SCARVA RANGERS 4 GILFORD CRUSADERS 2

DERBY victories are sweeter than the rest.

But this result had more significance for Scarva Rangers than local bragging rights. It could well be pivotal in their battle to avoid dropping out of Mid-Ulster Division Two.

The three points were the home side’s just reward for a bright, committed performance.

The visitors edged the first half of last Tuesday night’s derby duel at Scarva Park and a Gilford shot struck the post before bouncing into the grateful arms of Rangers keeper David Stewart.

The game was goalless at the half-time interval but Crusaders drew first blood in the second half and Scarva supporters must have feared the worst.

But the goal brought the home side to life.

Gary McCune released Stuart Adamson with a precision pass and the Scarva midfielder burst down the right and fired a low venomous shot across the Gilford keeper into the net.

Gareth Fulton raced clear of the Crusaders defence and confidently lofted the ball over the keeper to give his side the lead. The striker made it 3-1 with another quality strike, instinctively hooking the ball into the net with his back to goal.

Gilford gave themselves a lifeline with a terrific strike from the edge of the penalty area and at the other end their keeper saved superbly to deny Alex Hammond.

He produced another fine save, this time preventing Gareth Fulton sliding the ball into the net to claim his hat-trick, but sandwiched in between these two saves was a stinging free kick from Mark Bicker that flashed past him into the back of the net before he had time to react.

It was a decisive goal, ending Gilford’s stubborn resistance and securing a richly deserved victory for the hosts.