Win sees Under 13’s move to the top of the table

However, for long periods of a scrappy first half it didn’t look as if the three points would be secured as they failed to find their normal fluency.

After 25 minutes Rathfriland did take the lead when the front two of Jack Rodgers and Cormac McElroy forced a mistake at the back which allowed Rodgers to tap home.

The lead did not last long however after the St Mary’s front man was fouled in the box for a penalty that was well converted.

The Whites defence of Baird, Pollock, Mackey and Travers, started to play better football from the back and were rewarded when Berndan Tumilty converted from the penalty spot to make it 2–1 however minutes later a rare defensive slip allowed the Lurgan team to equalise.

Rathfriland pressed forward relentlessly, knowing a place at the top of the table was up for grabs and were eventually rewarded when McElroy outpaced the defence and poked cleverly past the advancing keeper. The win was secured with eight minutes to go when McElroy crossed from the left for Rodgers to smash home from six yards out. A much better performance will be required against fellow high flyers Lisdrum next Friday night.