Riada's persistence pays off with a win

They created very little and were wasteful in possession. The Reds didn’t create much either but went in front after twenty minutes when a good cross was nodded home at the back post.

This opener should have sparked Riada into life but it didn’t and The Reds went two in front ten minutes later when a hopeful long ball into the box was flicked on past the stranded McGaughey in the Riada goal.

Riada then started to play with fifteen minutes remaining in the half with Gillen blazing over from ten yards out then Graur hesitating when put through on goal by Christie and then Christie doing the same when played in by McCook.

The half then ended with Christie heading over twice from two McCook corners and the eventually Dean Brownlow pulling one back on the half time whistle as he lashed in from the edge of the box. Halftime Magherafelt Reds 2-1 Riada.

The second half was a scrappy affair with no real chances created at either end until the final fifteen minutes when Gillen struck a post for Riada then Graur was seemingly upended when clean through on goal.

Riada never gave up though and Graur eventually found the net with eight minutes to play with a tidy finish.

With the game heading for a draw, substitute McAleese headed in from close range in the final minute of stoppage time to give Riada a 3-2 win at take all three points back to Ballymoney.

On Saturday Riada FC are away to Coleraine Crues at Anderson Park with a 2pm kick-off.

Coleraine & District Premier League Results

Saturday 23rd January

Maghera Strollers 3 - 2 Coleraine Crues

Magherafelt Reds 2 - 3 Riada

Portrush 3 - 1 Aghadowey