Victory boosts Scarva's chances of survival

It remains to be seen how significant the village side’s third league victory of the campaign turns out to be but ending the recent losing sequence ought to boost morale and confidence.

Saturday’s match in Lisburn was goalless at the half-time interval.

The hosts mounted the first attack of the match, with a shot that went wide of the target, and in the course of the first half Scarva goalkeeper Stuart Wilson made a courageous double save to thwart the home side.

Stranmillis also struck the woodwork while at the other end Scarva appeals for a penalty were turned down.

Wilson made another vital save in the early stages of the second half.

The visitors took the lead when Gareth Dale, on as a half-time substitute, fired home from close range from a corner.

Scarva then had a Stephen Gass effort ruled out for offside.

The hosts were reduced to ten men and a Greg Douglas free kick gave the visitors a 2-0 lead.

Stranmillis weren’t for throwing the towel in and scored themselves to leave the game delicately poised.

Scarva managed to scramble the ball to safety and Gareth Dale made a clearance inside his area as they battled to keep their slender lead intact.

Dale was fouled inside the Stranmillis penalty area but Gregory Douglas’ spot kick was saved.

Rod Douglas then made a fantastic tackle, conceding a corner in the process, and from the resulting corner Wilson saved brilliantly, pushing a goal bound header over his crossbar.

A commanding header from Rod Douglas released Stephen Gass who ran the length of the pitch before coolly slotting home to guarantee the three points.

Best for Scarva Rangers – Stuart Wilson and Rod Douglas.