Dungiven Celtic Res |
3-4 (HT 2-3) |
Christopher O'Kane (18, 64) |
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Report by Gleann Mac Ainmhire
Maghera Strollers travelled over the Glenshane Pass this week for their meeting with local rivals Dungiven Celtic Reserves. There was an air of apprehension about their fourth league game of the season, one which was certainly not to be underestimated. Dungiven have won two and drawn one going into this game whereas Maghera have the added pressure of trying to maintain their 100% record from their three league appearances so far.
Start as you mean to go on is the philosophy and almost from the off the Stroller’s lads were in total control of the game, holding possession and creating a few chances which came to nothing. But the Stroller’s looked lively and after just 18 minutes Caolan Mc Guckin showed great speed by bursting down the right side before executing a precision cross to Christopher O’ Kane who was not found wanting as he volleyed flawlessly into the bottom corner to give Maghera Strollers the lead. The away fan’s cheers had barely subsided when 3 minutes later an almost carbon-copy of the previous goal saw Mc Guckin again swing the ball into the box, this time received by Jerome Mc Kenna who obliged with a nice tap-in from inside the 6 yard box to leave the Maghera lads 2 goals up. As flattering as the scoreline was, there was no time to wallow in glory. Back to business almost immediately, the Stroller’s lads orchestrated a special show of football which began with a Ryan Winton nutmeg on the sideline. His resulting pass found Colm Sargent who fed it to Mark O’ Donnell bursting down the centre and from outside the box O’ Donnell drove his boot through the ball to send it screaming into the bottom corner for a 3-0 lead at 25 minutes.
Christopher O'Kane gives the Strollers a 1-0 lead
A flattering display by Maghera Strollers so far, but just like the weather, everything was about to change. A strong cross-breeze throughout the game was to neither team’s advantage but when the heavens opened the Dungiven lads seemed to relish in the torrent that followed. Digging their heels in the Celts began to take control of the game and after 34 minutes an honest strike into the bottom corner gave keeper Lorcan Mc Kenna no chance. Only 4 minutes later Dungiven scored again making it 3-2 and the Stroller’s seemed in disarray.
Mark O'Donnell watches as his shot
heads for the bottom corner.
The second half saw Gary O’ Doherty on for Caolan Mc Guckin. The two sides seemed more evenly matched as neither team could gain control. To add to Maghera’s woes, two seemingly clear-cut penalty chances were denied in what seemed very dubious decisions by the referee. The game ebbed and flowed for the Strollers and the tensions were obvious as tempers began to flare. Then on the 64th minute, Sargent’s cross into the box was met with a partial clearance, but only as far as O’ Kane who hammered a beautiful volley into the top corner from the edge of the box to make it 4-2. The celebrations were short-lived as Dungiven scored one minute later thanks to a huge deflection. Sean McGroggan replaced Sargent on 65 minutes and as the one goal deficit seemed to urge the Dungiven lads on, Maghera Stroller’s battled strongly to fend off repeated attacks by Dungiven. Mc Kenna was replaced by Burke on 80 minutes who immediately got into the thick of the action. In the dying minutes Dungiven had their opportunity to draw the game but somehow Stroller’s defender Michael Scullion heroically cleared the ball on two occasions from around the penalty area where it was only a matter of a strike into an empty net. A hard earned 4-3 victory was a relief for Maghera Strollers who make it four league wins from four at the end of this exciting derby.
Christopher O'Kane celebrates his second of the day....Tuuuuuunnnneeeeeee!