'We didn't deserve to lose', says Hagan

Killyleagh YC 2

THERE was disappointment for Wellington Rec, going down narrowly to Killyleagh Youth Club, after showing signs of their pre-Christmas form in a four-goal midweek success over Clarence Cup finalists Albert Foundry at Paisley Park.

The goals came from Scott Cowie (2), Paul Maguire and a Gary Barkley penalty.)

The Millbrookers deserved something from Saturday’s encounter, with the visitors’ winner coming from a rather debatable penalty, whilst Rec had two loud shouts of their own turned down.

Manager Jim Hagan afterwards agreed it was “a disappointing result, but I was more than happy with the performance. We certainly didn’t deserve to lose”.

It was the Co Down side who took a one-goal interval lead, with a speculative half-volley that bounced over the diving Steven Adair.

Killyleagh extended that lead after the break when the ball struck Scott Cowie’s arm. It was hardly deliberate, given that Scott had turned his back to the action, but referee Damien Grimley pointed to the spot, where Killyleagh duly converted.

Back though came Wellington through Paul Maguire, and the final half-hour was a tale of Wellington pressure, though they might have sensed it wasn’t going to be their day when another Maguire effort careered down off the underside of the bar.

Wellington also had those two penalty appeals waived aside; one a not-too-dissimilar handling offence to the one that had accounted for the Killyleagh spot kick, and then, somewhat more clearcut, when Andy Bell was dragged down from behind.

Wellington Rec; Adair – Todd, S Cowie (J Mills), C Wilkinson, McGarel – Kane (Brunker), Gabbey, Barkley, C Cowie - Bell, Maguire. Sub (unused) Shannon.