‘Second half display was better’ says 'Gers boss Kerr

A strong second half performance saw champions Enniskillen Rangers open their title defence with a 4-0 win over Lisbellaw United at the Ball Range on Saturday.

Following a low key first half from the home side they moved through the gears in the second and after a fortuitous opener in the first minute of the second half by Jamie Robinson they went on to secure the points with Stuart Rainey, Jason Keenan and Ciaran Brough all getting on the scoresheet.

‘Gers manager Michael Kerr was not happy with his side’s first half display but was satisfied with how they performed on the resumption.

“We didn’t play well in the first half and I told them at half time that everything needs to be done quicker and sharper. In fairness, I got the response I was looking at the second half and although our first goal was somewhat lucky I was a lot happier with the second half.

“It was the first game of the season and it was important to get off the mark and get the three points which we did. It was also pleasing to get a clean-sheet which is something we have been looking at,” stated Kerr.

Lisbellaw manager Kyle McCleery felt his side acquitted themselves well in the first half but was disappointed with how they reacted to falling behind at the start of the second period.

“In the first half it was a real workman like performance from us which was what I wanted. We were able to restrict them and we also created a couple of chances but I knew the first five or ten minutes of the second half would be crucial and when they scored early on we didn’t react well to that. In the end it was a heavy defeat and I don’t think we deserved it after the first half,” he said.

Lisbellaw did start the game brightly and they could have taken the lead inside the opening minute when Craig Johnston got in on goal but he blazed over.

And the home side were fortunate to survive when goalkeeper Jerome Carleton’s clearance hit Lee Farrell only for the ball to roll past the post and wide midway through the half.

Rangers failed to create anything clear cut in the first half with Jason Keenan having a low effort that was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper.

The second half though was a different story as Rangers came flying out of the blocks to take the lead within a minute.

There was a good slice of luck about the goal as Jamie Robinson’s cross from the left floated into the top corner of the net for 1-0.

The chances started to come for Rangers after this and Keenan just failed to turn home at the back post from a Michael Simpson flick on before the second goal arrived in the 52nd minute.

A good ball from Christopher Currie sent Rainey scurrying through and he produced a clinical low finish for 2-0.

Four minutes later Rangers extended their advantage as Simpson’s shot hit a hand in the box and Jason Keenan stepped up to convert from the spot.

At the other end, substitute Ryan O’Keefe clipped a curling effort just past the post but midway through the half Rangers wrapped things up although there was more than a touch of controversy over the goal.

Brough appeared to kick the ball out of the hands of Lisbellaw goalkeeper and into the net and vociferous Lisbellaw protests after the goal was allowed to stand resulted in a straight red card for O’Keefe as the game finished 4-0 in the home side’s favour.