Category: Pre-Match Guide

We welcome Dergview to Dixon Park tomorrow afternoon in our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.

Match Info

When: Saturday 12^th March – Kick-Off 3:00pm

Where: Dixon Park

What: Lough 41 Championship

Entry: Pay at the gate – £8 (Adult) / £5 (Concession)

Match Sponsor: Beechview Developments

Ball Sponsor: Antrim & Newtownabbey Sports Forum

The Opponents

Dergview are right in the thick of top-6 battle, sitting in 7^th position, just 3 points behind Ards in 6^th with a game-in-hand. Last week, Dergview and Knockbreda battled to an equal share of the points and goals in a high scoring encounter at Darragh Park. The visitors moved in front after just six minutes through former Comrades forward, Ciaran Heggarty, but the home side levelled soon after courtesy of Jamie Brown’s finish. Tommy Canning’s side then seized the lead themselves midway through the first half when Matthew Kirk converted from the spot but Heggarty bagged his second of the game not long after the break to bring ‘Breda back level. And the east Belfast side thought they had secured the points when, four minutes from time, another former Comrades player, Liam McKenna knocked home their third with a low shot on the counter attack but, in the end, it finished honours even when Mikhail Kennedy scored five minutes into stoppage time.

The Comrades

The Comrades conceded a late sucker punch during the week as Conor Kerr struck deep into stoppage time to secure a point for Loughgall from Ballyclare Comrades’ visit to Lakeview Park. The visitors, playing under caretaker boss Chris Ramsey following Paul Harbinson’s recent departure, moved in front after half-an-hour under Liam Hassin. But their hopes of picking up only their second victory since the start of November were dashed in the 95th minute were dashed when Kerr popped up to equalise for the Villagers.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met, two goals midway through the second half saw Dergview defeat Ballyclare Comrades at Darragh Park. Scoreless at the break, Ballyclare came close to open the scoring on a number of occasions. Ciaran Heggarty flashed a header just wide early on before turning provider to tee up Gary Donnelly to send a 20-yard effort the wrong side of the target. Heggarty continued to be a threat, with another header coming from a Lee McCune cross while, early in the second half, he twice tested Dergview keeper Alan Buchanan albeit with no success. However, that all counted for nothing on 67 minutes when the home side moved in front courtesy of Cathal Farren’s successfully converted spot-kick. Then, just six minutes after that, it was 2-0 after a good team move teed Matthew Kirk up to beat Richard Purcell with a sublime finish.

We travel to Lakeview Park tomorrow evening to take on Loughgall in this rescheduled Lough 41 Championship fixture from February.

Match Info

When: Tuesday 8^th March – Kick-Off 7:45pm

Where: Lakeview Park

What: Lough 41 Championship

Entry: Pay at the gate – £8 (Adult) / £5 (Concession)

The Opponents

The Villagers currently occupy 5th spot in the Lough 41 Championship. Last week Nathaniel Ferris bagged a second half double as Loughgall came from behind to defeat HW Welders at the Blanchflower Stadium. The Welders moved in front as early as the eighth minute when Michael McLellan rushed in to connect with a right-sided cross from Jonny Frazer to send a diving header home at the back post. That was how it stayed until three minutes into the second half when Ferris levelled after heading Tiernan Kelly’s volley from the edge of the area past Joe McGovern. And the visitors went on to claim the points with a second for Ferris four minutes from time after he met a corner to flick the winner beyond McGovern.

The Comrades

It was a weekend to forget for the managerless Comrades as Ards hit five past us at Clandeboye Park. Matt Tipton’s side opened the scoring after 16 minutes when David McAllister curled a cross onto the edge of the six yard box for Ross Arthurs to control and stab past Jack Ferguson. Daniel Reynolds added a second just after the half-hour mark when he fired into the roof of the net at the back post after a corner had been flicked on from the left. And it got worse for the visitors when they fell further behind just before the break. Reynolds turned provider with a low ball across the face of goal for McAllister to touch home at the left post. That was how it stayed until the 79th minute when McAllister doubled his tally from the left side of the area from Salou Jallow’s cross from wide on the right, albeit via a deflection off Ryan Arthur. Then, with five minutes to go, Eamonn Scannell completed the scoring after sliding in to turn home Benny Igiehon’s ball from the right.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met, Loughgall came away from Dixon Park with all 3 points after defeating the Comrades 3-0. Andrew Hoey opened the scoring for the Villagers after 18 minutes which was how it stayed until early in the second half when Jamie Rea doubled their advantage. Nathaniel Ferris then completed the scoring three minutes from time with a tap in from a Hoey cross. However, Ferris was sent-off not long after alongside Ballyclare’s Jason Johnston after the pair clashed.

We travel to Clandeboye Park tomorrow afternoon to take on Ards in our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.

Match Info

When: Saturday 5^th March – Kick-Off 3:00pm

Where: Clandeboye Park

What: Lough 41 Championship

Entry: Pay at the gate – £8 (Adult) / £5 (Concession)

The Opponents

Last week Ards and Dergview carved out a 2-2 draw at Darragh Park just a week after the venue was left underwater because of the recent storms. Matthew Kirk fired Dergview in front on 18 minutes with a successfully converted spot-kick but Ards hit back through Christopher Crane’s 30-yard effort into the top corner to level after half-an-hour. That was how it stayed until the 59th minute when Niall Fielding restored Dergview’s advantage with another long range strike but, as before, the visitors levelled soon after when Ross Arthurs turned home a header. The draw keeps Ards in 6^th position, just a point ahead of Dergview who have a game in hand.

The Comrades

Ballyclare Comrades and Queen’s University battled to a 1-1 draw at Dixon Park with both goals coming in the first half. The home side came close to breaking the deadlock early on when an Ian Fletcher free-kick was headed against the crossbar by a visiting defender before, from the follow up, Michael Smith also directed his header against the woodwork. But Ballyclare did find a way through on 14 minutes courtesy of Kyle Beggs’ cross-come-shot which bypassed everyone to end up in the net. However the Students levelled just before the half-hour mark through Leon Bonnes after he got his head to a corner while, on the stroke of half-time, Fletcher was on hand to clear the ball off the line. The second half was a much less lively affair with neither side able to settle nor grab what could well have been the winner. The draw proved to be the last game in charge for Paul Harbinson, after a run of bad form over the last lot of months lead to the Comrades dropping to 9^th position in the table. Club Captain, Chris Ramsey, will be in charge of all first team affairs on a caretaker basis while the Board of Directors carries out a recruitment process for a new Manager. Chris will be assisted by Adam McCart, Rob Murdie and Michael Higgins.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met, Ards swept to a 4-2 victory over Ballyclare Comrades at Dixon Park in December. Ards might have moved in front as early as the opening minute when presented with a penalty but Kyle Calderwood’s spot-kick was saved by Jack Ferguson. The deadlock was broken on ten minutes, however, when Ciaran Heggarty nodded Ballyclare in front from Ian Fletcher’s free-kick. However, two goals in quick succession midway through the first half tipped the balance in Ards’ favour. Conall McGrandles levelled on 21 minutes with a header from Patrick Cafolla’s corner before, four minutes after that, Ross Arthurs made it 2-1 with a finish in off an upright. Ards further extended their advantage just before the hour when Cafolla found the net but Ballyclare came back into proceedings on 73 minutes through Chris Ramsey’s header from Ashton McDermott’s cross. But Salou Jallow made sure of the points for Ards deep into stoppage time after rounding Ferguson to calmly slot home.

We welcome Queen’s University to Dixon Park tomorrow afternoon in our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.

Match Info

When: Saturday 26^th February – Kick-Off 3:00pm

Where: Dixon Park

What: Lough 41 Championship

Entry: Pay at the gate – £8 (Adult) / £5 (Concession)

Match Sponsor: Metal Technology

Ball Sponsor: SM Plumbing & Heating

The Opponents

Queen’s currently occupy bottom spot in the Lough 41 Championship. With a lot of league games postponed last week due to the conditions, their last outing was away to Dundela where a goal in each half saw Dundela get the better of Queen’s at Wilgar Park. The Duns moved in front after 12 minutes when, following a David McMaster corner, some confusion in the box eventually ended with Michael Kerr getting the final touch to scramble the ball home. That was how it stayed until just after the hour when Spencer Beattie, a recent arrival from Ballymena United, slid the ball into the bottom corner following some good work down the right by Rhys Annett.

The Comrades

The Comrades also had last week’s fixture against Loughgall postponed due to the conditions. Our last outing was the 2-1 away defeat to Harland & Wolff Welders on the 11^th February. Ballyclare started brightly and created a number of half chances during the opening exchanges through Kyle Beggs and Caiolan Brennan. However, somewhat against the run of play, the deadlock was broken on 28 minutes when Gary Lavery fired the Welders in front with an effort from distance which went low and hard under keeper Richard Purcell into the bottom corner. Then, on the hour, Jonny Frazer made it 2-0 with a sweeping right foot finish from just inside the area after Scott McMillan had crossed from the right. The Comrades pulled a goal back ten minutes after that. Brennan sent a corner over from the left which Jason Johnston connected with to head home at the back post.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met, Queen’s University took home all 3 points with a two-goal victory over Ballyclare Comrades at Dixon Park. Despite the eventual outcome Ballyclare enjoyed numerous chances during the scoreless first half with Queen’s keeper Daniel Devine doing well to deny Lee McCune, Liam McKenna and Ian Fletcher at various points during the opening 45 minutes. Queen’s moved in front just four minutes after the break through Matthew McManus who got his head to a free-kick delivered from wide on the flank to glance the ball past Richard Purcell. The home side attempted to get back into the game but, once again, Devine was equal to efforts from McKenna and Joe Tully. The visitors doubled their advantage, and made sure of the points, with just under a quarter-of-an-hour remaining. Awarded a spot-kick, Chris Middleton’s initial effort had to be retaken but Purcell saved the second attempt only for Middleton to ultimately find the net on the rebound.

We travel to Lakeview Park tomorrow afternoon to take on Loughgall in our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.

Match Info

When: Saturday 19^th February – Kick-Off 3:00pm

Where: Lakeview Park

What: Lough 41 Championship

Entry: Pay at the gate – £8 (Adult) / £5 (Concession)

The Opponents

The Villagers currently occupy 2^nd spot on goal difference in the Lough 41 Championship. Last week they came out on top of a 5-goal-thriller with victory over Institute at the Brandywell. ‘Stute might have moved in front on 13 minutes when Caolan McLaughlin was upended by Berraat Turker but the Loughgall keeper redeemed himself by saving Gareth Brown’s subsequent spot-kick. The Villagers moved in front just before the half-hour mark through Caolan McAleer when the wind caught his shot to squeeze it past John Connolly. Institute levelled nine minutes after the break with the second penalty of the game, taken this time by Ian Parkhill and dispatched into the bottom corner. Loughgall regained the lead on the hour following a well worked move down the right flank culminating in a close-range finish from Nedas Maciulaitis. Back came Institute to level for a second time when McLaughlin beat Turker with a great first touch and finish. But Loughgall responded to ultimately secure the points with eight minutes to go when the ball fell kindly for Alan Teggart after an initial shot had been kept out.

The Comrades

Last week’s 2-1 defeat away to Harland & Wolff Welders keeps the Comrades in 8^th position in the Lough 41 Championship. Ballyclare started brightly and created a number of half chances during the opening exchanges through Kyle Beggs and Caiolan Brennan. However, somewhat against the run of play, the deadlock was broken on 28 minutes when Gary Lavery fired the Welders in front with an effort from distance which went low and hard under keeper Richard Purcell into the bottom corner. Then, on the hour, Jonny Frazer made it 2-0 with a sweeping right foot finish from just inside the area after Scott McMillan had crossed from the right. The Comrades pulled a goal back ten minutes after that. Brennan sent a corner over from the left which Jason Johnston connected with to head home at the back post. Paul Harbinson understands the task ahead of the Comrades tomorrow afternoon and said his side will “raise their own tempo, raise their own bar, challenge themselves and hold themselves accountable, as will we (the management team) and hopefully we can turn things around into points.”

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met, Loughgall came away from Dixon Park with all 3 points after defeating the Comrades 3-0. Andrew Hoey opened the scoring for the Villagers after 18 minutes which was how it stayed until early in the second half when Jamie Rea doubled their advantage. Nathaniel Ferris then completed the scoring three minutes from time with a tap in from a Hoey cross. However, Ferris was sent-off not long after alongside Ballyclare’s Jason Johnston after the pair clashed.

We travel to Blanchflower Park tomorrow evening to take on Harland & Wolff Welders in our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.

Match Info

When: Friday 11^th February – Kick-Off 7:45pm

Where: Blanchflower Park

What: Lough 41 Championship

Entry: Pay at the gate – £8 (Adult) / £5 (Concession)

The Opponents

The Welders currently occupy 5^th position in the Lough 41 Championship, just 1 point from second spot. Last week, HW Welders came from behind to defeat Knockbreda at Breda Park. Former Comrades forward, Ciaran Heggarty, fired the home side in front with just under a quarter-of-an-hour on the clock with a half volley from just inside the area after the Welders defence failed to clear a corner. However, the visitors levelled not long after that when Jake Corbett swivelled and turned outside the box to send a great effort into the roof of the net. Then, just before the break, Michael McLellan knocked home what proved to be the winner with a low driven free-kick into the bottom corner of the net.

The Comrades

With no game last week, the Comrades remain in 8^th position in the Lough 41 Championship on 32 points. Our last game saw us share the spoils with Ballinamallard United at Dixon Park in a game which saw the lead change twice. After a number of half chances at either end it fell to the home side to move in front on 37 minutes when Jason Johnston headed home after Kyle Beggs had delivered the ball into the box. It was an advantage the Comrades held until a couple of minutes into the second half when Callum Moorehead nodded past Richard Purcell to level matters. Then, on 64 minutes, Sean McEvoy edged the visitors into the lead with a well executed free-kick from around 30 yards low into the bottom corner. However, it again proved to be a short lived period on top after Andrew Mooney equalised for the Comrades with a left-foot strike from just inside the box after Caiolan Brennan had slipped him through on the left.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met, The Comrades staged a late comeback to recover a two-goal deficit and salvage a point from HW Welders at Blanchflower Park. The Welders moved in front on 38 minutes through Alan McMurtry who smashed the ball home from eight yards after receiving a low cross from the left. Josh Boyd doubled the home advantage on 67 minutes with a back post finish when the ball was played across the box into his path. But Ballyclare pulled a goal back just five minutes after that through Liam Hassin with a 25-yard effort into the top corner after a set piece was only partially cleared. And the Comrades secured a point with four minutes left on the clock when Matthew Herron found the net from Tom Mathieson’s cross.

We welcome Ballinamallard United to Dixon Park tomorrow afternoon in our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.

Match Info

When: Saturday 29^th January – Kick-Off 3:00pm

Where: Dixon Park

What: Lough 41 Championship

Entry: Pay at the gate – £8 (Adult) / £5 (Concession)

Match Sponsor – Family Cars NI

Ball Sponsor – Kenny Homes

The Opponents

Ballinamallard United are right in the thick of a promotion challenge, currently occupying 2^nd spot in the Lough 41 Championship. Last week, however, they lost out to Newry City at home in a top of the table clash. The first half ended scoreless, and was a largely disjointed affair throughout although both sides had their chances with Dean Curry heading over from a corner just after the half-hour mark while, moments from the break, Daniel Hughes clipped a free-kick from the edge of the area into Rory Brown’s arms. However, the game livened up considerably after the interval. Newry almost moved in front early on when James Teelan’s cross from the left was volleyed just wide by John McGovern while, for the Mallards, Curry was unlucky to head a Duwayne McManus cross off the bar. The home side struck the woodwork again soon after direct from a BJ Banda corner but the deadlock was eventually broken on 71 minutes when a Hughes free-kick found it’s way through a crowded box into the net. The visitors then doubled their advantage soon after when Northern Ireland Under-21 international McGovern directed a header past Brown. Harry McConkey’s side might have snatched a late consolation when Banda found himself through on goal but City keeper Steven Maguire reacted quickly to come off his line to smother the ball.

The Comrades

Knockbreda twice came from behind last week to claim a point from The Comrades’ visit to Breda Park. It took the visitors just over a minute to move in front when recent arrival Owen McKeown won a free-kick which Ian Fletcher delivered into the area for Jason Johnston to nod home. ‘Breda almost levelled straightaway only to hit the crossbar before, just shy of the half-hour mark, skipper Ross McCaughan did equalise with a header past Jack Ferguson. Ballyclare regained the advantage on the hour. Breaking on the counter attack, substitute Ciaran Dobbin ran with the ball almost the full length of the pitch before finding Liam Hassin with a pass who, in turn, cut it back for Dobbin to slide beyond Lewis Deane. However, the home side responded positively once again, and subsequently earned a share of the spoils thanks to Nathan O’Neill’s, who had only been on the pitch for around sixty seconds, 25-yard finish on 72 minutes. The result keeps the Comrades in 8^th position in the Lough 41 Championship.

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met, Ryan Morris scored the only goal of the game as Ballinamallard United defeated Ballyclare Comrades 1-0 at Ferney Park. Morris struck just after the half-hour mark with a header from a corner in off Comrades keeper Richard Purcell. It had been a keenly fought encounter up to that point with BJ Banda and Liam McKenna coming close with efforts at either end during the opening exchanges. The Mallards enjoyed periods of possession as the first half progressed but were often let down by the final ball while Ballyclare had penalty claims waved away after Joe Tully was pulled down inside the box. After the break Lee McCune forced Mallards keeper into an early save before the visitors were denied by a goalline Aaron Arkinson clearance. Morris came close to doubling Ballinamallard’s lead on 72 minutes only to skim the ball past an upright, and Ballyclare came within a whisker of the equaliser right at the end after Matthew Herron found himself through on goal but could only rattle the crossbar with his effort.

We travel to Breda Park tomorrow afternoon to take on Knockbreda in our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.

Match Info

When: Saturday 22^nd January – Kick-Off 2:00pm

Where: Breda Park

What: Lough 41 Championship

Entry: Pay at the gate – £8 (Adult) / £5 (Concession)

The Opponents

Knockbreda currently occupy 9^th position in the Lough 41 Championship, just one spot and two points behind the Comrades. Last week they travelled to Queen’s University where The Students collected a much needed three points with victory over Knockbreda at The Dub. Queen’s moved in front after 11 minutes when Leon Bonnes connected with a corner to head past keeper Lewis Deane. It was a lead they held until just before the break when Stephen Garrett levelled for ‘Breda. Queen’s regained the advantage on 79 minutes, however, courtesy of a Chris Middleton tap in following some poor visiting defending. Then, with five minutes remaining, Ciaran O’Hare made sure of the win, only the third in the Championship this season for Peter Thompson’s side.

The Comrades

Two goals late in the second half saw Institute come from behind to defeat The Comrades at Dixon Park last week. The home side needed just ten minutes to open the scoring when an Ian Fletcher cross deep into the box was only partially cleared allowing Liam Hassin to get to the ball and nod past John Connolly. Ballyclare could have doubled their advantage before the break when new signing Caiolan Brennan tested Connolly with an effort from just outside the box, before teeing Michael Smith up moments later to fire just over. Brennan was involved again just after the hour when he nodded the ball on for fellow transfer window arrival Ryan Arthur while Arthur himself turned provider soon after with a free-kick to the back post but Hassin could only head slightly off target. However, Institute levelled on 77 minutes when Brendan McLaughlin, who had come close a few minutes earlier, headed past Jack Ferguson. Then, right at the death, Mark McFadden knocked home what proved to be Institute’s winner with a fantastic individual finish with the last kick of the game. The result keeps The Comrades in 8^th position in the Lough 41 Championship, while Knockbreda are only two points behind with a game in hand. Paul Harbinson is focused on using last week’s heartbreak as “motivation to fire us, Institute’s celebrations at the end has to hurt us and we have to go to Knockbreda now with a fire in our bellies and know that this is more important.”

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met, The Comrades lost out by the odd goal in five away to Knockbreda. The home side moved in front after half-an-hour through Peter McDermott, a lead they held until just before the break when Liam McKenna levelled with a finish into an empty net. ‘Breda regained the advantage early in the second half thanks to Ethan Devine and went further ahead on 56 minutes when Karl Hamill knocked home number three. Joe Tully reduced the deficit midway through the second half from a Matthew Herron pass but Knockbreda held on to claim the points.

We welcome Institute to Dixon Park tomorrow afternoon in our next Lough 41 Championship fixture.

Match Info

When: Saturday 15^th January – Kick-Off 3:00pm

Where: Dixon Park

What: Lough 41 Championship

Entry: Pay at the gate – £8 (Adult) / £5 (Concession)

Match Sponsor – Abbey Real Estate

Ball Sponsor – Bob McPherson

The Opponents

Institute suffered similar fate to the Comrades last week as they exited the Irish Cup at the hands of Portstewart FC. With the game looking to be heading for extra time, Portstewart’s Mark Edgar struck home an effort from 30 yards into the top corner, leaving keeper, Connolly, helpless. In the league, ‘Stute currently occupy the second from bottom spot, but they did hold league leaders, Newry City to a 0-0 in their last league outing.

The Comrades

The Comrades exited the Irish Cup at the first hurdle last week with a defeat to local rivals Carrick Rangers where the Premiership side were just too strong on the day. The visitors made the breakthrough on the half-hour mark when a lovely ball from Cherry set Gibson free on the left side of the box and he made no mistake clinically finishing wide of the ‘keeper from 6 yards. Eight minutes later Carrick doubled their lead with a great goal. Cherry picked up a clearance from the Comrades defence and struck a superb shot from 30 yards which came off the inside of the post and into the net, giving Richard Purcell no chance. The game rather petered out in its latter stages with the visitors maintaining their lead comfortably and Comrades, although they had steadied the ship defensively, struggling to create much of a threat. Paul Harbinson believes his side can take the positives from last week’s game into tomorrow’s upcoming fixture; “There’s fight, there’s heart and there’s honesty in the changing room. There’s a team that wants to work for each other, we’re still making silly mistakes, but there’s lots to build on and we’ve a couple of new faces coming in as well.”

Last Time Out

The Comrades and Institute drew a blank last time out at Dixon Park in October, although the visitors might feel they should have returned home with the points in the bag after missing a second half spot-kick. The Comrades started brightly, creating an early opening which ended with Liam McKenna dragging an effort wide when through on goal. ‘Stute came close midway through the first half when Aaron McGurk saw a 25-yard free-kick tipped over by Richard Purcell before, a minute after that, he kept out a Jamie Dunne strike. At the other end John Connolly did well to deal with another McKenna effort and was called into action again not long after that to save a Gary Donnelly header. The visitors had a great chance to move in front just before the hour. Curtis Woods was adjudged to have upended Dunne inside the box but, from the penalty that followed, Liam Walsh could only look on as his effort was turned away by the diving Purcell. Ballyclare were reduced to ten men on 74 minutes when Howard Beverland was dismissed for a challenge on Liam Walsh but ‘Stute failed to take advantage and, indeed, have Connolly to thank with a couple of saves late in the game to deny McKenna and Ciaran Dobbin.

We welcome Carrick Rangers to Dixon Park tomorrow afternoon in the 1st Round of this season’s Irish Cup.

Match Info

When: Saturday 8^th January – Kick-Off 3:00pm

Where: Dixon Park

What: Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey Irish Cup

Entry: Pay at the gate – £10 (Adult) / £7 (Concession)

*Reminder to season ticket holders that season tickets are not valid for cup games.

Match Sponsor – Montgomery Transport

Ball Sponsor – 365 Taxis

The Opponents

Carrick Rangers got off to a flying start in the Danske Bank Premiership this season under new manager, Stuart King. More recently, however, results haven’t been going their way and they currently occupy 9^th spot in the league table. Last week, they brought their losing streak to a halt with a hard-fought point away to Crusaders. King’s side had lost their previous six outings but almost got off to a perfect start inside the opening moments when Stewart Nixon forced a save from Crues keeper Jonny Tuffey. At the other end Philip Lowry created space on the edge of the area to test Matthew Skeet with a low drive. The bright start didn’t materialise into an entertaining first half with the next real effort of note not arriving until moments from the break when a David Cushley free-kick reached Daniel Kelly but he could only direct the ball wide. It took a while for the second period to get going as well with Carrick coming close to breaking the deadlock on the counter when Kelly produced a left sided diving save from Tuffey to turn a curling effort away. Jarlath O’Rourke then had a go from around 30 yards with just under a quarter-of-an-hour to go but Skeet did well to hold onto the ball. The hosts did have the ball in the net soon after that but Johnny McMurray’s finish was ruled out offside while the same player later scuffed a left-foot shot wide.

The Comrades

Last week, Lee Upton scored both goals as Annagh United came from behind to defeat The Comrades at Dixon Park. Annagh came close to breaking the deadlock inside the opening ten minutes in an otherwise scrappy start when Craig Taylor clipped the crossbar from a free-kick. However, it fell to the Comrades to find a way through when, on 27 minutes, Tom Mathieson turned the ball home with his left foot after Matthew Herron had cut the ball across from the right. The visitors levelled just before the hour with Upton’s first of the game when he rose highest on the edge of the six yard box to nod home a high free-kick into the area. Then, a quarter-of-an-hour after that, he bagged what proved to be the winner with another close range header. The Comrades players protested vehemently that an Annagh player had been standing in an offside position in front of Jack Ferguson, blocking the ‘keeper’s view, but after a long consultation with his assistant the referee let the goal stand. As time ticked away the hosts began to exert some pressure; five minutes into injury-time, what looked a clear goal was not given. Ian Fletcher got free on the left and played a ball into Andrew Mooney who shot from 10 yards. The Annagh ‘keeper appeared to have spilled the ball well over the line and then clawed it back, but the referee and his assistant at that end didn’t agree and no goal was given. Speaking after the game, Paul Harbinson was encouraged by his side’s “good performance levels in what was a really tough day for football”. He also made clear his “disappointment in the decisions that went against us. I’m not one to complain about decisions but today I am. Unfortunately we put ourselves in a place where we allowed those decisions to count and we need to learn from that.” On tomorrow’s upcoming fixture against Carrick, the manager said “It’s a derby, we have to just look at it as a local derby, everybody should be up for it and it shouldn’t take any motivation. It’s a longstanding rivalry between the two clubs and I’d like to think we go into it with heart and fire in our bellies and that’s what the Irish Cup is all about.”

Last Time Out

The last time these two sides met in a competitive fixture was back in November 2018 in the Championship. The Comrades fell to a comprehensive 4-1 home defeat to Carrick on the day. Smith opened the scoring for the visitors as early as the 3rd minute when his free-kick from a central position 22 yards out split the wall and fired past the unsighted Ben Fry. The home side reacted well to this disastrous start and were soon back on level terms. Adam Gray produced a superb run down the middle and surged into the box, where he linked up with Jamie Willighan, receiving a return pass before firing the ball low into the net from 11 yards. The men in red were buoyed by this goal and looked like they could make a game of it, but defensive frailty struck again on 20 minutes to gift Carrick the lead. The visitors got in much too easily, attacking down the left and penetrating the box, where Dean Youle was forced to slide in with a desperate tackle, conceding a penalty. Smith stepped up to calmly convert the spot-kick. The home side continued to look vulnerable at the back and in the 34th minute they conceded another penalty. This time it was Curtis Woods adjudged to have fouled and Smith again stepped up to take aim from the spot. Ben Fry made an excellent save to deny him his hat-trick, but Carrick’s Kelly was quickest to react to the loose ball, slotting it in from inside the 6-yard box. In the 63rd minute the destination of the points was put beyond reasonable doubt when Carrick scored a fourth goal.  A Neale corner was headed in from 4 yards by Kelly, giving Fry no chance. Tempers boiled over in the 73rd minute. An incident involving Dean Youle and Carrick’s Murray ended with both players receiving a red card.