Reserves beat League leaders in Cup .........
Annagh Untied Reserves travelled to Loughgall on Saturday in the Johnston Memorial Cup. The previous two league meetings had seen Loughgall pick up all six points making them clear favourites for this tie and possibly the trophy as they are top of the league. Having made four mid week signings along with some long term injury players returning and a couple of first team squad members available, the visitors were quietly confident. Loughgall also had several experienced first team players involved in the game.
The game kicked off with Annagh Playing the better attacking football, creating several chances and this paid off eventually when they went 1-0 up when a Jamie Stothers shot was parried by the 'keeper only for Ciaran McGurgan to pounce and rocket the ball in from a tight angle. As the first half progressed the game grew in pace as the passing by both teams at times was excellent along with some ferocious tackles.
Half Time: Loughgall Reserves 0-1 Annagh Reserves
Going into the second half Annagh knew that if they kept it tight and closed down the shooting opportunities then they had a good chance to progress. In fact the only real clear cut chance that came from Loughgall resulted in two well timed blocks from Annagh defenders as the ball was struck from a corner and then rebounded. In midfield first team skipper Dean Smith and Raymy Harpur were calm and controlling allowing McGurgan and Kenny Camlin to press forward at every opportunity and create further goal scoring opportunities on the counter. Sean Magill came on for Steven Wells up front to add a bit more experience while Gerry Mallon came on to add bite into midfield. Late on Matty Webb replaced the injured Wells and slotted into left back.
Full Time: Loughgall Reserves 0-1 Annagh Reserves
Manager Rendall’s thoughts -
“I thought we showed class today, the experienced lads put a great shift in, the two young lads up front created all sorts of problems for the opposition while Gary Topley at the back allowed Ryan Hill and Lee Friers to do what they do best, simply play! Man of the Match had to go to Brian Wells who made his debut at centre half giving their strikers no time to influence the game.”
Article Added: Mon 30th Jan 2012 (13:08:40)
