Three and easy for United

Newbuildings Utd 3

WATERSIDE men Newbuildings United recorded a fine away win to remain top of the Intermediate league, eight points clear, with five games remaining.

The match saw both teams struggle early on to get their passing game going due to the bumpy surface but it was the away side who struck first when a great run by left back Kenny King saw him beat two defenders and burst into the box slipping an angled pass through to Nathan Robinson who nipped in to lift the ball over the advancing keeper and into the roof of the net.

The home side pushed forward in search of an equaliser but could not penetrate the Newbuildings rearguard. The remainder of the first half was a scrappy affair with no real chances being created by either team.

The second period again saw plenty of effort and commitment from both teams but little in terms of quality, again due to the difficult surface.

Newbuildings got the all important second goal after 70 minutes when a free kick from Elliott saw Graham Moore rise and power a header goalwards from 15 yards out. The ball came back off the post with the keeper well beaten but the onrushing Garth Falconer was on hand to blast the rebound home from close range.

Gregory McIvor almost made it three when he collected the ball 30 yards out and with his second touch sent a lob which looked destined for the net only for the back peddling home keeper to somehow tip the ball over the crossbar.

Magherafelt continued to try and get back into the game but could not find anyway past the Newbuildings defence of Blair, G Moore, J Moore and King.

Falconer was now causing problems on the left for the home side and he had a chance to grab his second of the game and put Newbuildings three up when he burst through on the left only to drag his shot just past the far post but the same player made no mistake two minutes from time when he collected the ball on the left hand side of the box and fired home from 10 yards out.

Newbuildings have no game this Saturday but will return to action on Saturday, April 2nd, with a league game at home to Roe Valley.

Meanwhile this Saturday the Reserves will host Premier League side Roe Rovers in the City Cup (KO 1.30pm).