Loughgall 2 - 0 Lurgan Celtic

Loughgall opened their league campaign with a two goal win at Lakeview Park thanks to first half strikes from Ryan Moffatt and Ray Fitzpatrick.  The Villagers made one change to the starting line-up from last weeks cup victory over Coagh United with loan signing Lukasz Adamczyk making his full debut partnering Dean Smith up front.  There was a place on the substitute’s bench for new signing Neil Alderdice, who recently joined following being released from Lisburn Distillery in the close season.
The opening stages of the game presented few opportunities to both sides though Loughgall could have opened the scoring after 10 minutes.  Adamczyk broke through the away defence before crossing from the byline and Ryan Moffatt was unlucky to see his headed effort narrowly run past the post.
Moffatt made amends on 18 minutes, when he broke the deadlock, with a superb shot from inside the box.  The Villagers were playing attractive football and Admczyk’s fancy flick allowed Noel Robinson the time to pick out Moffatt who converted despite the best efforts of his marker. 
Just 5 minutes later and the home side doubled their lead when great build up play from Moffatt and substitute Ray Fitzpatrick saw the latter collect the ball in a good position.  The striker skilfully beat three opponents before curling the ball past ‘keeper Fox to complete a wonderful solo effort.
Celtic’s only real effort in the first half saw Donal McCourt’s header well saved by ‘keeper Marc Robinson on 24 minutes.  Fitzpatrick had two further chances before the end of the half to extend Loughgall’s lead, though saw both his shots from the edge of box end up wide of Fox’s goal.
After the interval there were limited chances for both sides with the first real opportunity on 63 minutes when Glenn Waddell’s driven free kick narrowly went over with ‘keeper Fox beaten. 
On 70 minutes Fitzpatrick collected a pass from Bryan Pentland before good footwork allowed the striker space to fire his left footed effort narrowly past the post.  The away side almost grabbed a lifeline after 74 minutes when a cross was headed goalwards by Tony Creaney.  Noel Robinson did brilliantly to save a certain goal when he managed to head the ball out for a corner.
Celtic had another good opportunity on 79 minutes when substitute Kenny Camlin unleashed a powerful 20 yard strike however Marc Robinson in the home goals did well to save low to his right.  Loughgall should have had the opportunity to increase their lead further when on 81 minutes Dean Smith was blatantly knocked to the ground by an opponent however the referee waved away protests.
With just 1 minute remaining Moffatt swung in an inviting corner and Alan Murphy rose highest however the defender was unfortunate to see his effort narrowly go over.

Loughgall: M Robinson, Waddell, Pentland, Peden, Murphy, A Smith, Moffatt, Adair, Adamczyk, N Robinson, D Smith.  Subs: Alderdice, Herron, Lavery, Fitzpatrick, Hamilton

Lurgan Celtic: Fox, Murphy, McEvoy, McnAnallen, Byrnes, McGuire, McCourt, Magennis, Downey, O’Hara, McArdle.  Subs: Creaney, Camlin, Campbell, Hill, McGibbon

Referee: Eamon Shanks (Aghagallan)