Town topple Greenisland

Lurgan Town 2 Greenisland 1

LURGAN Town’s Lisburn League under 15 side took on title contenders Greenisland at Wallace Park on Saturday.

Playing with the wind at their backs Lurgan seized the initiative from the start. A kick from goalkeeper Richard Hull found Kevin McAlinden in space, his shot being turned behind by Greenisland’s keeper. Shane Russell’s well delivered corner was met by captain Curtis Cassells whose powerful header opened the scoring.

Town’s midfield of McPartland, Hoy, Russell and Murtagh had their opponents struggling to get back into the game and it was Cian Murtagh’s ball winning and vision that laid on McAlinden for another shot on goal. his effort squirming through the keeper’s hands to put Lurgan two up on 10 minutes

It wasn’t until 20 minutes that Greenisland got a half chance but the shot went well over. All the Lurgan boys were putting in a great shift in terms of work rate and skill and this was needed as the half came to an end with their opponents looking to find a way back into the game.

On 29 minutes Greenisland came close to pulling one back but Hull blocked well.

The second half started positively with the boys seeking to add to the score and Dylan Hoy went close early on.

Town suffered a blow however when top scorer Kevin McAlinden had to come of with a nasty foot injury, being replaced by Mathieu Outhwaite.

Greenisland now enjoyed a periodof possesion but the solid back four of Woolsey, Allen, Cassells and Judge were up to the task.

Particular mention must go to Nathaniel Ferris whose effort and commitment in supporting the attack as well as tracking back to help in a holding position has caught the eye recently.

Town had a few breaks to add to the score and were unlucky not to get a penalty when Hoy appeared to be held in the box but nothing was given,

Greenisland did pull a goal back on with a blistering strike to set up a nervy last 10 minutes.

The boys though dug in deep. Aided by fresh legs from Follis and Tavares as well as Murtagh dropping deep they neutralised the oppositions final efforts to the final whistle and claimed a superb victory against one of the leagues top sides.

Squad: Hull, Allen, Woolsey, Cassells (capt), Judge, Russell, Hoy, McPartland, McAlinden, Ferris, Murtagh, Follis, Smyth, Outhwaite.