Riada back to winning ways

Garvagh FC 0 v 2 Riada FC

RIADA got back to winning ways in the league with a well deserved but hard fought victory over Garvagh. A goal in each half was enough to get Riada’s title challenge back on track after two defeats in their last two games. The return of four or five players from injury is a much needed boost for the league run in, and this was a much improved performance from Riada.

With not having played a game for four weeks Riada were slow to start. Garvagh had the better of the opening exchanges, but did not create any clear cut chances.

The home side suffered a blow after 15 minutes when forward Alan Workman went off injured. Riada started to get a foot hold in midfield with Johnny Cairns making some good tackles and Ty Armstrong dominating in the air.

Both teams competed fairly evenly for the half but Riada did look more dangerous, and they went ahead after a great first time through ball by Dale Armstrong to Raymond McCann, who raced away from his markers to put Riada one nil up after 40 mins.

The second half was a similar affair, however Riada did create more chances. Brownlow, Hassan, Parkhill and McCann all went close before Jerry Parkhill scored the all important second goal. On 70 mins, he latched onto a pass and unleashed an unstoppable shot from thirty yards into the top corner.

Riada have four games left and are in a good position in the league. This win along with the players returning from injury will give them confidence, but there is still a lot of work to do in the coming weeks.

Next up for Riada is an away trip to an improving Dromore team on Saturday, and then a home game against Portrush on Wednesday 21st.