Scarva Reserves draw with leaders

That is a mantra that Scarva Rangers Reserves have adhered to successfully in recent weeks, having drawn four and lost just one of their last five games.

The latest, 2-2, came after another encouraging display against Portadown BBOB Reserves, who went into the game on top of Mid-Ulster Reserve Division Three.

Scarva started brightly and Alex Hammond produced a good save from the visiting keeper with a back-post header. Minutes later a move involving Andrew Boyce and Alex Hammond ended with Matthew Millar holding off a defender and forcing the keeper to save at full stretch.

The opening goal arrived when Wayne Jordon played the ball down the line to Stephen Morton. He pulled the ball back perfectly into the path of Millar who fired clinically into the net.

The lead proved short-lived and Alan Hammond made an important save to prevent the visitors taking the lead. It was only temporary respite though as Portadown struck for a second time before the interval to lead 2-1.

Early in the second half Scarva Rangers Reserves were back on level terms. Alex Hammond turned sharply and unleashed a shot which was spilled at the feet of Andrew Boyce, who steered the ball into the net.

Portadown BBOB Reserves were awarded a penalty but Alan Hammond saved superbly to prevent the visitors retaking the lead.

In the closing stages, Scarva threatened to grab all three points. Stephen Morton sped down the right wing and slotted the ball back to David Stewart, who shot was just wide. Scarva’s MOTM was Stephen Morton.