NEFL | Four trophies in three years for rampant Rangers

NEFL Division Three | Hazel Lane United 0–2 Rangers

Rangers made it three promotions on the bounce by lifting the NEFL Division Two title after a 2–0 win over Hazel Lane on Sunday.

Wayne Conroy’s men made the trip to Drogheda knowing that a point would be enough to take the league trophy back to Dundalk and they did just that thanks to goals from Micheal Bergin and Barry Carr.

Carr had an effort disallowed early on, the striker seeing his effort ruled out for offside, but Rangers made the breakthrough when Shaun O’Connor slipped Bergin through on the inside right and he fired across the Hazel Lane goalkeeper.

The visitors had further chances to double their lead before the break with captain TJ Murtagh looping an effort into the grateful arms of the home side’s netminder with the best of them.

Both sides started the second half well and Hazel Lane had what looked like a good penalty appeal waved away when the ball seemed to catch Bergin’s hand after Rangers had failed to clear a corner kick.

The visitors continued to create chances and the all important second goal arrived when Carr darted to the far post to meet Gavin Gaffey’s cross and hook the ball home with his left foot.

With man of the match Anto McLaughlin patrolling the midfield, Hazel Lane never looked like spoiling the title party and the final whistle secured Rangers their fourth trophy in just three years.

Conroy’s side have another chance to add to their trophy haul before the season ends. They travel to meet Carrick Rovers in the semi-final of the Fitzsimons Cup this Sunday.

RANGERS: Thomas Mulvey, Brian McCloskey (Shane McKenna), Jimmy Byrne, Padraic Browne, Stephen Begley, Shaun O’Connor (Keith Harmon), Anto McLaughlin, Micheal Bergin, Gavin Gaffey, TJ Murtagh, Barry Carr. Subs not used: Sean Kellegher, Gerard Collins.