Robbie takes captain's armband for first time

LURGAN Town Under 13s hosted a home tie against Lower Maze last Saturday.

Robbie Norton captained the team for the first time this season.

Lurgan Town lost the toss and were forced into playing into a strong wind. Lurgan's strategy was to play with a strong line up in defence hoping to hold out until half time.

Both teams started off well although Lower Maze edged the fist half of play.

During the half Lower Maze squandered a number of chances hitting the cross bar on one occasion. On the referee's whistle the first half finished 0-0 and this was due to credible defending from Neil Allen, Joseph Barry, Ross Follis and Jordan Young.

Lurgan carried the momentum into the second half but both teams had their chances to take the lead.

On 40 minutes Lurgan were destined to go one down when Lower Maze were awarded a penalty, when Jordan Young was adjudged to have pushed a Lower Maze attacker.

The Lower Maze centre forward stepped up but pulled the ball wide of the post.

This was the turning point in the game as shortly afterwards Cian Murtagh passed the ball to Robbie Norton on the right wing who played a brilliant ball across Lower Maze's goal and Lewis Lawson was in a great position to tap the ball into the net giving Lurgan a 1-0 lead.

In fairness to Lower Maze they tried their best to get into the game but failed to make anything from their attacks.

On 50 minutes Robbie Noton combined with Scott Wiltshire and Cian Murtagh played a great cross which saw Kevin McAlliden head the ball into the net giving Lurgan a 2-0 lead with 10 minutes to go. The match continued with both teams coming close on numerous occasions.

The final whistle blew giving Lurgan's boys three points and a tremendous win.

Congratulations to Lower Maze for playing in fine spirit and producing a nail biting finish to a great game. Curtis Cassels was awarded Man of the Match for a sterling display in the centre of midfield.