BBOB march clear but finish level

BALLYORAN 4

SATURDAY’S derby draw finished in honours even - despite Lurgan BBOB holding the upper hand at one point by 4-1.

BBOB moved clear at 4-1 before late goals from promotion-chasing Ballyoran closed the gap.

The Old Boys, frustrated at unsuccessful penalty appeals on two occasions, hit the crossbar early on when Mark Russell’s drive bounced off the frame.

The opening goal arrived thanks to Richard Ferguson’s composed finish from a sliderule pass by Michael Wheatley.

A second was scored off Steve Harte’s close-range strike thanks to a Matthew Gordon flick from Benny Greer’s throw-in.

Derek Blakely picked out Gordon with a measured cross late in the half but his header proved over and Ballyoran closed the gap ahead of half-time.

BBOB pushed hard over the second half in search of number three - with Andrew Smyth winning back possession and finding Gordon, with the latter producing a composed finish.

Ferguson found the net from a penalty kick but BBOB failed to protect the convincing lead as Ballyoran produced a late rally despite suffering a red card.

Wheatley proved impressive on his debut in the senior starting line-up, with Simon Brown also strong during a welcome first-team call-up.

LURGAN BBOB: Seth Mathers, Derek Blakely, Benjamin Greer, Matthew Kennedy, Simon Brown, Michael Wheatley, Mark Russell, Andrew Smyth, Richard Ferguson, Stephen Harte, Matthew Gordon. Subs: Alex Dowey, Alan Dowey, Stephen Russell.

Club officials would like to thank Noel Hayes for providing matchday sponsorship.