By Jonathan Brown
MANAGER Samuel Gordon says Valley Rangers’ result against Newry City last week has to be “pretty close” to one of the best results in the club’s history.
Gordon’s side defeated NIFL Championship outfit Newry on penalties last Tuesday in the first round of the Mid-Ulster Cup.
Valley defended resolutely throughout the game at The Newry Showgrounds, with goalkeeper Richard Annett making a string of superb saves to keep the score at 0-0.
Valley thought they had scored a famous late winner when Daniel Graham netted in the final seconds of stoppage time, only for Andrew Hoey to equalise for Newry less than a minute later and send the tie to penalties.
Annett then saved Hoey’s spot-kick to set up Chris Cope for the winning penalty, but the 21-year-old missed to allow Newry back into the shootout.
It was to be Valley’s night, however, as Newry rattled the crossbar with their next kick to secure a famous result for the Bignian Park outfit.
“It was a brilliant shift from the boys. We had to set up to frustrate them and that’s what we done,” Gordon explained.
The Valley gaffer added: “It was a tough game and we had to defend for our lives at times, but we still had chances – we hit the crossbar and the Newry keeper made a few good saves.
“It was never going to be easy, but we came away with the win.”
