Tobermore United still in top four quest after Derryhirk United victory

Tobermore Utd's Dean Stewart heads away the danger during Saturday's league clash with the PSNI at Fortwilliam Park.INMM1016-390

Tobermore travelled to Portstewart last Saturday where their record in recent meetings hasn't been so good and, with the Seasiders desperate for points to get away from the wrong end of the table, they fully expected another tough encounter.

The game was played at a good pace on a very soft pitch that caused all sorts of problems for both sides with players slipping all over the place.

Tobermore shaded the early stages and went ahead on 22 minutes when Paul Keane made no mistake from the penalty spot after Ryan Winton was upended after a great run into the penalty box.

Five minutes later Trevor Parkhill made it 2-0 when he pounced on a loose ball after a defender slipped giving Joel Madson no chance from close range.

The Ports struck straight back with a super strike from Johnny Stewart that flew past Matty McGraw.

Portstewart always posed a threat on the break but a quick-fire brace from Stephen Lamont after the break, on 50 and 56 minutes, seemed to knock the confidence out of the home side and when Parkhill grabbed his second just after the hour mark the game was well beyond the Ports.

Tobermore played some good football in the remaining half hour and Madson made some excellent saves, especially a top drawer one from a Winton header, to keep the score at five and with literally the last kick of the game Chris Hanson got a late late consolation goal to make the final score 2-5.

Tobermore United: M. McGraw, N. Murray, M, Harkness, P. Keane, C. Kearns, R. Devine, R. Marks, D. Stewart, R. Winton, T. Parkhill, S. Lamont. Subs: C. McClarnon, R. Twist, C. Deane, M. Curtis, S. Glasgow.

This was another valuable three points for Tobermore in their quest to finish in the top 4 and, with three home game in a row coming up, they will be hoping to add to their tally.

First up is the visit of Queen’s University to Fortwilliam Park at 3pm on Saturday before the team face a local derby against Moyola Park at 3pm on March 26th.

Tobermore’s popular Mini Soccer sessions continue this Saturday morning.

As usual the fun sessions begin at 10am sharp (registration at 9.45am) until 11am in Maghera Leisure Centre and is open to all boys and girls of primary school age.

Players should turn up kitted out ready to play indoors with trainers and shin guards.

If you have any questions or need more information please contact Sean on 0793 491 7309 or [email protected].