Loughgall 2 - 1 Carrick Rangers

Loughgall earned their second win in succession to retain top spot in the Carnegie First Division.  Two first half headed goals from Lukasz Adamczyk was enough to claim victory although James Braniff’s goal on 54 minutes meant it was a nervy second half.
Adamczyk could have in fact scored with only 2 minutes on the clock when he raced onto Neil Alderdices through ball however Carrick ‘keeper Gregg Shannon did well to rush out and block the strikers effort.  One minute later Alderdices clearance was chested down by Rangers captain Glenn Taggart and struck on the volley however Loughgall ‘keeper Marc Robinson did excellently to catch the stinging effort.
After 10 minutes away striker Andy Brown collected Glenn Waddell’s throw in before performing a smart turn and shot which crept slightly wide of the mark.  Brown should have grabbed the opener 5 minutes later when Marty Lavery’s pass inside saw the tall striker try to place his effort beyond Shannon however Rangers keeper did well to block with his feet.
The deadlock was broken on 24 minutes as Lavery’s corner was touched onto the crossbar by Alan Murphy and Adamczyk was on hand to head in the rebound.
Loughgall were well in control of the game at this stage and nearly extended their lead when Murphy headed Lavery’s dangerous corner into the grasp of ‘keeper Shannon. 
The second goal for the Villagers came with 10 minutes remaining in the first period when goalkeeper Shannon’s poor clearance fell to Ryan Moffatt and the winger’s shot was heading into the top corner only for the ‘keeper to redeem himself to tip it over the crossbar.  From the resultant corner Murphy flicked on at the near post and the ball was turned in by Adamczyk from a few yards out.
Unfortunately for Adamczyk he was at the receiving end of a harsh challenge and was forced off with a hamstring injury.
On the stroke of half time Lavery did superbly to beat Mark Watson inside the penalty area however he was let down by his finishing when he blazed over.
The hosts came out fighting in the second period and almost pulled one back just 3 minutes in when Kyle McDowell’s low cross was stepped over by Robbie White to allow the onrushing Darren McNamee to shoot down to Robinsons left where the ‘keeper excellently saved.
Rangers scored the goal that they were threatening on 54 minutes when impressive substitute Gareth Bond’s floated free kick was met by James Braniff, one of three players waiting to apply the finish at the back post.
As Carrick pushed for an equaliser they were almost caught out when Moffatt’s curling free kick was headed across goal by Murphy where Paul Prenter did well to block Dean Smith goalbound shot.
With 4 minutes remaining Chris Wilkinson delivered a great cross which ‘keeper Robinson did well to punch out to James Costello poorly shot wide from the edge of the penalty area.

Loughgall: M Robinson, Waddell, Alderdice, Peden, Murphy, Adair (O’Neill 87m), Moffatt, A Smith, Adamczyk (D Smith 38m), Lavery, Brown (Nesbitt 61m).  Subs not used: Uprichard, Stewart.

Carrick Rangers: Shannon, Watson (Bond 45m), Wilkinson, McNamee, Braniff, Prenter, Adams, Taggart, Costello, White (Higgins 80m), McDowell (Toner 90m).  Subs not used: Thompson, Gray.

Referee: B Turkington (Belfast)