Enniskillen Rangers 8

Dergview Reserves 0

Enniskillen Rangers extended their unbeaten league run to six games with an 8-0 demolition of Dergview Reserves. A hat-trick from Andy Sproule helped them coast to a convincing victory that leaves Dergview with the worst defensive record in the top division, and leaves Rangers fourth in the table. It was a dominant display from the division’s in-form team, with goals also coming from Jarno Glass, James Turley, Mark Cutler and two from Andy Johnston.

Ranger’s manager Michael Kerr was delighted with his side’s performance, but realises the next match against Killen will provide a stiffer challenge.

“The two things I wanted were three points and a clean sheet and I got both so I'm happy enough. It was a pleasing performance and result against what was a young and inexperienced Dergview side. As I said to the boys though, you can only beat what is put in front of you,” he said. “Killen beat us 3-0 at the start of the season so we know they are a good side and we know that it is going to be tough but we will head to Killen with confidence now. We realise in this league anyone can beat anyone so we will prepare right again, set out a game plan with the lads this week and work from there. I'm happy enough with things at the moment but we're always looking to improve and push on.”

Rangers were without Joe Doogan and Michael Dooris, but Stuart Rainey came back into the starting eleven as they looked to build on their recent victory over reigning champions Strathroy.

It was Dergview though that made the best start and created the first chance of the game, but after an early header clipped the top of the crossbar Rangers were rarely threatened and were soon ahead. A flick on from Johnston presented Armstrong with the opportunity to release Turley, and his cross found Glass in front of goal, with the striker making no mistake from close range.

Within two minutes the home team doubled their lead when Turley’s shot was well saved, but the keeper was unable to hold on to his effort and Johnston reacted quickest to swivel and fire the ball into the unguarded net.

Rangers were well on top and dominating the game and were soon three up when Sproule ran with the ball at his feet, evading three players before lifting the ball over the advancing keeper and into the goal. Turley then turned from provider to goal scorer when he dispatched a penalty past the keeper after Ranger’s captain Burleigh was bundled over in the area following a corner.

With half time approaching Turley had another effort fly just off target and Glass forced a good save from the keeper’s feet, but just before the interval Rangers grabbed their fifth when Rainey crossed for Sproule to head in.

Holden, Cutler and Crozier were introduced at half time but the changes made little difference to the game, as the Enniskillen side continued to press forward in search of more goals. They netted their sixth when a mazy run from Rainey presented Johnston with a simple tap in, and then substitute Cutler fired in from the edge of the area after beating several defenders. Rangers were not letting up and Kerr, Johnston, Cutler and Turley all had efforts on goal before Sproule completed his hat-trick and made it 8-0 late in the match with a penalty.

Rangers’ next fixture is away to mid table Killen Rangers, who got the better of a 'Gers side that were struggling to find the net in the early stages of the campaign. The Enniskillen side have rectified that problem however, and will be looking to get one over their Tyrone rivals.