Farren inspires Dungiven Res to have the X-Factor

Celtic showed a great never say die attitude and because of that they probably just about shaded it.

As for Ardmore although they had a lot of possession their two front men Gareth Browne and Cathal McCallion didn’t get into the game.

Damien McGee’s side started the game on the front foot and they went close on three minutes but Gary Collett volleyed just over.

Ardmore continued to push forward for the opening goal and on 15 minutes midfielder Peter McLaughlin saw his long range drive flash just wide.

Soon after Browne showed some neat skill to cut in from the left beating a few defenders, but his effort was saved by Dungiven keeper Conor O’Kane.

However the wood work came to the First Division men’s rescue just after the half-hour mark.

Calvin McCallion’s free-kick which had O’Kane beaten came back off the bar and right winger Danny McIntyre fired the loose ball over the top.

The deadlock was broken right on the stroke of half-time with Dungiven scoring what turned out to be the winner after some slack play at the back from Ardmore. A clearance by Stewart fell kindly for Dungiven, who capitalised fully in quick fashion to release Michael Farren, he raced in on goals before blasting home past an advancing Ardmore keeper.

On the hour mark a high ball into the Dungiven box, which probably for the first time in the match wasn’t dealt with properly but McLaughlin saw his close range header whistle just past the post.

Despite putting numerous high balls into the Dungiven box, small front pairing of McCallion and Browne were always coming off second best and Celtic continued to defend as if their lives depending on it.

Late on Hutchinson nearly grabbed a second, but his shot on the half volley from just inside the box, was saved by Stewart.

Ardmore: Richard Stewart, Eugene Ferry, Danny Doherty, Sandy Gilliespie, Stephen Melly; Danny McIntyre, Eddie McIntyre, Peter McLaughlin, Gary Collett; Gareth Browne, Calvin McCallion. Subs: Anthony Hargan, Joe McCallion, Nathan McNerlin, Mark McLaughlin.

Dungiven Res: Conor O’Kane, Ciaran Burke, Jude McLaughlin, Paul McLaughlin, Cathal McKeever, David McLaughlin, Oran Macken, Barry Craig, Michael Farren, Keith Hutchinson, Anto O’Hara, Stephen O’Kane. Subs: John O’Kane, Eoghan Quigg, Conor McLaughlin, Martin McCloskey.

Referee: Colin McDaid.