Valley Rangers Ladies 2 v 1st Bangor 0
The Home side began in attacking mode creating their first opportunity in the third minute when, from a Kerri Graham throw in, her sister Nicole shot narrowly over the bar. Anna Cunningham linked with Nicole Graham a minute later and then Amy Burden fed Nicole who forced keeper Kirsty Legge to save. Keeper Legge saved another Graham effort in the twelfth minute before Bangor threatened when Shona Hewlett fired narrowly wide. Danni Wilson was influential in the visitor’s midfield but tighter marking by Anna Cunningham lessened her effectiveness in the second quarter.
Anna Cunningham Amy Burden and Nicole Graham were involved in the next incisive raid, the latter fizzing her shot inches wide. Burden then wove another opportunity but Kirsty Legge read the situation well to clear effectively. A Leanne Forsythe cross caused Bangor problems, before keeper Legge did well to deny Burden twice in quick succession.
Forsythe, Stefanie McCullough and Cunningham linked to good effect in the 34th minute but still the score sheet remained blank. Two minutes later however Valley got there just reward when Anna cupped a fine aerial ball which Nicole ran into to net with aplomb. A fine passing movement in the 39th minute involving Grace Imrie, Stefanie McCullough, Nicole Graham and Amy Burden resulting in keeper Legge saving acrobatically. In the final action of the half ‘Bangors’ Hannah Sheffield had her rising shot saved by Gemma Hanna.
Seconds into the resumption Amy Burden raced through only to have her close range shot parried for an unproductive corner. Leanne Forsythe then showed her command in defence thwarting the visitors before they could master a shooting opportunity. Valley doubled their lead in the eleventh minute; Anna Cunningham’s long-range pass finding Stefanie McCullough who cut in from the wing to score from a narrow angle. Bangor were visibly shaken by that reverse and Burden might well have added a third five minutes later but, not for the first time, keeper Legge saved.
Nicole Graham, Lyn Johnston and Anna Cunningham carved Valley’s next chance but Hollie Campbell’s challenge resulted in a corner kick. As the weather worsened Valley kept the pressure on Bangor with keeper Legge saving from Graham and Burden before following a fine interchange with Lyn Johnston, Nicole Graham’s shot rasped into the side netting.
Amy Burden then forced Kirsty Legge to save before Valley keeper Gemma Hanna cleared a dangerous ball put through by Claire Withers. In the last action of a hard fought match, Leanne Forsythe joined the attack only to be denied by a well-timed Hollie Campbell tackle.
Valley have two away matches this week. On Monday (1st August), they travelled to play Portadown Integrated in the Division Two Cup semi final. Tomorrow (Thursday 4th August) Valley play their penultimate league game away to Ballymoney.
Due to Portadown only being able to claim a point from their home incounter with Cappagh Spurs this week Valley Ranger Ladies have claimed the title of Frudles Division Two Winners with two matches in hand. Another amazing season for the girls, third promotion in as many years.
By John Charleton
