Scarva break Division One duck

Although they made the major leap from Mid-Ulster Division Two to Division One at the beginning of the season, they have not looked out of place in their new surroundings and this was a richly deserved victory for Maurice Brown’s side.

They had drawn five out of their previous eight league games this season, underlining how competitive they have been, and on Saturday always looked an irresistible force.

The opening goal was scored by striker Dean McCammon. A slick move unfolded down the left side and the ball was crossed exquisitely into the box by Ryan Dodds for McCammon to side-foot clinically into the net.

Scarva doubled their lead from the penalty spot. Colin Brown took a throw in and Dodds was brought down as he surged towards goal. The resulting spot-kick was confidently despatched by the unflappable Greg Douglas.

The hosts strengthened their grip on victory with a third goal shortly after the half-time interval. Rod Douglas met a precisely delivered corner with a superb header at the front post.

The second-half failed to produce any further goals but Scarva continued to dictate the tempo, playing some excellent football despite the driving rain and a howling wind. Stephen Hendron came closest, with a shot that clipped the upright.

The visitors rarely threatened but stand-in keeper Alan Hammond coped very well in the difficult conditions, pushing the ball to safety when a well taken free-kick was struck at the Rangers goal.

The best players on the day for Scarva Rangers were Neil Anderson and Ryan Dodds.