Swifts clinch victory in derby

Rathfriland Swifts 3

RATHFRILAND Swifts travelled to Gilford Crusaders on Saturday and after an entertaining game the visitors came away with the three points.

Rathfriland dominated the first half and could have went in at the break more than one goal up – Terry Toal had the home keeper at full stretch on a couple of occasions early on while Kyle Heslip also had a shot on goal.

Rathfriland took the lead on the 35 minute mark when David Gilmore`s slightly deflected shot nestled in the bottom corner to make it 1–0.

Rathfriland could have went further ahead before half time with David Hollingsworth twice going close while Gilford were always dangerous on the break.

In the second half the Swifts kept up the momentum although as the match progressed the home side looked more dangerous. They equalised on the hour with a ferocious 30 yard shot while ten minutes later they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box and the number nine fired it into the roof of the net to make it 2–1 to Crusaders.

Ryan Mongahan and Gavin Duffy at fullbacks with Alan Murray and William Morrison were playing well as a unit while Cunningham pulled off two fantastic saves to his left and his right.

With 15 minutes remaining Rathfriland equalised when they were awarded a penalty with Philip Johnston slotting it neatly home to make it 2–2.

Keith Megaw twice fired close from long range but with two minutes remaining a great ball from Terry Toal to Paul Campbell allowed the latter to progress towards goal and curl a great shot into the roof of the net over the keeper to swing the match back in favour of Rathfriland and make it 3 – 2.

Overall this was a very good performance by the visitors and a lot of character to come back from behind with 15 minutes to go and win the game 3–2.

TEAM: Anthony Cunningham, Ryan Monaghan, Gavin Duffy, William Morrison, Alan Murray, David Gilmore, Terry Toal, Keith Megaw, Philip Johnston, David Hollingsworth, Kyle Heslip.

Subs: Paul Campbell, Lee McDowell, Jordan McRoberts.