FOOTBALL: Late winner puts Rangers into the second round

Queen’s Grads came from behind to take the tie into extra time, but Stephen King’s lads prevailed to edge home 5-4.

A penalty shoot-out beckoned when Tiago (on loan from Ballyclare Comrades) rounded the keeper in the 111th minute to secure the win.

Grads raced into an early 2-0 lead at The Dub, but Matti King pulled one back before the interval from the penalty spot after Ryan Murphy had been sent sprawling by the keeper.

King rifled in the equaliser from a Phil Gregg pass, before Chris Donnelly nosed Rangers ahead in the 78th minute, only for the hosts to ensure extra time with an 88th minute leveller.

Murphy’s delicate chip over the advancing keeper had Rangers back in front, but a home header from a corner made it 4-4, leaving Tiago to clinch an exciting win.

“It was a crazy game of football,” said manager Stephen King.

“We started slowly, but we had the major share of possession, and we are indebted to out-fielder Christopher Murphy for donning the gloves after our regular keeper Mark Deegan was unable to play,” he added.

Grange Rangers: McMullan; Johnston, McFall, Gault, Bell; Gregg, Donnelly, Thompson (C), Murphy; King, Tiago. Subs: Cooper, White.

On Saturday Rangers will be in action at Foundry Lane against St Teresas YC in an Amateur League Division 2C fixture. Both teams have seven points, so a keen clash is in store.