U18s see off Lurgan side in opener

This is a big step up for the locals as almost all the squad qualify to play in this category for two seasons due to the way their birthday falls.

Before kick off the pre match arrangements definitely didn’t go to plan as five of the squad were unavailable through injury or sickness. Dromore got the season under way and with less than two minutes on the clock they were in front when a shot from winger Andrew Campbell sailed passed the opposing keeper.

This was a great start from the home team although Lurgan did battle back into the game and chances for both teams were squandered. Dromore’s midfield of Henderson and Walker were dominating and It was from a Henderson through ball to striker Jordan Neill that created the home team’s second goal. Jordan Neill controlled,then curled the ball passed the Lurgan keeper from 18 yards.

Dromore continued to press looking to increase their lead with Lurgan content to hit on the break but the rear guard of McMurtry, Topley, Hamilton and Martin protected Mallon in goals admirably.

The Amateurs made two changes during the break due to Walker and Henderson going to play for the senior team. Michael Ward and Connor Mullholland came on up front with goal scorer Neill and hard working Jordan McKinstry moving to midfield.

With Dromore getting to grips with the changes Lurgan pulled a goal back, a long ball caught the rear guard out and the striker steered the ball past Mallon in goals.

This seemed to kick start Dromore again and Johnston was unlucky when he shot but the keeper was well placed to save.

Soon after Johnston was replaced by Jason Finnegan on the flank. Dromore then had another chance to extend the lead when some clever work from Ward played in Mullholland and as the young player went through on goal he was up ended just inside the box. Striker Neill stepped up to take the resulting kick but the keeper made a fine save.

Mullholland, who was having a good game, this time interchanged with Campbell and he skinned two players before finishing from an acute angle to make it 3 - 1.

Credit to Lurgan and as Dromore continued to squander chances they pulled another goal back similar to their first as a some hesitancy between the keeper and defence allowed the striker to nip in and score.

Dromore then hit the post before Ward made a great run and shot from 20 yards but the ball went narrowly wide.

Hooke then replaced Neill and as the Amateurs continued to press Lurgan could and should have levelled the game when the striker ran through but slotted the ball narrowly wide.

As the game was drawing to a close some great persistence and fine footwork seen Ryan Topley go on a run into the opposing box and as Finnegan was about to put the ball in from 6 yards a Lurgan defender cleared it on as far as the on rushing Topley who put it over the line much to the joy of his team mates.

Dromore then made there final change bringing on Jordan McBride for his debut.

Squad: Mallon, McMurtry, Hamilton, Topley, Martin, Campbell, Walker, Henderson, Johnston, Neill, McKinstry, Hooke, Ward, Mullholland, Finnegan, McBride.