Limavady shock Reds
Limavady United 3 Cliftonville 1
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Limavady United may well be on their way out of senior football but they did
so on a winning note in their Rathmore Road home against Cliftonville.
Indeed having fallen behind to an early second half Cliftonville goal, the
home side showed great character to bounce back and record what was a shock
victory.
In what was a very disappointing opening period, both teams did have their
chances to break the deadlock.
Both George McMullan and Mark Holland were put clear for Cliftonville, but
they failed to trouble Limavady keeper Glenn Millar.
For the home side teenage midfielder Gareth Tommons broke in the 26th
minute, but he ballooned his shot over the crossbar.
However, the best chance of the first half fell to Limavady striker Paul
Brown with two minutes of the first half remaining. But despite the
one-on-one situation he drove the ball at the body of Cliftonville keeper
John Connolly who diverted it wide at the expense of a corner.
However, after the break Cliftonville stunned their hosts when moving into
the driving seat in the 48th minute.
Chris Scannell gained possession and from 25 yards his looping speculative
lob dropped into the net over the head of keeper Miller.
Indeed Cliftonville could have doubled their lead within 60 seconds, but
Ronan Scannell's shot crashed off the upright.
Limavady however eventually got to grips with the game and always looked
dangerous on the break. They equalised in the 69th minute when Declan
McKeever found space outside the penalty area and his snapshot found the
corner of the net.
With their tails up the home side continued to press and they were rewarded
in the 85th minute when taking a shock lead. McKeever burst through the
centre and when he was forced wide he intelligently pulled the ball back to
the well placed Ryan McIlmoyle who picked his spot.
Indeed Limavady continued to move forward and striker Paul Brown (pictured)
beat keeper Connelly to a loose ball before ending the match as a contest.
LIMAVADY UNITED: Millar, Mullan, Bell, Gaston, Ferry, Tommons,
Curran, Lynch, McKeever, Brown, McIlmoyle. Subs: Boyd, Crossan, McClean,
Kelly, McNulty.
CLIFTONVILLE: Connolly, Fleming, R Scannell, Catney, O'Hara, B
Holland, M Holland, Cleary, C Scannell, McMullan, Smyth. Subs: Pearse,
McKane, Boyd, Campbell, McAlinden.
Referee: Mr I Hall (Belfast).
