Clough set to mix it with the big boys

Ballymena Saturday Morning League

LEIGHINMOHR HOUSE HOTEL CUP

Clough Rangers 3 v 3 Shore Wanderers (Clough Rangers won 6-5 on pens):

THIS game was a cracker for the neutral as it went all the way to penalty kicks and was only settled when Kyle McRoberts fired home Clough Rangers' sixth penalty to take them into the top flight next season.

Shore got off to the best possible start after five minutes when Sean Hale challenged Clough goalkeeper Phillip Simpson for a high ball and the ball fell to Hale who was quickest to react and slotted home.

This fired Clough into action but they were guilty of spurning numerous one on one chances because of bad finishing and an inspired Chris Wheatley in the Shore goal.

Clough eventually got the equaliser their pressure deserved when Johnny Cameron fired in a half volley after good work by Stephen Steele.

Soon after Clough took the lead when Laird Law latched onto a Stephen Steele through ball and rounded Shore keeper Chris Wheatley before finishing and sending Clough in 2-1 up at half time.

Clough continued to have the upper hand at the start of the second half and made it three when Stephen Steele found the net with a free kick which took a nasty bobble and totally deceived Chris Wheatley in Shore's goal.

Shore to their credit never gave in and upped their game in the last half hour but they had to wait until 6 minutes from time before Sean Hale got his second with a good finish to make it 3-2.

Shore completed the comeback when Willy Brown scored a well executed volley from a corner with two minutes remaining.

There weren't too many opportunities created in extra time. The best chance fell to Sean Hale who bought a good save from Philip Simpson.

Clough’s keeper Philip Simpson saved his best for the penalty shootout when he saved two penalties before Kyle McRoberts became the hero of the night when he fired home the winning penalty to send Clough back to the first division after a seven year absence.

After the initial celebrations abated, Brian Montgomery League Secretary presented the Leighinmohr Hotel Cup to winning Clough Rangers Captain Jonathan Rice and congratulated on them returning to Division One.

Clough Rangers: Philip Simpson, Kyle McRoberts, Lee Megaw, Steven Gage, Jonathan McCloy, Reggie Conville, Jonathan Rice, Stephen Steele, Richard Gregg, Jonathan Cameron, Laird Law. Substitutes: Richard McNeill, Jordan Leighton, Russell Craig, Colin Stewart and David Sloan.

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