King delighted as Islandmagee claim first win of season

A Robert McFall header, followed by goals from Gary Workman and Matti King were enough for the Islanders to edge to a 3-2 win at Derriaghy CC.

“I was absolutely delighted to get that monkey off my back,” King beamed. “I said to the players before game to show passion, desire and guts and they delivered.”

It was the Wilbourne Park outfit’s first league victory in 17 attempts and for King, who joined the club in January, it’s a real confidence-booster to build on.

“It was a great team performance and I couldn’t single out one player as they were all brilliant,” he added. “I’m hoping the result will give the squad a bit of confidence as it’s been a hard season so far, but we won’t be getting carried away and I think we will need to win another four to five games to survive.”

Island started off brightly and took lead when McFall headed in from a Davy McLoughlin free-kick. They doubled their advantage on the 30-minute mark thanks to a neat finish from new signing, Workman.

Derriaghy hit back just before half-time when Marty Verner converted from the spot.

In the early stages of the second half the hosts dominated and had some great chances but Island’s defence and goalkeeper dealt with the pressure.

The visitors got their reward when Workman’s shot from outside 18 yard box and deflected off Matti King, bamboozling the keeper as it flew into bottom corner. Derriaghy made it an anxious last 10 minutes for the Island when they pulled a second back, but King’s men held out to claim a valuable three points.