Ups and downs continue for inconsistent Wakehurst

Manager Ian Gregg was hoping that the midweek victory over Glebe Rangers might provide a springboard for a run of more consistent form.

However, by the weekend, Wakehurst were left licking their wounds again after falling to a 3-0 defeat at neighbours Chimney Corner.

Chimney Corner striker Jamie Willigan scored twice in the opening 11 minutes while a third effort from Mark McCullagh rebounded off the upright.

“The game was won and lost in the first 10 minutes,” admitted Wakehurst boss Ian Gregg.

“We were playing into a gale in the first half but even allowing for that, we should have been able to compose ourselves and be more solid than we were.

“We were camped in the Chimney Corner half in the second period but we rarely looked like scoring and they broke away and won a penalty to wrap up the game,” added Gregg.

An individual effort from striker Jason Paul on 45 minutes was the visitors’ only attempt to reduce the deficit, and keeper Harbinson pushed the shot away at the base of the upright.

The second half was little better but Corner put the outcome beyond doubt with Brendan Dorrian converting a penalty, following a rash tackle by central defender Shaun McBride on McCullough.

Gregg will be without experienced defender Paul Muir for the remainder of this season following a procedure to clean cartilege in his knee, while defender Gareth Dickey and striker Conor Gregg are both currently troubled with ankle injuries.

Wakehurst: M Maybin, C Ross, D Gage, D Stevenson, S McBride, G Gilmore, A Laughlin, R Young, L McCaughern, J Paul, R Gregg. Subs: R Curry, D Kirkwood, M Crawford, J Lemon, C Gregg.

Wakehurst face Tobermore at Mill Meadow this Saturday (3pm).