Coalisland come away with points in district derby

Dungannon Tigers can count themselves very unlucky that they came away from Coalisland on Saturday with no points.

In what was a very tight game with few chances Coalisland Athletic edged a 2-1 win.

The game was played at a fast pace and striker Plunkett Kane might have tested the Dungannon keeper had he not been blown up for offside when set free by Colm Doris. Daniel Grimley went close with a header on 20 minutes.

The Tigers started brightest, but it was Coalisland who took the lead with a breakaway goal from a Tigers corner. Gary Coney was able to take the ball to the byline before playing the ball back to Doris and who fired a curling shot into the net from 20 yards.

The Tigers continued to pass the ball well and the defence of Campbell, Jarvis, Stringer, Brennan and Cusack limited the league champions to a series of long range efforts.

At the other end the Tigers were beginning to get frustrated as the back four of coalisland stood firm and cleared their lines.

The second half was much like the first with defences on top.

Coalisland’s Patrick Hughes could have done better with a headed effort while at the other end McCrory just failed to reach a Brian Somerville flick on for the Tigers.

On 60 minutes the Tigers found themselves 2-0 down when a deflected 20 yard effort from Doris found the net.

Coalisland continued to press with Patrick and Colm Doris, Kane and Coney all having opportunities.

Good work from Burns, Martin and Toner created openings, but the Tigers were unable to get on the scoresheet until Martin’s corner was headed in by Somerville on 90 minutes. Just after the restart the referee blew the final whistle.

Kieran Devlin said, “This was another good win for Coalisland despite being without Shane Coney and Joe McKee but the lads that played made a great account of themselves.

“The back four of Fox, Coney, Hughes and Lavery closed down everything while Declan Coney, Gary Coney, Patrick Doris and Daniel Grimley ran the legs off themselves and made some great tackles.

“Up front Plunkett Kane and Colm Doris were constantly gave the Tigers back line headaches.”

Friday November 2 sees the Tigers play Parkview in cup competition under the lights of Mid Ulster Sports Arena at 8pm.The match will be kindly sponsored by Tyrone Insulation.

Coalisland are away to Tullyvallen in the cup while their reserves are at home to Scarva Rangers.

The Tigers held a very successful quiz last Wednesday night and would like to thank McAleers Bar and Tyrone Telecom for their generous support.