Riada suffer shock defeat

AGAHDOWEY defeated league leaders Riada by a single goal to nil at the Joey Dunlop pitches on Saturday.

This was Riada’s first league of the season, and it was a well deserved victory for the visitors.

The goal came two minutes into the second half. Riada will be disappointed with the defending, as the unmarked Chris Dempsey bundled the ball in from close range.

Aghadowey were the more aggressive of the two teams, and won the majority of the challenges and second balls.

Riada looked sluggish, and may have missed the influence of top scorer McCann and defender Matthew McDowell. Some unconvincing defending meant Aghadowey were able to put pressure on Riada, and they were rewarded with a penalty for hand-ball on 20 minutes. Keeper Bryan Moore kept the scores level as he saved low to his right from Dempsey’s spot kick.

The rest of the half was played out at a fast pace, but with little quality from the home side, who were glad to see the half time whistle.

In the second half Riada’s hopes were dashed quickly by Dempsey’s goal, and any recovery looked unlikely, as Aghadowey’s strong tackling prevented Riada from settling in the game. Dempsey hit the post on 75 minutes, and Brownlow and Duffy missed half chances for Riada.

Riada will need to improve next week if they hope to keep their title challenge in their own hands, when they host Portrush.