Greenisland see off Grange, Gibb on target in Island draw

Greenisland FC and Grange Rangers in action at Foundry Lane.

In this top-against-bottom east Antrim derby at Foundry Lane, there was little indication of the massive difference in the league placings. Rangers were competing on equal terms after Alan Blain gave the visitors an early lead by drilling the ball into the roof of the net from the edge of the box.

Grange felt hard done by when two penalty appeals for handling offences were turned away and although Greenisland created more scoring chances they were unable to get the ball past David Brown who pulled off several fine saves. They did eventually manage to double their advantage from the penalty spot in the 84th minute.

In the Premier Division, Nortel succumbed to a 4-1 home defeat at the hands of Drumaness Mills. Davy Freyne was on target from the penalty spot. Islandmagee drew 1-1 with Derriaghy CC at Wilbourne Park. Paul Gibb scored for Stephen Donald’s men.

Greenisland F.C. and Grange Rangers in action at Foundry Lane. INNT 10-201-AM

Ahead of this weekend’s crunch Clarence Cup tie against Immaculata, Larne Tech went down 3-2 at Dundonald in Division 1A on Saturday. Keelan McAuley (pen) and Reece McGinley had scored for Johnny Hastings’ side but the match was abandonded in the 75th minute following an injury to McAuley.

Barn United lost 1-0 at Crumlin United and Padraig Scollay’s goal secured a point for UUJ at Orangefield Old Boys in a 1-1 draw.

In Division 1B, David Moore’s strike helped Rathfern to a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Grove United.

Robert Sloan’s goal from a free-kick was all 18th Newtownabbey had to show from their 2-1 home defeat to Colin Valley, while Mossley ran out 6-0 winners at Holywood.

Newington Rangers, who are seeking to appoint a first-team manager for the start of the 2015-16 season, lost 5-0 at home to Bryansburn Rangers.

Elsewhere, there was no joy for Division 1C strugglers Kilroot Rec as they slumped to a 7-4 reverse at home to 10-man Saintfield. Rob Armstrong, John Mathers, Simon Hamilton and Michael Degnan (penalty) were on target for Rec but they were powerless to prevent the visitors from claiming all three points.