Back to back wins for Cloney

Donacloney 3

Glenanne Utd 2

DONACLONEY played host to Glenanne United on Saturday past at The Holmes and were delighted to claim their first back to back wins of the season.

Cloney, buoyed by their performance against Armagh Blues the previous week, started the game with confidence and put some early pressure on Glenanne from the off.

It did not take long for the pressure to tell as Chris Shields picked the ball up with his back to goal, he unleashed a tame strike from 30 yards but somehow the visitors’ keeper failed to grab the ball as it crossed the line to give the Cloney the lead.

Cloney continued to push forward and chances fell to Aaron Chambers and Steven Leckey who perhaps dithered to long and failed to stretch the lead. Half chances came and went for Cloney in attack while at the back Cloney looked solid against the Glenanne forward threat.

They eventually extended their lead 10 minutes before the break. Glen Buchanan played a defence splitting through ball from left back to the onrushing Kyle Scott. Scott powered into the box only to be upended by the last defender, he then dusted himself off and coolly slotted home the resultant spot kick.

Cloney shot themselves in the foot as within the first five minutes of the second half they allowed their opponents back into the game. Some sloppy defending saw the Glenanne forward race through and slot the ball past the advancing Campbell.

The game become more open as Glenanne pushed for an equaliser with both teams creating opportunities. Chambers and Leckey again were causing trouble but failed to find a way past the Glenanne keeper.

Cloney then had Campbell to thank for a full stretch save, while they also counted on some luck as a Glenanne free kick struck the crossbar and bounced behind to safety. Cloney accepted the good fortune and as the game approached the final 10 minutes they increased their lead to 3-1.

This time young sub Matthew Parkinson raced from the halfway line, his first attempt was saved but he was alert enough to pounce on the rebound to the delight of his teammates.

Chambers had a chance to kill of the game with a free header from a Shields corner but only directed it straight at the grateful keeper. Geoff Johnson then ensured the lead was maintained as he put in a superb challenge in his own box. With time petering out Glenanne did give Cloney something to think about as their forward stole through again to net a second amidst Cloney claims for offside.

At the final whistle Cloney had secured a 3-2 victory, in what was a solid team performance, in which right back Geoff Johnson had a strong game while mention must go to Matt Parkinson for scoring on home debut.

Manager Gary Knox was glad to see his team win again. “We played well and deserved the victory, it is just disappointing that we needlessly pressurise ourselves by leaking sloppy goals,” he said. “Hopefully we can take this confidence through for a strong finish to the season.”