Jason's dream debut gives Wakehurst winning start

The teenage striker netted both goals as the Ballymena side recorded an excellent 2-0 win over Annagh United in Portadown.

Straight from the kick off, Wakehurst were determined and Connor Warren, with his first touch, almost opened the scoring and only the head of Kyle Nelson in the Annagh goal denied him. Wakehurst were well on top in the opening period and were rewarded on 9 minutes when a free kick taken by Steven McIlroy was deftly headed into the bottom corner of the net by Jason Paul.

Annagh's best chance came on 26 minutes but Stuart Burrows skied the ball high and wide over the bar. Wakehurst continued to dominate and the impressive Jason Paul was rewarded in the last minute of the first half when he got his and Wakehurst's second with a rebound which left the Annagh keeper stranded and Wakehurst went in at half time with a well deserved two goal lead.

In the second half, Annagh had it all to do but again it was Wakehurst who got the first chance with Ryan Gregg putting Richard Mellon in with an inch perfect pass but unfortunately Mellon's shot went just wide.

Keeper Gavin Marks, making his Wakehurst debut, made a very important save on 65 minutes from Scott Best when a goal would have given Annagh the lifeline they needed.

The Wakehurst defence, strengthened with new signing Stephen Gage, dealt with anything Annagh had to offer and indeed on a number of occasions could have increased their lead.

The best move of the half came on 83 minutes when Darren Parker put Jason Paul in with a great pass but Paul's shot went inches wide. In the last minute of the game, Ryan Gregg made a great tackle in midfield winning the ball and with a great pass found Parker whose delightful chip beat the advancing goalkeeper just to brush the wrong side of the crossbar.

Wakehurst's first 'home' match of the season is this Friday, August 13, at 7.45pm at Mill Meadow, Castledawson against Portstewart.