Intermediate Cup: History makers Rathfriland Rangers champions after defeating Armagh City
It is the first time they have won the competition in their history
Last updated 27th Apr 2022
Rathfriland Rangers are Intermediate Cup champions for the first time in their history after beating Armagh City at Windsor Park on Tuesday night.
The Amateur League side strolled to success thanks to goals from Captain Ross Black and Ruairi Fitzpatrick.
After a cautious first half performance from both sides, it was level at the break.
City came out the better side in the early moments of the second period but Rathfriland took the lead shortly after when captain Black fired a 30 yard free-kick past City keeper Conner Byrne into the bottom corner.
The pressure was kept on Armagh through powerful Rangers striker Lee Newell but on 60 minutes, Jordan Hayes won the ball in a midfield and played it to Fitzpatrick on the edge of the area who somehow found space and blasted it in to the roof of the net.
The Premier Intermediate side then piled the pressure on Rathfriland but the Co Down side stood strong in defence and weathered the storm.
The celebrations are sure to continue in the village but what a way to mark the club's 60th anniversary.
Rathfriland Rangers: Bryan McMullan, Jesse Carson, Jack Graham, Ross Black (captain), Harry Campbell, Jordan Hayes, Ruairi Fitzpatrick, Andrew Kilmartin, Lee Newell, Adam Neale, Matthew Holloway. Substitutes: (used) Scott Ward; (unused) Mark Gracey (GK), Mark Bronte, Jonathan Scannell, Stephen Greene.
Armagh City: Conner Byrne, Jack Clarke, Shea Geraghty, Dermot McCaffrey, Padraig Judge, Ryan Corrigan (captain), Jonathan Carlin, Marc McConnell, Conor Mullen, Stefan Lavery, Ruairi Duffy. Substitutes: (used) Neill Kerr, James McCormack, Andrew Wilson; (unused) Jordan King, Ben Mullen.