they haven’t been beaten yet this season and have been league champions for three years in a row but it is a test that we will relish and we will be going there looking for the three points,” he added.

Rangers had started Saturday’s game well with Mark Cutler firing over the bar while Stuart Rainey went even closer when he hit the crossbar.

However, it was the visitors who were to take the lead ten minutes before the break although there was more than a touch of fortune about the goal as Allison’s cross from wide took a deflection and looped up over Joel Peden in the Rangers goal before dropping in at the back post.

And it got even worse for Rangers soon after when Palmer was red carded for a strong challenge to leave them a goal down and a man down at the break.

Rangers though upped their game on the restart and the chances began to come with Jamie Robinson and Stuart Rainey both heading over while Cutler had an effort deflected wide.

Just when it seemed it may be one of those days for the home side though they came up with the equaliser. Robinson drilled a half volley into the path of Cutler and he crossed first time to the inrushing Byrne who finished low under the goalkeeper with 65 minutes on the clock.

And Rangers went on to take the lead five minutes later as Connor Rippey’s cross from the left was spilled by Corey Smith in the Magheraveely goal and Jake Browne was alert to side foot home for 2-1.

The remainder of the game was then seen out comfortably by Rangers as they claimed the points to move third in the table.