Depressing feeling returns for Scarva

Scarva Rangers 1

THE final score line on Saturday at Lurgan Park felt depressingly familiar for the visitors.

In what has been a difficult season, this was Scarva’s fourth 6-1 defeat.

But, as the hosts admitted afterwards, the margin of victory flattered Lurgan Institute and failed to fairly reflect Scarva’s significant contribution to an encounter that had been evenly balanced until the closing stages.

Scarva keeper James Clarke had to make a brilliant double save in the early stages of Saturday’s league clash but it inspired a period of bright attacking play by the visitors.

Central midfielder Mark Bicker burst into the Institute penalty area, skipped past the home keeper, who hauled him to the ground, and the referee immediately signalled a penalty.

In numerous games such a penalty award has been accompanied by a red card for the offender but on this occasion the match official generously decided to brandish a yellow card instead.

It was a crucial decision in the context of the game. The home keeper made the most of his reprieve by saving Stephen Anderson’s spot kick and instead of being 1-0 up Scarva Rangers were soon to be a goal behind.

Institute added a second goal before the half time interval to strengthen their grip on the contest but a spirited Scarva side were not prepared to throw the towel in.

Early in the second half this determination produced a goal. A fine goal it was too.

Wes Baird dissected the home defence with a clinical pass and Stuart Adamson fired an immaculate low cross into the heart of the six yard box where Alex Hammond slid the ball home from close range.

The next goal was always going to be critical and it was Institute who grabbed it, a swift counter attack followed by a magnificent strike that screeched past Clarke into the top corner of the Scarva net.

At the other end Gareth Fulton unleashed an equally venomous shot that the Institute keeper somehow tipped over his crossbar.

Institute’s fourth goal came from the penalty spot. A fifth followed shortly afterwards and finally a sixth goal to complete the village side’s misery.

Their performance was much better than the score line suggests, something the Rangers players mustn’t lose sight of in the midst of their disappointment.

Best for Scarva Rangers – Stuart Adamson and Mark Bicker.