Share of spoils for Coagh

The visitors came to Coagh on the back of a 4-0 win over Larne and, from the start, they pinned Coagh back, forcing five corners and two frees as Coagh struggled to get a grip on this game.

Worse was to come for the home side, a collision with the Limavady goalkeeper outside the area seeing Stephen Lamont helped off the pitch and rushed to hospital. This again opened up the old debate whether it is a foul when the keeper jumps for the ball with his knee up. There was no hint of intention from Laurence McCormick, both challenging for the ball and the Coagh player coming off worse. Referee Wallace did not see a foul in this challenge and, happily, Lamont returned home with just badly bruised ribs and should be fit to return soon.

Aaron Campbell replaced Lamont and came straight in, setting up the opener for Coagh. A sweeping attack from Scott McCordick set Campbell free, the unselfish forward passing to Clarke to tap the ball into the net.

This goal was completely against the run of play but shell-shocked Limavady pressed hard once more and, with the aid of a deflection, got an equaliser. A shot from Jason Blackburn cannoned off David Calderwood’s leg and into the net.

As the half grew to a close the visitors forced another six corners as Coagh held on to 
take a share of the spoils at 
the break.

Two minutes after the restart Coagh were back in front. McCordick got behind the visitors defence to blast home from a tight angle. Four minutes later it was even again. Coagh’s minder Johnny Yorke pushed away a Trevor Parkhill rasping shot and, from a very acute angle, Kevin Roddy shot home.

The visitors amassed another six corners but the home side looked dangerous on the break and it was no surprise when McCordick popped up with another wonder goal. This time he waved a path through the visiting back line before curling the ball into the corner with 
his left foot.

Coagh gave a start to new signing David Nicholl from Clough Rangers, returning after last playing for the club some nine years ago. The midfielder was quick into the action, setting up Campbell but McCormick saved at his feet.

Mattie Kempton, on for Clarke, shot wide from outside the box as Coagh looked to sew the points up; but they caught on the break, Limavady levelling from a Ryan Mullan shot to take a share of 
the spoils.

Coagh thank Mr R Smith R & M Green keepers for sponsoring 
the match.

On Saturday Coagh entertain Carrick Rangers, 3pm. United Seconds travel to Banbridge Town Res, 12 noon start. Coagh Youth are also away from home.

Darts

Leslie Dallas Memorial Darts Competition is on Saturday March 9 at 4pm in Coagh United Clubrooms. £350 in prize money, entries taken on the day or by phone 867 36073 from 6pm, Thursday-Saturday.