Comeback kingCairns gets thirdwin on the trot

Cairns got his third win a row since coming back to the Riada Stadium.

Under Cairns, Glebe Rangers had already beaten Chimney Corner 3-2 and Portstewart 2-1.

On Saturday they accounted for Cookstown-based Killymoon Rangers.

It was a narrow home victory over basement boys Killymoon Rangers on Saturday afternoon.

The three points saw them move into the top half of the table for the first time this season.

With influential midfielder Peter Kennoway absent through suspension, the only change saw David McVicker make what turned out to be a short-lived return to the starting line-up.

In difficult conditions, which occasionally bordered on the atrocious, Glebe were the first to threaten when a 7th minute free-kick from Marks evaded everyone except Shepherd.

However the central defender was unable to turn the ball goal-wards and the opportunity passed.

Visiting defender Andy Neill came to his team’s rescue shortly afterwards when he produced a timely interception to cut out Adam Mcvicker’s cross.

The breakthrough arrived after 25 minutes when a cross from Jackie Morrison was forced against the post by Henry.

The ball rebounded across the goal line where Ian Christie gleefully tucked it in.

Glebe continued to press and a fine move involving Hume and Henry saw Chris Nicholl presented with an opportunity to double his side’s lead but the striker was denied by a point-blank save from Gary Stewart.

As half-time approached the hosts suffered a blow when David McVicker received a straight red card for an off the ball offence which was spotted by the linesman.

The visitors began the second period in determined fashion.

Stephen McElhatton provided a couple of dangerous corners which failed to find a taker.

Stung into action, Nicholl’s effort from a Marks free-kick was blocked but, when the ball broke to Christie, the goal hero of the first half blazed wide past the far post.

Despite the conditions favouring them Killymoon were failing to trouble Kane and only a great save from Stewart prevented Henry’s header from McVicker’s fine cross finding the net.

Ryan Marks, continuing his recent superb form, released dangerman Henry in the 71st minute and again the striker was denied by the impressive Stewart.

As the minutes ticked by Killymoon at last began to threaten.

Sub Gareth McCaw headed wide from another McElhatton corner before an almighty scramble in the home penalty area eventually saw Shepherd clear the danger without the visitors being able to test Kane.

With time running out Adam McVicker found gaps in the Killymoon rear-guard but was unable to take advantage on either occasion as was sub Ryan Gurney who curled over after good work from Henry.

And in time-honoured fashion this failure to put the game to bed almost came back to haunt Glebe but Neill’s last minute lob was just too high and with it went the Cookstown men’s hopes of snatching a point.

Glebe Rangers: Kane, Morrison (J), Hume, Sheppard, Dobbin McVicker (D), Marks, Christie, Nicholl, McVicker (A) Henry,

Subs: Morrison (W), Gurney, White, McIlveen,

Killymoon Rangers: Stewart, Scott, Ferry, Neill, Mann, Hunter, Young, McElhatton, Donaghy, Brownlee, Coyle.

Subs: Ferry, McGaw, Dunn, Colis.