Poor start for Premiers

Armagh Premiers 0

Bolton Wanderers 3

THE Milk Cup got off to a sour start for County Armagh’s Premier team following a 3-0 defeat by Bolton Wanderers in Portstewart.

But the scoreline in no way reflects the game as Armagh had the edge for most of the second half.

Trailing 1-0 at half time, Armagh upped their game considerably.

However two defensive errors gifted Bolton two goals that put the result beyond all doubt.

Armagh struggled to cope with the pace of the Premier League club in the first half and found it hard to make any chances for themselves.

Bolton came close on seven minutes when John Popoola headed over while, moments later, Oulwasanmi Odelusi saw his header loop over.

The height of the English team was causing problems for Armagh, especially at set pieces.

However Armagh almost caught Bolton short at the back on 13 minutes when a Ryan McIlroy header from a Noel Lawless corner was just over the top.

Bolton took a deserved lead on 23 minutes when Andrew Kellet’s free kick from the right was powered home by Odelusi.

After the break Armagh were a different team and they caused all sorts of problems for Bolton., especially in midfield with Ciaran Conway proving to be a real terrior.

But, at the same time, Bolton continued to look dangerous on the break and they almost brokered a second on 50 minutes but Odelusi’s effort was ruled out for offside.

Armagh kept pressing and they certainly had Bolton rattled as they started to take the game by the throat.

But a defensive blunder 11 minutes from time knocked the stuffing from Armagh as Rioch Gomez made the most of his opportunity to score the second.

The heads dropped at this stage and a third goal four minutes later sealed the win for Bolton.

Goalkeeper Daniel Rowney palmed the ball into the air and substitute Zack Clough was on hand to tap home.

Armagh: Daniel Rowney, Jack Clarke, Ciaran Conway, James Cullen, Jordan Gilmore, Noel Lawless, Conleth McAlinden, Ciaran McCann, Sean McEvoy, Ryan McIlroy, Shane McKinney.

Subs: Matthew Hynds for Jordan Gilmore (half time), Barry Quinn for Noel Lawless (47 mins), Paul Brown for Ciaran McCann (47 mins), Philip Kelly for James Cullen (58 mins), Gavin Kane for Jack Clarke (67 mins).