Coagh lose out to impressive Mallards

COAGH United found the going tough at Ferney Park on Saturday afternoon. The Premier League new boys ran out 5-1 winners and were good value for their victory.

The opening stages of the friendly were rather cagey with neither side making any worthwile opportunities.

However, a lapse in concentration by the Coagh rear-guard left former Manchester United trainee Chris Curran time and space in the box.

Glasgow tumbled over the fleet footed winger inside the area and Jason McCartney sidefooted past Yorke from the penalty spot.

Coagh responded superbly and only for a stunning relfex save from Barbados international Alvin Rouse kept the scores level.

Minutes before the half time break, McCartney saw his strong drive deflect off veteran striker Crawford to make it 2-0.

The visitors pushed towards the end of the half and were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty themselves but the referee waved away the Coagh appeals.

Both sides made a number of changes and the Mallards came out with all guns blazing. Centre half Stafford made a lung bursting run down the right after linking up with McConkey. His cross to McConkey was inch perfect and Yorke could only stand and watch as the ball ricocheted off the post and cleared to safety.

Curran soon grabbed his first of the game as he jinxed in his way into the area before hammering past Yorke. Coagh then suffered a major blow and were forced to regroup when the influential Marcus Dallas hobbled off with an injury.

Yorke was in inspired form for the reminder of the tie and he made superb saves from Campbell, McKenna and McConkey before Campbell finally grabbed a fourth after excellent work from Curran.

Immediately from the restart Coagh pounced on some hesistant Mallards defending and Campbell slotted home after a long ball forward.

Curran completed the rout with a another well taken finish to leave the final score Ballinamallard 5 Coagh 1.

Coagh travel to Limavady on Saturday 11th August 3pm for their opening match in Championship One. This will be the first of a very tough start for the Hagan Park outfit, the following Saturday Coagh entertain Ards for their first home match of the season at Hagan Park 3pm.

Supporters should note, Tobermore v Coagh will be played on Friday 24th August at Fortwilliam Park, Tobermore 7 pm.

Coagh United wishes Stuart Dallas every success in his Brentford career. All reports back from Brentford show Stuart has being making good progress in pre season and will be wearing the number 15 shirt this season and everyone at Coagh will be following his progress.

Sympathy. Coagh United Football Club pass on their deepest Sympathy to their Manager Stephen Uprichard on the death of his sister and also to the Uprichard family circle.

Finally congratulations must go to Marcus Dallas and Jason Gillespie who have named in Harry McConkey’s Junior International team. The Northern Ireland UEFA Regions Cup Squad head out to Macedonia at the of August and have North Wales, Hestrafors (Sweden) and hosts South East FYROM to compete with in their quest to reach the Intermediary round.