McSparron double sinks Greysteel

NEWTOWNE picked up their third trophy of the season as they defeated local rivals Greysteel in the final of the Matt Morrison Junior Cup.

Although Greysteel had their goalkeeper sent off early in the first half they more than competed with ten men and will feel a little unlucky with the result.

Trevor McSparron proved to be the difference between the two sides as his two goals, one in each half, were enough to ensure the cup returned to Limavady.

Martin McGuinness scored Greysteel's consolation from the penalty spot but it was all in vain for the men from Faughanvale.

Match winner McSparron was understandably delighted with his team's victory over a battling Greysteel side.

"Obviously I'm absolutely delighted that we won the cup as we were disappointed not to win it last season," he said.

"I think it was a good game and we played well at times and I think in the end we probably deserved to win the game.

"Greysteel did very well with ten men and at times they caused us problems and that's a big credit to them, to be honest.

"That said I'm over the moon that we won the game and overall I think that we just about deserved to win the cup."

With two goals that eventually proved to be the winners the striker was satisfied with his own contribution in the game.

"In games like this it's all about taking your chances and thankfully I was able to do that when the chances appeared.

"It's a great feeling to score the winner in a cup final but to be honest it's all about the team and the team's performance.

"We lost in the final last season and that wasn't a great feeling, and it's something that we wanted to put right this year. This victory completed a treble for us, winning the league and Sentinel Cup and that's a great achievement for any club at any level."

The game's opening goal came in just the fifth minute when Ryan Logue was upended by Greysteel keeper Steven Lynch, who received his marching orders, and McSparron dispatched the spot-kick to put Newtowne ahead.

Greysteel got themselves back into the game in the 33rd minute when Shaun Cassidy was fouled in the penalty area but it appeared to be a very soft award. McGuinness however didn't worry about that as he levelled the scores despite Lee Callaghan getting a hand to the spot-kick.

The winner came with just three minutes remaining, McSparron picked up a long clearance and somehow managed to bundle the ball home from a tight angle.

Newtowne: Callaghan, Reilly, McGonigle, O'Hara, Harkin, G Logue, Duddy, R Logue, McSparron, G Moore, P Moore. Subs: Ferris, Clyde, McGregor, Reid, Twist.

Greysteel: Lynch, D McGuinness, S King, McElhinney, Creane, R King, M McGuinness, Cassidy, Morrow, Harkin, Butcher. Subs: Doherty, O'Connor, McKinney, McGinnis, Logue.

Referee: Michael Henry (Donemana).