Loughgall 1 - 1 Ballyclare Comrades

Loughgall earned a point in this top of the table clash away to Ballyclare and they are highly likely to wrap up the league title.  With other results going the Villagers way, a win would have mathematically secured the title however the draw means that only Ballyclare can catch Loughgall on goal difference.
The only change to the side, which won the Mid – Ulster Cup final midweek, was cup–tied Paul Baron replacing injured Lukasz Adamczyk upfront.  There was also a welcome return for Bryan Pentland back into the squad after a lay-off.
Comrades made a great start to the game when they opened the scoring after only 4 minutes.  Ryan Murray, in his first game back since September, delivered a perfect cross which Ian McGrath sweetly struck an unstoppable volley beyond goalkeeper Marc Robinson into the top corner of the net.
The visitors aimed to level terms quickly however Glenn Waddell’s free kick curled past the post.
The equaliser came in the 15th minute when Darragh Peden’s long attacking throw evaded everyone at the front post and Willie Herron simply connected from close range to touch it into the back of the net.
On 23 minutes Waddell’s floated free kick seemed to be heading in at the back post only for Marty Lavery to deflect it across goal.
On the half hour Comrades right-back Michael Smith came inside to unleash a left-footed drive which didn’t trouble ‘keeper Robinson as it flew well wide.
Defender Alan Murphy was forced off with a head injury on 37 minutes replaced by Brian Adair while moments later Loughgall had to play with ten men when Andy Smith was getting his head bandaged following it being spilt open.
Shortly after the interval Ballyclare forward Connor Mulholland should have done better when he glanced Michael Smith’s deep cross over from close range.
Goalkeeper Robinson did well to punch Murray’s fiercely struck free kick from 25 yards to safety.  On 74 minutes goalscorer Herron’s lofted cross was nodded over at the back post by Paul Baron.
Comrades had a good chance to regain the lead in the 78th minute only for Davy Freyne to direct his headed effort into the sidenetting under good pressure from Andy Smith.
1 minute before full time Ryan Moffatt’s free kick was missed by ‘keeper Mannus however substitute Andy Brown could only touch the ball into the sidenetting from a difficult angle

Loughgall: Robinson, Waddell, Alderdice, Peden, Murphy (Adair 37m), Herron, Moffatt (Walker 89m), A Smith, Baron, Lavery, D Smith (Brown 66m).  Sub not used: Allen, Pentland.

Ballyclare Comrades: Mannus, Smith, Murray, McClean, Caldwell, Forsythe, McGrath (McKay 83m), McRoberts, Mulholland, Hill (Agnew 83m), Freyne (Dick 83m).  Sub not used: Reid.

Referee: Keith Halliday (Bangor)