NIFL Championship Round-Up: Rathfriland Win as Newry City and Warrenpoint Town Draw Ahead of Cup Action
Rathfriland Rangers secured a valuable away win at Dundela, with Ciaran Dobbin scoring the decisive goal in first-half stoppage time, while Newry City and Warrenpoint Town had to settle for a share of the spoils in their respective matches.
SOUTH Down’s three Championship sides enjoyed mixed fortunes at the weekend, with Rathfriland Rangers claiming a valuable away win, while Newry City and Warrenpoint Town had to settle for a share of the spoils.
Darren Mullen’s Rathfriland were the pick of the local sides, returning from Dundela with all three points after a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
Ciaran Dobbin proved the match-winner, striking in first-half stoppage time to secure a result that continues to underline the progress being made at Iveagh Park.
There was further recognition for the Rathfriland squad with Dobbin and defender Brian Johnston both named in the BOYLE Sports Championship Team of the Week.
Johnston’s commanding display at the heart of the defence provided the platform for the victory, while Dobbin’s decisive contribution ensured the points headed back to South Down.
Mullen’s men have little time to rest on their laurels, however, with Ards visiting Iveagh Park on Tuesday night in the opening round of the BetMcLean Cup.
Rathfriland will be keen to carry their league form into the cup tie before returning to Championship action on Saturday, when Moyola Park provide the opposition.Newry City, meanwhile, had to be content with a point after drawing 1-1 with Queen’s University at Blanchflower Stadium.
Ryan Swan found the net for Stuart King’s side, but Newry were unable to turn their contribution into a winning return as they shared the spoils with the Belfast students.
King will now turn his attention to Tuesday night’s BetMcLean Cup assignment against Carrick Rangers at Taylor’s Avenue.
The trip to Premiership opposition represents a stern test for City, who will be looking to produce a strong performance before refocusing on their league campaign.
Their next Championship fixture at home to Newington.Warrenpoint Town also came away with a point from a lively encounter, drawing 2-2 with Ballinamallard United at Ferney Park.
Gary Boyle’s side looked well placed to take the spoils after twice moving in front. Adam Carroll broke the deadlock shortly before half-time, but the hosts levelled in stoppage time.
Rory Powell then produced an excellent long-range finish just three minutes after the restart to restore Warrenpoint’s advantage, only for Conall McGrandles’ own goal to bring Ballinamallard back on terms before the hour.It was an entertaining contest, although Boyle may feel his side missed an opportunity to take maximum points after twice leading.
Their attention now switches to Wednesday night, when Premiership side Crusaders visit Milltown for a BetMcLean League Cup tie that promises a significant challenge.
Warrenpoint will then return to Championship duty on Saturday with another demanding home fixture against Glenavon, as they look to turn a battling performance in Fermanagh into a winning return.