Football: Moyola victorious in local derby with Tobermore

Both sides found it difficult in dealing with the heavy rain and the cold swirling wind that more often than not lead to a misplaced pass or header.

Tobermore started brightly with Parkhill and Winton causing concern in the visitors’ defence but neither could get their effort on target to trouble Maybin’s goals.

At the other end McGraw brought of an excellent save when he dived full length to thwart Gallagher’s goal bound effort and again when he grabbed the ball from under the crossbar from Kelly’s header.

The pattern in the second half was similar to the first with both sides struggling to cope with the conditions and with clear cut chances at a premium it seemed likely that the game would finish in a draw.

But with the 90 minute mark fast approaching the referee, who minutes earlier had turned down a mighty big shout from Winton who was felled inside the Moyola box, pointed to the spot when he adjudged Kearns to have fouled McIlhatton inside the area. Despite long protests from home team and supporters, the decision stood and McIlhatton stepped up and gave McGraw no chance with a superbly struck spot kick to win the game.

Many in the Tobermore camp will feel aggrieved in the manner that they lost the game and that a draw would have been a fair result, but Moyola will feel that they just about shaded possession and chances and deserved their victory.

Tobermore have four league games left after a midweek game against Sport and Leisure. Up this Saturday is an away match against Dollingstown.

Moyola Park meanwhile are at home to Glebe Rangers on Saturday.

Tobermore’s popular Mini Soccer sessions continue this Saturday morning.

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.

Players should turn up kitted out ready to play indoors with trainers and shin guards.

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