Malone nets two in cup victory

Malone found the net from a penalty kick and open play before Colin Cunningham added to the Dollingstown tally against spirited Laurelvale.

A penalty kick left Dollingstown ahead thanks to Malone but Laurelvale hit back in the second half.

Dollingstown regrouped and Malone raced clear of the Laurelvale backline to slot home ahead of the Villagers’ goalkeeper for 2-1.

It was 3-1 as Cunningham managed to evade the offside trap, round the Laurelvale goalkeeper and find the net from a tight angle.

Laurelvale’s late push included a shot against the crossbar and second goal but Dollingstown ultimately booked a spot in the next round.

“To be honest, I was disappointed with the hunger in my side,” said Gary Duke, the Dollingstown manager. “We did not seem as prepared to battle as Laurelvale.

“It was a tight pitch, with Laurelvale showing real determination and we did not seem willing to mix it up.”

DOLLINGSTOWN: Chris Fletcher, Chris Loney, Adam Walker, Mark Savage, Chris Mackle, Aaron Moffett, Jim Girvan, Jordan Gibson, Neil Clydesdale, Dale Malone, Colin Cunningham. Subs: Duncan Stoddart, Jake Redpath, Michael McClean.

Friday’s Bob Radcliffe Cup visit to take on Dungannon Swifts reserves ended with a 4-0 reverse for Oxford Sunnyside.

Michael Murtagh came close with a scoring opportunity in either half but Sunnyside struggled to gain a grip on proceedings.

“I imagine it is going to be some time before we meet a side as good again,” said Sunnyside’s Brian Magee. “It was played at the Joe McAree Junior Stadium, so a massive pitch.

“They moved the ball really well.”

OXFORD SUNNYSIDE: Jordan Steen, Caolan Thompson, Aaron Rodgers, Paddy McCrory, Conor Fox, Steven Fox, Gareth Magee, Kevin Leathem, James Donnelly, Chris Martin, Michael Murtagh. Subs: Ciaran McGurk, Aodhan Downey, Gerard Sinclair.