Convincing derby win for Roesiders

Limavady United (2) 2

Owens (6 & 14mins)

Institute (0) 0

United however were well worthy of the win, but ought to have scored more, and could have regretted their generosity against less toothless opponents.

Considering that this was the team's first competitive outing since 20th November, a certain amount of rustiness was only to be expected.

United started with Cahair Friel making his full debut on the wing, but otherwise lined out as expected.

Former Roesiders Eddie McIntyre and fans' favourite Vinny Sweeney were leading the visitors' attack along with the highly rated Joe McCreadie.

The signs were all there for a competitive encounter, and the first goalmouth action was in the home goal, as Michael Doherty failed to hold a free kick which fell to McCreadie, but was blocked by Gareth McConaghie.

With only six minutes gone United took the lead. Owens, producing one of his best performances of the season, drilled the ball home after Niall Cooke burst into the box and cut the ball back for him.

Six minutes later Trevor Hutchinson took a quick free kick on the edge of the box, and passed the ball to Peter Spratt, but unfortunately he failed to take advantage of the Institute defence which was in disarray, firing the ball wide

Then on fourteen minutes Owens produced a spectacular twenty yard range volley which Alan Ryan tried to parry but could not reach. It was a fine goal to eclipse his earlier effort, and one of his best.

By this stage Institute needed a quick response, but they were rarely a threat. Sweeney in particular was disappointing.

On 24 minutes Ryan Browne sent a low shot wide of a crowded goalmouth in the aftermath of a free kick.

United had chances to add to the score, including a shot from Damian McNulty that flew over the bar.

The only other effort of the first half fell to the visitors' Joe McCreadie on the half hour, when his flashing header seemed goal-bound until Doherty in the home goal produced a stunning save.

Friel, who had a fine game, was ruled offside when he made a break and forced Ryan into a good save.

Hutchinson then broke through, but Ryan did well to force him wide, and the only reward for United was a corner.

Just before half time Declan McKeever collected the ball, and ran almost the entire length of the field, exchanged passes, and was through on goal, but his effort was well wide.

The second half was a virtual non event. Spratt was booked for a tackle in the first minute of the half.

Institute huffed and puffed a lot, and certainly came back into the game in terms of possession, but without seriously troubling Doherty again.

United ought to have added to the score when Lee Patrick teed up Hutchinson but his shot go narrowly wide.

Hutchinson was booked after a confrontation with Thomas Wray that simmered for a while, and the fiery striker was substituted almost immediately.

As the game petered out Niall Cooke was through on goal but shot at the keeper.

United thoroughly deserved this victory with this result moving them up to second in the

Ladbrokes.com Championship.

Limavady United: Doherty, Walsh, McKeever, McConaghie, McNulty, Patrick, Owens, Spratt, Cooke, Hutchinson, Friel.

Subs: Clarke for Hutchinson, Wilson, McKenna, Roddy

Institute: Ryan, Crown, Taylor, Browne, Wray, McShane, Blackburn, McLean, McCreadie, Sweeney, McIntyre

Subs: Harkin for Blackburn, King for McCreadie, Smith, Ferguson, Nicell

Referee: Paddy McFadden (Londonderry)