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The seconds continued their Corporate Coaching Junior
League One campaign last Saturday afternoon with a 2-0 victory against
Lisnagarvey’s third string at Comber Road, Hillsborough.
With skipper Bill Clarke and Allen Irwin unavailable, it was left to
Gareth Stranaghan to assume the captaincy duties, a role he is more than
familiar with having spent 2 seasons in the post in recent times. It was
no surprise therefore that the 12 players that took to the Comber Road
waterbase were fully aware of their individual and collective roles and
responsibilities beforehand.
If truth be told, it was mainly a scrappy affair that lacked in quality.
Nevertheless, the contest was competitive and after the opening exchanges
the seconds began to impose themselves in proceedings. Macafee and
McDowell were instrumental in their promptings from midfield, and from one
such foray the seconds won their first penalty corner and ultimately their
first chance. Stranaghan ought to have converted but it was not to be.
They did grab the opening goal though when Boyd made one of his trademark
marauding runs and slipped to Edwards who duly despatched past the home
custodian. Hopefully the first of many club goals from the young
Englishman. The visitors ended the first half in the ascendancy, and
indeed were unlucky not to add to their slender advantage.
The home side were much brighter at the beginning of the second period,
and indeed did cause some problems in the seconds defence. Twice Thompson
was called upon to make point blank saves, but generally the defence were
determined in maintaining the clean sheet that Stranaghan had emphasised
so much beforehand. Gowdy led by example, time and again his astute
reading of the game resulted in timely tackles and interventions. Kerrigan
went about his business in a quiet, yet efficient manner whilst McClelland
at left back also made a huge contribution. As the half wore on the game
opened up a little and more chances were created. Macafee was unlucky with
a couple of short corner strikes, Campbell hit a rasping shot just wide
and Gowdy saw an effort flash past the left post. The second goal came ten
minutes from time when the impish Boyd picked up a rebound to slot into
the corner of the Lisnagarvey goal. A just reward for his industry
throughout.
All in all it was a workmanlike rather than spectacular performance from
the seconds, but a fixture where it would have been very easy to lose one
or two points without the correct approach. Next Saturday it’s Raphoe in
the cup, a totally different proposition.
Many thanks to Dave McClune for helping out in the umpiring duties, and
well done to Craig McDowell for winning the man of the match vote.
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