Dergview Reserves 0 Enniskillen Rangers 2

Enniskillen Rangers extended their unbeaten run in 2024 to 14 games as they scored a goal in either half to get the better of Dergview Reserves.

Stuart Rainey put the away side ahead in a first half dominated by Rangers, but Dergview had chances to level the game after the break before Joel Byrne sealed the victory with 11 minutes remaining to maintain their three-point lead at the top of Division One.

Rangers manager Michael Kerr admitted they were pushed all the way by Dergview, with his side’s inability to convert their chances almost costing them.

"Dergview away is a hard game and they are a decent side, and it was another hard game on Saturday,” he said.

“In the first half, we were excellent and could have scored four or five, but we just weren’t clinical and we missed a lot. Overall, we were delighted with our performance.

"To go down there and get a win and a clean sheet is really pleasing. It was a good win, and we move on to the next one."

Rangers have averaged over three goals per game in the league this season and it looked to be more of the same when they took the lead after 12 minutes.

Kyle Deery won possession on the right touchline and exchanged passes with Joel Byrne before crossing for Jason Keenan, who backheeled the ball into the path of Stuart Rainey to fire in at the far post.

Within seconds Rangers were nearly two goals ahead. Rainey won possession high up the pitch from Dergview’s kick-off and he advanced into the penalty area before he was brought down, but Keenan blasted the spot kick high over the bar.

Keenan had another chance to extend their lead before half-time when he raced clear, but with just the goalkeeper to beat his shot was straight at Tiernan McNamee.

Dergview had come into the match on a run of four games without defeat, and they started to pose more of a threat in the second half.

Twice in the opening minutes of the half Gabriel Aduaka had opportunities to level the scores when put through on goal, but on both occasions his effort drifted wide of the post.

The strong wind was making playing conditions difficult, but Rangers almost took advantage when Joel Peden’s wind-assisted goal kick cleared the Dergview backline and set Keenan in on goal, but he fired wide.

Five minutes later the striker was in on goal again. This time he opted to round the keeper but then struck the outside of the post with the goal vacant.

With just over 10 minutes remaining Rangers finally sealed the win with a second goal.

Ciaran Smith and Keenan combined down the wing, with Keenan crossing for Byrne to score at the back post.

The win keeps Rangers at the top of the table, but Kesh and Tummery could still catch them if they take maximum points from their three games in hand.

“We will just keep worrying about ourselves,” said Kerr. “We still have to play both Kesh and Tummery and depending on goal difference it is kind of in our own hands.

"We will just keep playing the games and we won’t look too far ahead or get too carried away. I would rather have the points on the board at this stage. It’s nice to be sitting up there.

"We will keep taking it one game at a time and keep chipping them off."