Rangers 1
Co. Fermanagh 2
County Fermanagh produced one of the biggest results on the opening day of the SuperCupNI 2024, as an outstanding team performance gave them a victory over Scottish giants Rangers.
The Ernemen got off to the perfect start in the opening minute. Cathair Maguire clipped his pass over the Rangers defence to striker Jay Ely, who rounded the Rangers goalkeeper and lashed the ball home. After taking the lead the Fermanagh focus turned to shutting their Scottish opponents out. Goalkeeper Jake Agnew was called into action to save a free kick from Rangers midfielder Kyle Glasgow.
The pressure mounted on the Fermanagh net but the backline remained firm with defenders Daniel McCarron and Timothy Armstrong making several important blocks. Sloppy play from the Gers’ backline presented Fermanagh a chance to extend their advantage as winger Kacper Ferens collected the loose ball and drove at goal but his effort whistled past the post. Shortly before the half, Luca Rankin tested Agnew in the Fermanagh goal with a powerful shot but the young keeper was not to be beaten.
In the second half, Rangers would still struggle to get a foothold in the game and, in fact, it was the county side that looked like scoring the elusive second goal. Jay Ely was denied his second by Rangers ‘keeper McGahey. Fermanagh kept battling and were soon rewarded with the second goal. After a scramble in the penalty area, the ball broke kindly to Kacper Ferens who lashed the ball past McGahey thus sparking jubilant scenes on the Fermanagh bench.
Rangers responded by creating chances of their own. Substitute Logan Band sent his effort over the Fermanagh goal much to the Fermanagh relief, but the Glasgow side did claw one back, and in spectacular fashion. Rangers captain Kyle Glasgow, who had been marshalled very well by the Fermanagh rearguard, found a bit of space and curled a terrific shot into the top corner, giving Agnew no chance. Momentum was in the favour of the Scottish, and with minutes left on the clock, they were denied a draw by the brilliant Jake Agnew. The Fermanagh shot stopper produced a crucial double save, denying both Luca Rankin and Ruaridh Hall in quick succession, and confirming a massive result for County Fermanagh.
Words from Harvey Latimer