Colts cruise to victory

D Doherty (10); Deane (12); Donaghy (61): Moore (69)

Limavady Rugby Club Res...(0) 0

PREMIERSHIP side City Colts cruised into the City Cup third round following this comfortable 4-0 win over Second Division out-fit Limavady Rugby Club Reserves, on Saturday.

Played in tough hail showers on a decent St Columb’s Park pitch, considering the wintry weather conditions, Colts were always in control with midfield duo Peter Breslin and Darragh Duffy pulling the strings, while Peter Mahon’s inch perfect crosses caused problems for the Roe men all day.

They broke the deadlock on 10 minutes when a long punt down field by keeper Aodhan Campbell was mis-judged by Nathan Hartin and the alert David Doherty calmly controlled the ball before side footing home past an out-rushing Rory Devlin.

Colts doubled their advantage two minutes later when Duffy’s long range strike could only be parried by Devlin and the quick thinking Brendan Deane from 12 yards made no mistake firing home the loose ball.

Soon afterwards, a super run and cut-back by Duffy found Deane but the midfielder side footed wide from close range.

To their credit the Limavady men went close to pulling one back on 22 minutes when Jamie McMullan’s close range header caused problems for Colts’ Campbell, but fortunately for the keeper he did manage to get something on the ball, before it flashed just wide.

A tremendous defense splitting pass by Breslin released Eoghan Moore but Devlin made two point blank range saves to deny the pacey winger.

Early in the second half a short corner taken by Mahon found Breslin, but the skipper’s curling shot from an acute angle, which had Devlin beaten, flashed just over the bar.

On 57 minutes Ryan McLaughlin’s 25 yard free-kick, although well struck was straight at Campbell.

The tie was ended as a contest on 62 minutes when another long ball by Campbell this time found left winger Moore, who controlled the ball superbly before passing to David Doherty and he in turn squared the ball to Colm Donaghy, who drilled the ball home from the edge of the box.

A super centre by Mahon picked out Donaghy but with the goal at his mercy, the striker’s shot was saved by Devlin.

Another Mahon pass this time found Duffy, who’s super first touch saw him get away from his marker, but from virtually on the penalty spot the ex-Institute man dragged his shot wide.

The fourth and final goal came on 70 minutes when the impressive Moore deservedly got on the score-sheet, blasting home giving Devlin no chance.

City Colts: Aodhan Campbell; Steven Doherty, Liam Lagan, Marcus Feeney, Peter Mahon, Peter Breslin, Eoghan Moore, Brendan Deane, Colm Donaghy, Darragh Duffy, David Doherty. Sub: Simon Doherty.

Limavady Rugby Club Res: Rory Devlin, Philip Mullan, John Carney, Nathan Hartin, Jason McMullan, Ryan McLaughlin, Steven Young, Darren McLaughlin, Paul Friel, Chris McNicholl, Kyle McClintock. Subs: Jamie Martin, Lee McClerty, Martin McNally.

Referee: Mr Victor South.