IRISH LEAGUE: United put Swifts lights out

Limavady United bounced back after their shock defeat last weekend as they brushed aside the challenge of a spirited Sport & Leisure Swifts side.

The first half was a cagey affair with the visitors trying to assert their physical dominance on the game.

However in the second half, after a short floodlight failure, the Roesiders took control of the game to end up worthy winners.

Two more goals from hotshot Robbie Hume either side of a tremendous strike from Paul Owens were enough for the three points. Gary Largey grabbed the consolation for Packie McAllister’s men.

Boss Owens was satisfied that his team performed better than they did against the same opposition last weekend.

“We showed more fight than we did at the weekend, the players were hurt after Saturday’s result,” he said.

“This game wasn’t about revenge; it was simply about getting three points to strengthen at the top of the league.

“On Saturday we knew what we would get from them but we just didn’t deal with it and turned in a bad performance.”

With his side taking an early lead then letting it slip, the former Coleraine player admitted they made a similar mistake to the last game.

“I was a bit worried when they equalised because it came from another set play like the weekend," he added.

“A few boys said they are bigger than us but I think it’s just down to the starting positions that we took.

“However the second half performance was great, we tweaked a few things at half time and the players really responded to that.”

After getting himself on the score sheet the player manager was a little coy about the goal he scored.

“A few boys were joking that it came off my shin but it was a well struck shot that flew in, to be honest," admitted the player manager.

“I know the goals have dried up for me this season but that’s not a worry when you have boys up front like we do.

“I’m maybe creating a few more goals for them than scoring myself but that’s fine because it’s all about the team.

“This was a massive three points for us, make no mistake about that and a win that we can enjoy."

United took the lead in the 3rd minute; Hume getting on the end of a cross from right hand side to divert the ball past Michael Magill in the away goal.

The visitors levelled seventeen minutes later when Gary Largey forced the ball home after a corner hadn’t been cleared.

In the 58th minute the hosts hit the front again with Owen’s wonderful volley giving Magill no chance flying into the top corner.

Leisure were reduced to ten men in the 63rd minute when Ryan Burns saw red after his picked up a second yellow card.

Hume added his second and United’s third in the 72nd minute; his stepped inside several defenders before lashing the ball past Magill.