Win was the least we deserved, says Hastings

The result inched them up to eighth place in a congested 1a table and, ironically, if the Tech win their next two, they’re right up amongst promotion chasers such as Lisburn Rangers and Abbey Villa, although second still looks like Crumlin United’s to lose.

“It was a welcome three points and we needed to win with the teams behind us picking up points. It was the least we deserved,” said Tech boss, Johnny Hastings.

“There wasn’t much between the teams, but we had the better of the chances, scoring three and hitting the woodwork twice.”

The visitors were first out of the blocks, taking a third-minute lead through Ian Brownlees; the Tech’s offside appeals failing to impress referee Jimmy Johnstone.

Neil Webb went close to restoring parity when he rattled the post but the Antiville outfit levelled matters when Niall McAllister produced an overhead kick after Martin Steele’s initial effort had been parried.

The Tech went one better when Lee Thompson went down under Ciaran Doherty’s challenge, dusting himself down before doing the needful from the spot.

The Tech’s hardened few were celebrating again when Mark McKeown’s kick out was charged down by Thompson who wrong-footed the keeper before slipping the ball into the empty net.

McAllister almost joined his teammate on a double but his left-foot effort cannoned off the bar. Lee Campbell also had a shot headed off the line.