Riada forced to work for the points by Magherafelt SB

The home side went into this match with confidence that they would collect all three points but didn’t have things all their own way.

Riada stated the brighter of the two teams and went in front when a long clearance sent Mulligan through and with a fine composed finish it was one nil. Magherafelt Sky Blues never gave up and from a corner the unmarked defender headed home to level things up.

Magherafelt continued to press and went in front just before the half time whistle with a fine strike from the edge of the box.

Riada changed their formation at half time and again started the second half the brighter and it wasn’t long before they were back on level terms when a lobbed through ball was misjudged by the Magherafelt keeper to leave Duffy to head into the empty bed.

Riada continued to press and from a good free kick from Gillan Smyth was on hand to poke home.

Riada’s pressure from the beginning of the second half was further rewarded when Mulligan finished well to put the home side 4-2 up.

Magherafelt were never out of the game and made it a tense finish when Riada failed to clear their lines and they took full advantage to make it 4-3. Riada were able to hold on and will go into next weekend’s fixture against Magherafelt Reds full of confidence with a full squad to select from for the first time this season.

Manager Richard Mooney was happy with the overall performance of his side however he is more than aware that if the club is to challenge for silverware this season then the goals against issue will need to be addressed.

Riada FC are at home on 22nd August v Magherafelt Reds 2pm ko Megaw Park