Riada seal derby win

Dunaghy FC 0 - 1 Riada FC

RIADA FC continue unbeaten in the league after a hard fought victory over neighbours Dunaghy.

This was a strong Dunaghy line up and the league leaders needed to produce a resolute performance to get a result.

Dunaghy found Riada hard to break down and had few clear cut chances, the best of which fell to Andy Mooney who hit the crossbar from 16 yards out, after 20 minutes. Both teams played with a lot of passion, and there were some strong tackles and yellow cards were shown to two players from each side in the first half.

On 25 minutes Raymond McCann raced onto a through ball and had a shot well saved by the Dunaghy keeper at his near post. McCann made amends just before half time, He latched onto one of Simon Ryder's dangerous deliveries, and hooked a shot somewhat fortunately over the keepers head into the net. Half time 0-1 to Riada.

The best chances of the second half fell to Riada striker Danny McMullan, but his two efforts could not beat the Dunaghy keeper. Dunaghy tried to pass the ball better in the second half, but they found the Riada midfield and defence no mood to concede. Riada's McCann broke through with 15 minutes left and was brought down on the edge of the area, the defender was cautioned for the second time and shown a red card. Ty Armstrong went close with the free kick. Late on a second Dunaghy player was shown his second yellow and they were reduced to nine men.

Riada seen out the remaining time to earn a deserved three points. Manager Peter Cairns was happy with his squad's attitude and commitment. The victory came without influential duo Skinny Duffy and Vance Brownlow, and also William Smyth and Matthew McDowell played the game with injuries. McDowell has damaged ligaments and will be out for the next few weeks. Riada are at home to Aghadowey on Saturday and Dunaghy play Ballymoney Olympic Swifts.