SOCCER: Desertmartin defeat defending champions

DESERTMARTIN travelled to Broughshane last Saturday to take on last season champion's Raceview with the knowledge they had to be on top form if they were to come away with anything from this fixture.

Following the departure of manager Jim Scott to local neighbours Tobermore, new manager Darren Mawhinney in his first game in charge was handed this difficult task.

With a few tactical changes the Desert started the stronger of the teams and as early as the fifth minute Robin Patton had the ball in the net only to be disallowed. In the 20th minute it was Raceview who took the lead, but shortly before the half time whistle young Patton made up for his earlier disappointment by putting the Desert on level terms.

After the interval Raceview took the lead but this was shortlived as Lee Smyth brought the Desert on level terms again from the penalty spot.

Desertmartin lost their goal keeper Davy Nelson with a finger injury and with young Mark Hassan sidelined through injury the Desert may have lost two of the best young keepers in the league for a period. Brian Holmes replaced Nelson in goal. After this both teams cancelled each other out settling for a draw.

However big Desertmartin striker Andrew Kelso had other ideas, with two fantastic strikes in the last five minutes gave the Desert a hard fought well deserved victory.

This Saturday Desertmartin are at home to Ballycastle kick off 2pm at Dromore Park and once again local people are urged to join the few loyal supporters to come down and give their support.

Desertmartin Reserves equalled the first team result by winning 4-2 away to FC Ballynure Reserves, with goals from Colin Fulton, Darren Bartlett and Paul Fulton (2) maintained Trevor Junkin's lads good start to the season and keeps them in the top two of the league.

This Saturday they are away to Raceview Athletic, kick off 2pm, at Wakehurst, Ballymena.