Two wins in a row for Jamison’s 18th

“We were 4-0 up and cruising, but in the last 20 minutes the boys got tired and started dropping off a bit, letting Groomsport back into it – but they had worked their socks off!”

It all started off according to plan with Aaron Knell ushering the ball through for Warren McAllister to give them a 16th-minute later.

McAllister was on target again on the half-hour, set up by veteran Simon Bennett.

Bennett was also the architect of 18th’s third after the break, delivering the ball onto the head of Gary Kelly.

Bennett then marked his return with a vintage free-kick high into the top corner for the Old Boys’ fourth.

Groomsport broke the offside trap for what looked like a consolation before pulling a second back. And there were a few nervous moments when the visitors netted a third, five minutes from time. But 18th held on for a three points.

On Saturday, it’s back to Cloyne Crescent for the visit of Iveagh United.

18th Newtownabbey OB: Hamilton – Letson (Elliott), Craig, Cole, P Moore – Bennett, Sellars, Kelly – A Knell (Rea), McAllister (D Knell), Neill.