The race for the top four places to ensure their places in the NIFL Irish League is really heating up now, with defeats for league leaders Moyola Park and Newry City seeing the gap closing up at the top. Add three consecutive wins for Rathfriland Rangers to the mix, and it seems every game is now a cup final. Here's our review of the last 10 days of action

Saturday 14th Feb - Late Header Seals It for the Whites

Lisburn Distillery edged a tight contest with Dollingstown at Ballyskeagh thanks to a late winner from Benny Igiehon. Jordan Morrison’s deflected effort had given the Whites the lead midway through the first half, but Jonathan Ewart hit back soon after with a smart finish to level. With chances at both ends after the break, it was Igiehon who had the final say, rising to head home Dean Lewis’ cross on 83 minutes and secure a hard-earned three points.

Tuesday 17th Feb - Comrades Too Strong for Dollybirds
Ballyclare Comrades picked up a solid three points on the road with a 3-0 win over Dollingstown at Planters Park. The breakthrough came midway through the first half when Karter Bond’s low cross from the right was met at the back post by Fiontan O’Boyle to open the scoring. Comrades stayed on top and made their pressure count late on, doubling their lead with 15 minutes to go before putting the result beyond doubt from the penalty spot in the closing stages to wrap up a convincing away day performance.

Tuesday 17th Feb - Rathfriland Hold Firm at Bluebell

Rathfriland Rangers claimed the bragging rights at the Bluebell Stadium with a hard-earned win over Ballymacash. Josh Cahoon struck just before the break to edge the visitors in front, and Stephen McCavitt quickly doubled the lead from the penalty spot. Karl Devine’s second-half spot-kick gave ‘Cash hope and set up a tense finale, but Rathfriland stood strong to see it out and secure the points.

Fri 20th Feb - Sunnyside Too Strong for the Leaders

Oxford Sunnyside produced a composed display to see off league leaders Moyola Park. Adam Salley fired the hosts in front midway through the first half after being slipped through, and later turned provider for Michael O’Connor to coolly add a second. A confident, controlled performance from Sunnyside against top-of-the-table opposition.

Fri 20th Feb - Hamilton the Hat-Trick Hero for ‘Cash

Ballymacash Rangers powered to a 3-1 win over Newry City thanks to a clinical Calum Hamilton treble. He blasted home early to set the tone, doubled the lead before the break with a brilliant solo finish, and after Lee Newell gave Newry hope late on, Hamilton reacted quickest to slam in the rebound from a saved penalty and complete his hat-trick—a big result at the Bluebell for 'Cash and their main man.

Sat 21st Feb - Late Drama as Dollingstown Turn It Around.
Dollingstown snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Dergview in a dramatic finish. After twice trailing, Gary Liggett struck in added time to level before Henry Cromack grabbed the winner a minute later to complete a stunning late comeback.

Sat 21st Feb - Coagh Cruise at Hagan Park
Coagh United were in control from the off in their win over Banbridge Town. Conor Mullen struck early, David Monaghan added a second before the break, and Zach Ferson’s quickfire double after the hour sealed an emphatic victory.

Sat 21st Feb -Rangers Rally to Down Distillery
Rathfriland Rangers came from behind to edge out Lisburn Distillery. Benny Igiehon gave the Whites an early lead, but Harry Campbell levelled before Adam Neale’s late free-kick completed the turnaround and sparked celebrations.

Sat 21st Feb - Brown Bags Three for Portstewart
Dean Brown was the star of the show as Portstewart swept Knockbreda aside. After an early penalty from Tiarnan McKinney, Brown hit a quickfire double before half-time and completed his hat-trick after the break to round off a dominant display.

Tues 24th Feb - Rangers Run Riot at Knockramer
Rathfriland Rangers turned on the style in a big win over Oxford Sunnyside, flying out of the blocks with Stephen McCavitt scoring inside the opening minute. Matthew Holloway doubled the lead before Adam Neale made it three by the break, and there was no slowing down after that. Holloway grabbed his second midway through the half, and although Oxford got one back via an own goal and a late Liam Toman effort, Eoin Rooney’s strike ensured the visitors signed off with a five-star showing.

Tues 24th Feb - ’Cash in Cruise Control
Ballymacash Rangers delivered a commanding performance at the Bluebell Stadium to see off Strabane Athletic. Scott Adams set the tone with a stunning volley before Calum Hamilton and Reiss Neill added further goals to put the game beyond doubt inside the opening half-hour. Strabane grabbed a stoppage-time consolation through Tiernan McGinty, but it was a dominant performance for the hosts from start to finish.

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