Shaw goal sets young Swifts players on way to full points

The Swifts enjoyed a commanding lead of 3-0 before an own goal offered Moneyslane a measure of consolation.

It marked a welcome win for the visitors following a 7-1 midweek reverse as the young Markethill side secured success.

Neil Shaw broke the deadlock around the half-hour mark before two quickfire goals after the interval.

Ryan McMahon scored his first goal for the Swifts to double the advantage ahead of a Michael Dobbs finish.

“We had more experienced players out like Ian McCracken, Bobby Sturgeon and Adam Cooke,” said Markethill Swifts manager David Andrews. “But I also wanted to retain our faith in the young players despite the midweek 7-1 result.

“They proved superb against Moneyslane with what was a very, very good team display.

“The first 30 minutes were pretty tight and Moneyslane looked dangerous at times from set-pieces.

“However, we scored the second and third goals within the first 10 minutes of the second half and that set us on the way to a great lead.

“Mark Dickson was outstanding in the heart of our midfield.

“We had an average age across the side of only 21.8 years, with Simon Andrews the eldest at 27.

“Now we want to build on that performance and the younger players can really take encouragement from the group effort.”

MARKETHILL SWIFTS: Aaron Dickson, Jordan Boyd, Eamon Henry, Jason Ross, Ryan McMahon, Matthew Black, Michael Dobbs, Kyle Irwin, Mark Dickson, Simon Andrews, Neil Shaw. Subs: Karl Wilson, Stephen Hartley, James Boyd.