In-form Rangers see off top side as Jerry keeps up his scoring run

Goal-scorers for Banbridge Rangers (from left): Jerry Philip, Christopher Chambers and Jonny Porter.

The statistics for Banbridge Rangers look particularly pleasing of late as they extended their winning streak with a hard fought 3-1 victory away to league leaders Ballymacash Rangers on Saturday.

With 26 goals scored and only six conceded in the last eight league games, it shows why there has been a return of 22 points out of a possible 24 for Richard McMinn’s in-form boys in blue.

Saturday’s game at Ballymacash was always going to be one of the toughest of the season as the Lisburn outfit are notoriously hard to beat at the Bluebell.

The Banbridge Gers knew they were in for a battle from the start with the amount of zealous challenges in the opening ten minutes but stood up to be counted and started to create the better openings.

Banbridge Rangers v AFC Craigavon: Matthew McCrum ©Paul Byrne Photography INBL1505-256PB

Striker Jerry Philip pulled away from his marker at an eighth minute corner but failed to direct his header goalward and five minutes later the visitors saw an audacious effort from Captain Colin Cousins drop just over as he volleyed a keepers kick out back at goal from the halfway line.

An early substitution was required after 20 minutes with Kyle Sergeant replacing Stuart Mallen who failed to shake off a knock. As the tackles flew in, the referee brandished his only card to Cousins for questioning a decision.

The opening goal arrived in the 26th minute when Adam Beattie threaded a perfectly weighted ball between the centre-halves for Jonny Porter who shimmied past the keeper with nifty footwork before displaying a composed finish.