United Reserves hold heads high

Lurgan Utd Reserves 0

LURGAN United Reserves travelled to Reserve Division 1 counterparts Hanover in the second round of the Mid-Ulster League Cup and despite going down 3-0 in the end they came away with their heads held high after a spirited performance.

United went into this game knowing that it was going to be an uphill struggle with Hanover currently third in division one. United’s game plan was to set their stall out defensively in the first half of the game and soak up the pressure in an attempt to stifle and restrict the slick passing and movement of Hanover.

The tactics worked in the first half. Despite coming under pressure United managed to restrict Hanover to mostly long range efforts.

The United back line held things superbly with Ciaran Headley and Stevie Smith rock solid at centre back and full backs Chris Kiely and Connor McComb being neat and dependable. United went in at half time 0-0, also due in no small part to the safe handling of keeper Junior Crawford.

In the second half United started superbly with Gary Patterson and Michael Lappin just failing to convert half chances.

First blood was drawn, however, when Hanover seized upon some hesitancy in the United defence to go 1-0 up. United’s heads did not drop though and came close when Ciaran Headley just failed to connect with a header from a free kick.

As United pressed in search of an equaliser, Hanover scored a further two goals to close out the game.

United should take a lot of positives from this game as they showed fight and character against a very good team.

The work out and experience of this tough fixture will hold United in good stead for next week’s crunch league clash against Banbridge Rangers at home.

Team: Junior Crawford, Chris Kiely, Ciaran Headley, Stevie Smith, Colly Wilkinson, Connor McComb, Gary Patterson, Dee Henderson, Michael Fearon, James Agnew, Michael Lappin. Subs (all used): Sean Connolly, Jim O'Brien, Sean Rice.