Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
CHRIS SHERRARD VALLEY OF DAMNED GLAD OF POINTS
Forsythe’s men end three month wait for league win
VALLEY RANGERS picked up a league win for the first time in three months on Saturday – and breathed a huge sigh of relief.
Richard Forsythe’s side left Portadown with a 1-0 win in their possession after suppressing and edging past hosts St Mary’s.
Their first league win of the season came amid the sunshine and optimism of the opening weekend way back at the start of August.
In between, however, it’s been a stuttered, frustrating campaign with league defeats and a battle for consistency and momentum.
Even their Bignian Park home which was once a fortress has been breached on an uncomfortably-common basis.
Banbridge Rangers, Windmill Stars, Tullyvallen, Ballymacash Rangers – they’ve all come to Kilkeel and left successful.
But Saturday offered hope. Saturday offered a second win in three.
And Saturday offered three points – something they’ve not experienced since dispatching Hanover on August 5.
Cue relief and joy in equal measure.
“The league table hasn’t been a particularly pretty sight recently,” admitted Forsythe.
“We’ve only had one league game since August because of the number of cup games we’ve been playing.
“But because of that you find yourself slipping further and further down the table.
“We were desperate to get another three points on the board so the emotion at full-time on Saturday was definitely one of relief.
“Intermediate A is so competitive, you need to be on your game every week.
“We’ve been so used to winning matches over the past couple of seasons so it’s been a frustrating start to the league season.
“But that needs to be put into context with the fact we’re in a process of rebuilding.
“We lost four senior players in the summer, very experienced players down the spine of the team.
“We have had to build a new side and promote from within.
“We’re so geographically isolated that we have to rely on players coming through our own system.
“We’ve also been hit by injuries and absences but hopefully that is starting to settle down now.
“When we get our full team we will make it very hard for whoever we play against.”
Saturday’s game at St Mary’s was predictably tense.
The Saints came into the game comfortably in sixth – ahead of the likes of Tandragee and Hanover.
Both sides had chances to open the scoring in the opening exchanges but they changed around scoreless at the break.
But midway through the second period it was breakthrough
NOT so much learned as verified but the Intermediate A title could end up going to any one of, realistically, five teams. IT’S not been a vintage season for Mid-ulster sides in the external cups – yet. But Hanover into the semi-final of the Radcliffe and a few with big chances in the Intermediate – and soon the Junior Cup – could change that complexion.
for Valley. Andy Graham headed the ball into the path of the onrushing Matthew Johnston and he gave the home keeper no chance with a stunning halfvolley into the top corner.
Spurred on by that strike, Rangers could have added to their lead in the closing minutes but in the end it was enough for the win.
Forsythe (left) insisted: “It was a very pleasing performance.
“It’s a difficult venue for all teams and St Mary’s have had a solid start to the season so we knew it was going to be a difficult game.
“St Mary’s may disagree but I thought we had lots of chances to win the game. It was a case of trying to get the three points whatever way we could but thankfully we put in a good performance as well.
“We have another big game in the league this Saturday away at AFC Silverwood. If you’re not at it in this division you will suffer defeat because it’s a very unforgiving league.
“When you do pick up points it’s because you’ve earned them.
“We’re pleased to have another league game having won on Saturday because it gives us the chance to try and build the momentum you need in the league.” One of the overwhelming positives of the Valley campaign so far has been their cup exploits.
A storming run in the Bob Radcliffe Cup has taken them to the semi-finals – and a date with neighbours Rathfriland Rangers on November 24.
Forsythe said: “It’s been a very pleasant distraction for us.
“The semi-final is a South Down derby and on a Friday night so it’s shaping up to be a great occasion.
“But we have to try and put it to the back of our minds and focus on this weekend’s league game.”
The winners of that one will play either Armagh City or Hanover in the festive final.