Loughgall 1 - 0 Ballyclare Comrades

Niall Currie’s Loughgall side received their fifth trophy of the season today when they lifted the Carnegie First Division trophy.  Ballyclare Comrades still had it all to play for as they chased down second place knowing that a victory at Lakeview Park would secure that position.
The visitors had the advantage early on with a few near chances, in the 2nd minute strike duo Darren McKay and Eddie Hill combined for the latter to shoot low just past the post.  On 11 minutes Michael Smith hit a powerful effort goalwards however it failed to trouble goalkeeper Marc Robinson as it sailed harmlessly over the crossbar.
Loughgall’s first attempt on the Ballyclare goal came after 12 minutes when Ryan Moffatt’s thunderous drive from 30 yards edged past the post.
On 27 minutes Comrades striker McKay excellently shot on the turn and his effort was heading into the bottom corner only for Bryan Pentland, who was well positioned to avert the danger.  From the resultant corner Ryan Murray had a free header at the back post however he couldn’t keep it on target.
In the 29th minute Captain Darragh Peden’s long throw into the penalty area was nodded down by Alan Murphy and Marty Lavery blazed wide from close range.
10 minutes after the interval Comrades almost had the ball in the back of Robinson’s net when Joe McRoberts managed to beat him however Peden was on hand to clear to safety.  Loughgall began to exert greater influence and limited Comrades to few opportunities.  On the hour mark Murphy powered Ryan Moffatt’s perfect delivery from a corner towards goal where the excellently positioned ‘keeper Mannus easily collected. 
Striker Paul Baron tested Mannus twice in quick succession 20 minutes into the second half.  His first time shots were both on target and well saved low to Mannus’ right.
The goal came with 11 minutes remaining when a long ball was latched onto by Baron and he made no mistake this time.  He calmly found the bottom corner from inside the penalty area.
Comrades failed to really trouble Robinson in the closing stages of the game and substitute Adam Dick dragged his snapshot wide of the mark in injury time.

Loughgall: Robinson, Alderdice, Pentland, Peden, Murphy, Herron, Moffatt, Adair, Baron, Lavery, D Smith.  Subs: Waddell, Uprichard, Walker, Brown, Allen.

Ballyclare Comrades: Mannus, Smith, Freyne, McClean, Murray, Forsythe, Patterson, McRoberts, McKay, Hill, Bell.  Subs: Simms, Agnew, Dick, Mulholland.

Referee: E Shanks (Magheralin)