Whitten back in Laurelvale side after long-term ankle injury to grab equaliser and wrap up spirited double fightback

Stephen Whitten celebrated his return from injury with a crucial equaliser as Laurelvale battled back from deficits on two occasions.

By The Newsroom

Published 18th May 2016, 06:05 BST

Dungannon Tigers held the upper hand by 3-0 after 25 minutes and 4-2 in the closing stages.

However, the Villagers regrouped to rescue a share of the spoils.

David McQuiggan’s half-volley cut the initial gap to 3-1 following slick play by Chris Lappin, Jack McClelland and Brendan Connolly.

McClelland steered home a corner-kick and sustained Laurelvale pressure allowed Gary Hunniford to tuck away number three.

Whitten made his mark on a first appearance after two months out with injury by forcing home a loose ball.

LAURELVALE: Ashleigh Gracey, Jordan Brown, Ryan Kelly, Jim Wilson, Chris Lappin, David McQuiggan, Colin Armstrong, Stephen Whitten, Jack McClelland, Gary Hunniford, Brendan Connolly. Subs: Johnny Hamilton, Leslie Hunniford.

Villagers Brendan Connolly