Thirds defy the odds

LISNAGARVEY Thirds made the tough trip to Lough Moss at the weekend to face an impressive Annadale Second XI and found themselves 4-2 winners against the odds.

The game started at a high pace and possession was dominated by Annadale in the early stages. As Garvey had to withstand heavy pressure the experience of Pako Pim at the back proved vital in preventing Garvey from going behind.

With 15 minutes gone the best chance of the match so far fell to Annadale who were denied by a magnificent stick save by the Garvey keeper Gavin Adams down low to his right.

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Annadale still had the best parts of possession however Garvey looked dangerous on the break with a young attack and with 10 minutes left in the first half won their first short corner of the game. A Seb Buser drag flick was saved by the keeper but Ian Harbinson was there to follow up with the rebound to give Garvey the lead going into the break.

Garvey were awarded another short corner 10 minutes into the second half and once again managed to convert it. This time with a variation where Ryan Kee slipped the ball to the back post where Ian Harbinson was there to but his side 2-0 ahead and looking strong.

The pressure was now on Annadale to get back into the game and as they pressed forward it left the possibility of a Garvey counter attack on again. Annadale looked the more likely of the two sides but Garvey were clinical yet again on the break and managed to find themselves 3-0 up after Daniel Nelson continued his goal scoring form after finding himself in the right place at the right time.

As Annadale piled the pressure on the won a short corner with ten minutes left on the clock. The experienced Chris Jackson calmly slotted a drag flick into the bottom right to leave the game in the balance.

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Garvey put the game beyond doubt with five minutes left on the clock after an incisive breakaway goal finished by Ian Harbinson after a slick passing move.

A 4-2 win was a magnificent result for a young Garvey side who now turn their attention to the semi final of the McClements Cup this weekend.