Football: Coagh brave in Tobermore derby defeat

COAGH UNITED 1

Tobermore United played their last home game of the 2015/16 season at Fortwilliam Park last Saturday against neighbours Coagh.

Although the home side were delighted to collect another three points in their quest for a top four finish, it wasn’t celebrated as normal in the knowledge that Coagh will be relegated at the end of the season.

That said the Tyrone men didn’t play like a team whose fate was already sealed and after shading early possession they took the lead on 33 minutes. Home goalkeeper Matty McGraw made a magnificent save to prevent Taylor from putting the visitors ahead, but his defence was slow to react and, when the ball came back into the box, the unmarked Todd was on hand to tap it home.

Tobermore upped the ante in the second half and deservedly equalised on the hour mark when captain Conor Cairns stooped to head home from a Trevor Parkhill corner kick.

Coagh, however, weren’t going down without a fight and McGraw had to be at his best on several occasions to prevent them from going in front again.

At the other end former Tobermore goalkeeper Willie Hassan brought off some excellent saves as Tobermore went looking for a second.

With five minutes to go he could do nothing to prevent the winning goal when the hard-working Dean Brown anticipated a headed back pass and, with the slightest of touches, he beat Hassan to the ball. His effort hit the back post before nestling in the back of the net to give the Reds all three points.

This was not the greatest derby game between these two old rivals, but another victory for Tobermore keeps them in third place.

Coagh United finish their season on Saturday with a home fixture against Queen’s University. Kick off at Hagan Park is 3pm. The club is hosting its end of season barbecue on Saturday May 7. Tickets available from committee members.

Tobermore United wish Coagh United, and the other four clubs who sadly will relegated at the end of the season, all the best for the 2016/17 season and hopefully it won’t be too long until we are playing each other again.

The Reds’ remaining fixture will take place on Saturday, April 30 at 3pm away to Limavady United.

Tobermore’s popular Mini Soccer sessions continue this Saturday. As usual the fun sessions begin at 10am sharp (registration at 9.45am) until 11am in Maghera Leisure Centre and is open to all boys and girls of primary school age.

If you have any questions or need more information please contact Sean on 0793 491 7309 or [email protected].