NW FOOTBALL: Early goal sets up easy win for United

A goal in the first minute proved too difficult for Dessie Moore's Greysteel to come back from, as Drummond United lifted all three points at the Showgrounds on Saturday.
Greysteel's Marty McGinnis and Drummond United's Gerard Logue in action on Saturday. INLV0416-299KDRGreysteel's Marty McGinnis and Drummond United's Gerard Logue in action on Saturday. INLV0416-299KDR
Greysteel's Marty McGinnis and Drummond United's Gerard Logue in action on Saturday. INLV0416-299KDR

The home side went straight for the jugular from the kick-off and broke the deadlock

Paul McGonigle was awarded enough space on the left wing to whip a tricky ball into the Greysteel penalty area, which deflected it’s way into the path of unmarked team-mate Mark Averill and he made no mistake.

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What was already a big task for the away side was quickly made ten times harder.

Aside from the quick-fire start, both teams took time to settle into the game.

It was 15 minutes before Greysteel responded with a shot on goal.

A smart pass from Cory McKinney released Greysteel target man, Jordan Moore, who was denied one-on-one by a great diving save from United’s Robert Ewing.

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Drummond looked the more comfortable but it was a clear warning sign of what Greysteel had in their locker.

Minutes later, Drummond’s side net was shook by a fantastic solo effort from James Moore who dribbled past three defenders but failed to convert.

Greysteel came close again on the half hour mark. Kevin McGinnis did well to meet a short corner but was unable to steer his powerful header into the net.

For the remainder of the first half, it was Greysteel who had the clear cut chances, but multiple errors at the back encouraged the Drummond counter.

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In the second half, the Limavady side really began to control the game. Greysteel chasing a way back into the game were left open at the back time and again.

Learning from their few mistakes in the first half, the Drummond back four looked solid, and afforded Greysteel little time on the ball and no space to play through.

Coupled with the energy of Blaine Morrison and Liam O’Kane, Drummond created chance after chance and a higher score line looked inevitable.

It took until the 79th minute before United were able to double their lead. O’Kane set the ball up nicely for Gerard Logue at the edge of the box to drill past a sprawling Steven Lynch.

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With rain lashing down, Greysteel became desperate in their attempts to find a way back into the game, leaving huge gaps for Drummond to exploit.

Drummond refused to lay off the pressure despite their two goal lead, keeping the ball in the Greysteel half.

With minutes left on the clock, the third goal came from United substitutes, Steven Kilburn and Barney Butcher.

After some great individual play by Kilburn, he puck out an unmarked Butcher at the back post who controlled the ball and made no mistake on the half volley from close range.

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After a ropey first half, it was a deserved win for United in the end.

A solid defensive performance in the second half allowed Drummond control of the game.

If Greysteel had been clinical with their first half chances like they were when the sides last met in October, the game could have been a lot closer.

Drummond: Robert Ewing, Eoghan Rodgers, Aaron Heaney, Andy Millar, Gerard Logue, Mark Averill, Jamie McElwee, Paul McGonigle, Blaine Morrison, Liam O’Kane. Subs: Steven Kilburn (51); Barney Butcher (63).

Greysteel: Steven Lynch, Daryl Moore, Mark McLaughlin, Rory McWilliams, Ryan King, Marty McGinnis, Kevin McGinnis, James Moore, Cory McKinney, Jordan Moore. Subs: Paddy McGinnis, Mickey Devine (59).