Annagh were able to welcome back Andy Wright and Jamie Gardiner for this league game away to PSNI. 

The first thirty minutes of this game was a tight affair with both goal keepers’ spectators in a game being played in near perfect conditions but with a very soft pitch. 

As the half progressed Frances McCann had some good runs down the left with one good cross just eluding everyone at the back post. 

The Police took the lead after 44 minutes when Annagh gave away possession midfield, Adamczyk crossed from the left and as Mulgrew tried to tee up a shot Allen’s tackle succeeded only in deflecting he ball past Wright. Alan Murphy should have equalised for the visitors just before half time when he headed the ball into Keith Wilsons hands with the goal at his mercy.

Annagh 1-0 PSNI

Annagh came out strong in the second half but came up against a solid defensive line. Peden missed a great chance to level on 49 mins he put a free header into the side netting following a Riddle corner.  As the game progressed Annagh were now clearly on top and playing the better football but frequently the final ball was not there. With the game still in the balance Raymond Wilkinson fired just wide when put through in an Annagh attack.  Then with 25 mins to go disaster for Annagh when captain Smith was shown a second yellow for dissent leaving the away team down to 10 men. Annagh still pressed forward but the game was settled with 15 minutes to go when Annagh again lost possession needlessly and Ben Mulgrew beat Andrew Wright with a brilliant volley from 15 yards after good work from Mark Forsythe.

Team: WRIGHT, ALLEN, RIDDLE, PEDEN, MURPHY, COLEMAN, MCANN, UPRICHARD, WILLKINSON, GARDINER, SMITH

Sub: MURDOCK, MCERLEAN & HUGHES

MANAGRS COMMENTS

You won’t win games if you don’t sore goals. PSNI were much changed from recent matches with a number of key players returning to their team today, but had one serious attempt on goal in 90 min and scored 2 whereas we created created 3 or 4 good chances and some half chances and scored none. The OG just on half time was a blow but to be fair to Ritcie if he had not made the tackle the PSNI player would have shot.  I thought we were decent second half and were really on top but then yet again we pressed the self destruct button.  Winning league games is hard enough with 11 men but to be down to 10 men and 1-0 was always going to be difficult.  Over the game the keeper and back 4 were solid but we created little from wide areas and the strikers were living of scraps.  A disappointing result but we have no one to blame but ourselves. 

Armagh at home next week provides an opportunity to get back on track.