Annalong Swifts |
3-4 (HT 2-1) |
Ryan Winton (31) |
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Report by Gleann Mac Ainmhire
Maghera Strollers made the long trek to Annalong for their first match in the Coca Cola Junior Cup where they were hosted by Annalong Swifts. The Mourne mountains provided a scenic backdrop to a game which started off slowly for The Strollers. A goal for the Swifts after 5 minutes was a stark reminder to the Maghera lads that nothing could be taken for granted. A lack lustre performance in the first half an hour by the Strollers was brought to an end when Ryan Winton made his way from the back to bag the equaliser in 31 minutes. But the celebrations were short-lived as 2 minutes later Annalong were awarded a penalty when the Stroller’s goalkeeper Pearse McCallan was penalised for bringing down the Annalong striker. The first half finished with the Strollers trailing 2-1.
Ryan Winton fires home the equaliser on 31 minutes
The second half started brighter for Maghera Strollers when Gazza O’Doherty was brought down in the box and he duly stepped up to net the awarded penalty to bring the scores level at 2-2. The half-time team talk must have had an effect on the players as they began to take control of the game and after 62 minutes Gazza cheekily stole the ball from an Annalong defender in the left corner and leaving him for dust with a burst of speed towards the box, netted a powerful shot at the near post. But Maghera Strollers first lead in the game at 3-2 was only temporary as a lack of concentration resulted in a goal from Annalong to level the pegging once again. Good possession and level heads from The Strollers were rewarded with only 8 minutes remaining after an excellent corner kick from Winton was won by Jerome Mc Kenna who rose highest to direct the ball towards goal before substitute Colm Sargent gave it a helping touch to score. A 4-3 win for Maghera Strollers added to the County Down sunshine to make a long journey but a well earned victory for all the lads more worthwhile.
Gazza wheels away after giving the Strollers a 3-2 lead