Cup campaign still on course

LURGAN Town under 14’s continued their League Cup qualifying campaign with a visit to Lower Maze on Saturday.

When the game got underway Town seemed to have lost their sharpness as things didn’t seem to be going to plan. However, Criostan McAreavey took down a ball on his chest and put it past the Maze keeper. Lower Maze with a strong midfield took the game to Town and were quickly on the attack, chances were created and shots got through the Town defence, but Town keeper Gabriel Mallon was on call to stop them from going in. A second goal came from Town’s Ryan Lewsley after a clever pass by Emmet Lavery.

Town’s third goal came from Emmet Lavery, who lobbed the ball over the Maze defence, to Ryan Lewsley, who give to Town winger Nial Loney, Loney’s perfect strike give the Maze keeper no chance. Lower Maze now with greater urgency, put a ball over the Town defence onto the foot of their striker, who put the ball into the back of the Lurgan net.

A controversial handball give Lower Maze a penalty, which was put wide. A sigh of relief for Town as they found it difficult to get to grips with this game. Lower Maze were unable to captialize on Town’s mistakes and despite having got through the Town defence could not find the back of the net.

Town came out the second half and certainly looked sharper in going about their work. A clear message was delivered to Lower Maze, by Ryan Lewsley, who curled the ball into the top of the net from a corner. An injury to Town centre back Chris McConville saw him replaced by Jamie Brannigan, who, had an outstanding game, having played in two positions. Lower Maze at times looked liked scoring on a number of occasions but could not finish. Two more goals from Criostan McAreavey, and some clever footwork from Conor Turbitt, who had just come on, put one past the Maze keeper, giving Town a victory of 7-1.

Man of the match was Jamie Brannigan.