Hard fought win for AFC Reserves

Looking to build on a solid start to the season AFC Reserves entertained Lurgan Thistle on the Tech Pitch.

The game soon became an out and out battle as both sides worked hard to close down any space for their opponents.

Without any great flow to the game, set pieces seemed the order of the day. The returning Mark Goan gave AFC an additional outlet and early on his height created a few opportunities which AFC failed to take.

When the breakthrough did arrive, it was no surprise that it too came from a set piece, a Paul Maginess long throw was flicked on at the front post and the on rushing Karl Cull powered home his header from six yards. Chances were few and far between for both sides, neither keeper being really tested as the game wore on.

Thistle pushed forward at every opportunity but were unable to threaten Terence O’Hagan’s goal. AFC were happy to hit back on the break but again failed to really trouble the opposition keeper.

Cull’s headed goal was the only difference in a hard fought game at the Tech pitch. A welcome three points none the less for AFC after last week’s reversal.

AFC Reserves have now taken a solid 10pts from their first five league games. Putting them 4th in the table having played one less game than the three teams above them on 12pts. Manager Collie Flynn said: “It wasn’t a pretty game, but battling hard we managed to take all three points. Another battling performance which will be required this Friday night as we travel to Portadown to take on Rectory Rangers at Brownstown, 7.30pm kick off.”