Falconer continues goalscoring run

NEWBUILDINGS United collected all three points from this dramatic 4-3 win at Ardstraw on Saturday, courtesy of an injury time winner from the in-form Garth Falconer.

The game started with both teams struggling to get their passing game going but it was Newbuildings who struck first when Falconer broke down the left and sent in a cross-cum-shot which flew over the top of the home keeper and into the net.

The home side got back on level terms via a corner from the left which saw an unmarked Ardstraw player head the ball in from eight yards.

United almost went ahead shortly after when a free kick just to the right of the box saw Falconer send in a wicked shot which struck the far post and rebounded to safety.

The visitors should have went ahead just before half-time when after a scramble in the box, both Dean Curry and Trevor McSparron went for the same ball and managed to send the ball wide from close range with the goal at their mercy.

After the break Newbuildings looked the more likely to score and they went ahead following good work by McSparron on the right saw the striker send in a low cross which was met by the onrushing Steven Wallace who slammed the ball home from 12 yards out. The Waterside men made it three soon after when Stephen Curry cut in from the left and sent in a powerful right footed shot to give the Ardstraw keeper no chance.

To their credit the home side kept battling when again they exposed United at a set piece following a free-kick into the box saw their centre forward head home unchallenged.

Ardstraw thought they had salvaged a point when they equalised on 85 minutes when they were awarded a free-kick just outside the box from which their striker sent in a shot which deflected off the end of the wall to wrong foot keeper Thompson before flying into the net.

Despite this United showed great character pushing forward in search of a winner and got their just rewards when sub Gregory McIvor played an inch perfect ball inside the Ardstraw left back for Falconer who sent in a first time shot through the legs of the advancing keeper and into the back of the net, for a vital three points.

This weekend United entertain Dungiven in the league (KO 2pm).