Comrades sealed a narrow victory over Coagh United at Dixon Park to keep their league campaign on track.
The first chance of the match fell to the visitors inside four minutes when the ball was lifted over the home defence to find Ferson in space. He shot to the near post but found his effort kept out by Oisin McAllister.
Chances were at a premium in the first half with defences on top. However, Comrades came close to opening the scoring on 24 minutes when a Barry McKervey free kick played into the box was met by a first time shot hit by Elliot McKim, with his effort striking the crossbar.
The hosts threatened again in the 33rd minute when a Liam Toman free kick struck from 25 yards forced keeper Hassan to claw the ball away from under the angle of bar and post.
The second half began with the teams continuing to struggle to create opportunities, although Comrades were doing most of the attacking.
It took a great strike to break the deadlock on the hour mark. Barry McKervey cut in from the right before playing passing to Dylan O’Kane who hit superb first-time effort from 20 yards which saw the ball strike the underside of the bar and bounce down over the line.
The home side had created a good opportunity to give themselves a bigger cushion in the 75th minute when, after good work from Ryan McMenemy, the ball was played through to David Taylor who ran free into the box, but as he attempted to round the keeper Hassan did well to take the ball off his foot.
As time ran down Coagh pressed forward looking for an equaliser. A minute into added time they came close when Leighton turned and shot from 20 yards, forcing Oisin McAllister to make a fine save to turn the ball wide.
Two minutes later Comrades had a chance to add a second goal when they caught the visitors out on the counterattack to send Liam Toman free one-on-one with the keeper, but his resulting effort was turned wide by Hassan. However, this did not prove costly as the hosts held on for a narrow but deserved win.
Many thanks to our Match Sponsor, Ross’s Joint Butchers, and Ball Sponsor, Spartans Gym and Fitness.
Match Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/qhtqwdx22m97jffl5vlax/AKznsLnrzUp7F4Jl57FAViM?dl=0&e=1&preview=BallyclareComradesVsCoagh-48.jpg&rlkey=k4wtcxqowwymmzakvh4akefkk&st=9b1553dd
