Sofley hat-trick helps Rangers romp to cup win
NAFL BORDER CUP FIRST ROUND
Ards Rangers 5
Orangefield OB 0
AFTER the late withdrawal of Ballynahinch United from the Steel & Sons Cup last Saturday left Ards Rangers without a game and awarded a 3-0 win, it was cup action again at the weekend with Orangefield Old Boys the visitors to Drome Park in the first round of the Border Cup.
The locals again came out on top with a 5-0 win as they kept their impressive start to the season going and teed up another home tie in round two against Killyleagh YC on Saturday, September 21.
As they have done in previous games this season Rangers took an early lead here, with James Sofley converting from the penalty spot in the 15th minute after he was clumsily fouled in the area.
Although dominating the game it took the home side until just after the half-hour to get their second, which came from debutant Marks Dzirvinskis with a wonder strike from the edge of the box. Five minutes later it was 3-0 as Sofley got his second of the day with a calm finish inside the area just before half-time.
After a slow start to the second half the Rangers grew into the game again and on the hour it was another debutant on the scoresheet, this time Jordan Lucas went through and fired past the oncoming ‘keeper for his first goal in blue to make it 4-0.
With four minutes remaining Sofley wrapped up the tie with a great strike across the ‘keeper into the bottom corner to make it five and complete his hat-trick.
Fixtures
Rangers are back in league action this Saturday with an away game against Crumlin United, while the other senior teams will play their final warm-up games before beginning their league campaigns on September 7 with the following fixtures:
Steel & Sons Cup R3 – Firsts v Knockbreda (A); NAFL Division 3A – Seconds v Albert Foundry II (H); DAWFL Premier Division – Thirds v Millisle (A); DAWFL Reserve Division 2 – Fourths v Comber Rec IV (H).
Club news
The Find-the-Joker on Saturday was won by Bradley Phillips and the winning 100 Club number was 5 and went to charity in memory of late club stalwart Neville Phillips.
